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havana, cuba
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Jun 13, 2020 11:00:53   #
joseph premanandan
 
i was there four years back.i enjoyed the trip.the cuban people are very hospitable.the landscapes are beautiful.the country side is beautiful as well. don't forget to visit the Fortress in Havana.the cathedral is beautiful.Visit Hemming ways farm.Old Havana is beautiful at nights. the food is delicious.i enjoyed it. it is a feast for the photographers.enjoy it.

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Jun 13, 2020 11:59:44   #
Henry Weaver
 
I went a year or so ago with a photo tour by Steve Anchell. I think he may be taking a recess from Cuba because of the pandemic, but when that clears you could find his tours at the top of the list. He has a good interaction with local photographers, is an outstanding photo teacher and sets up excellent opportunities for photos. His Email address for further info is: steve@stevenanchell.com

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Jun 13, 2020 12:05:00   #
philo Loc: philo, ca
 
with my budget and my way of travel i try to avoid tours. At my age and my state of hearing a tour is a waste of time. I want to move at my own pace and spend time photography what i wish. I would stay at an Airbnb (there are many to choice from...price from $9 to $30 per night) There are many local photo workshop available ranging from photo-walks to photo-shot where they will spend all of the time taking photo of you (i will pass on that one.
I was in Cuba in 1958 while in the navy. We never left the base. Castro was up in the hills.
Going to Havana to me would be an interesting city to work. I believe that i would be safer in Hanava then i would be in San Francisco where i live for many years.
Right now Cuba locked down as is the rest of the world; so i have lots of time to think about.
Also on my bucket list is to return to Istanbul (love this city), different countries in Africa, and returning to the Holy Land.
I'm coming to the end of the road (i'm 85) and a little risk is no big deal. My main concern while traveling is my camera. If something happens to it my trip would be over. I pack a second body.

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Jun 13, 2020 12:28:29   #
davesit Loc: Media, PA
 
ronichas wrote:
Thanks so much for your post. We had a great time in Cuba in January. We had 10 guests, stayed in private homes and travel with a great team in the classic cars. The cost includes just about everything except part of the air fare. Also includes medical care while in Cuba. One of our guests got sick, I am a retired nurse, so I went with her to the tourist clinic. I was so impressed with the quality of care she received.

While in Vinales, we saw medical teams going door to door to provide medical care to the people. There were many female doctors. There is a great medical school there, we also met several students.

When the virus hit, they immediately imposed a lockdown, sent medical personal door to door to check on people. Their numbers are way lower than in the USA.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-cuba-idUSKBN23G024?fbclid=IwAR25AtmfNJxaXGxbV0QGhq0CYVhkcVYvUOeDj6iKhY6SFzTxUJFyr_k3zfM

Cuba has had a lung cancer vaccine for many years. Yet in the USA, if it isn't from a pharmaceutal company that can make millions, it isn't approved.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/cuba-lung-cancer-vaccine_n_7267518

While there are many on this site that have very negative opinions of Cuba, many are no longer factual.
Someone from UHH did come on my trip, he loved it as did the others in the tour.

I am hoping to do another photo tour in December. PM me if interested.

Here are a few images from the tourist clinic. Being a nurse myself, whites and caps have not been used in the USA for over 50 years. The last image is the doctor. It was great that she allowed me to take her image.

I love Cuba, I love the people, I love the team we use and I feel like I have a family there. We keep in contact on facebook regularly.

I really don't want to hear all the negativity that went on the last time. If you don't have anything positive to say, keep it to yourself.
Thanks so much for your post. We had a great time ... (show quote)




I have had the good fortune of having traveled much of the world because of my profession. And one thing is constant: the local people are nice and respectful, and they all want the same thing - a better life for their family and a good education for their children. If you wear a smile on your face and be respectful, you'll have a good time anywhere.

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Jun 13, 2020 12:35:44   #
JFCoupe Loc: Kent, Washington
 
Check out some professionally managed photo tours. Road Scholars is one organization that runs frequent tours to Cuba. One real advantage is that these groups can get you into gyms and dance studios, etc that you may not be able to do as an individual. Another good source is Santa Fe Photographic Workshops.

Also, it may be optimistic to plan travel this year due to the Covid 19 virus. Whatever you decide, I would recommend that you make sure all deposits made are fully refundable.

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Jun 13, 2020 12:58:54   #
philo Loc: philo, ca
 
I have traveled with road scholar a number of times. Went to Costa Rica with them this year. The reason i went with them was because i didn't feel i could get around CR by my self. I had a great time in Istanbul by myself then with a group.
I wish I could find a fellow photographer to go with, but no such luck. my wife has no interest. So i have to go solo or not go at all. I need someone you has the time, money and interest to go share the trip. Not easy to find.

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Jun 13, 2020 13:06:49   #
Jtittsworth Loc: Tampa
 
No U.S. bills larger than a 20. They will not accept them, not even their banks. Solo is not good. You should strongly consider joining a group. Good luck.

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Jun 13, 2020 13:08:05   #
Dan Wik
 
philo wrote:
planning a possible trip for the end of the year.
I have never been there, and would love to have your impressions.
I would be booking an Airbnb room and checking out local day photographing workshops.
Please give me any tips you can.
One last thing i would be going solo and the possible safety factor is always an issue.
thanks
I would be flying out of sfo


Did the most amazing photo tour with Jennifer Spelman from Santa Fe Photography School visiting many remote villages as well as Havana and they arranged all including the casitas; meals; ballerinas for photos; and, remote village work. You can do it alone but not have the rich exposure to 2 world class photographers with lessons plus group was only six of us!

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Jun 13, 2020 13:18:03   #
Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast
 
Architect1776 wrote:
Why not spend your money here in the USA.
I would bet there are hundreds of places in just AZ and NM that you have never seen that are absolutely incredible.
Then you will be helping local businesses devastated by being forced to shut down and could really use the business. There is no reason on earth to go to a repressive communist state where civil rights do not exist and the police can arrest you or shoot you for no reason than you looked like you deserved it. To go there you are not helping the locals as that money is confiscated by the government one way or another.
Again the USA businesses have far more to offer and old cars abound here as well. And they can use the business to recover and become vibrant.
It amazes me people wanting to go to places where civil rights do not exist and help those repressive systems maintain power by bringing American dollars to them.
Why not spend your money here in the USA. br I wou... (show quote)


Spend that 'Stimulus' in America, to support working Americans, not a foreign, despotic, third world, country

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Jun 13, 2020 13:39:32   #
truckster Loc: Tampa Bay Area
 
Kmgw9v wrote:
If all you say it true, the trip is too risky. Why would one want to be in that danger?


It is no different than visiting any major city or country, including ours. Always be aware of your surroundings. I usually visit other countries by cruise ship, and I se the same countries over and over again, so I don't usually cram in too much each stop. I thought I would be visiting Cuba a lot, until the orange clown said no. If I ever get to go back I will visit their History museum in Havana. I would love to see how they view their history.

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Jun 13, 2020 13:59:22   #
philo Loc: philo, ca
 
I checked out the Santa Fe workshop and it looks great. However $6000 plus air and insurance is outside my budget. The way I figure it i can spend 10 days, local photo workshops, food, lodging and air for less then $2000. I believe there is enough things to do in Havana without driving all over the place.
thanks for the info.

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Jun 13, 2020 14:00:53   #
philo Loc: philo, ca
 
Blaster34 wrote:
Spend that 'Stimulus' in America, to support working Americans, not a foreign, despotic, third world, country


I look at it as supporting the local people and not the government.

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Jun 13, 2020 14:15:02   #
Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast
 
philo wrote:
I look at it as supporting the local people and not the government.


Enjoy philo, have a great, safe trip....but either way you're still supporting the despotic, brutal, Communist regime regardless of how you look at it....Cheers

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Jun 13, 2020 14:34:02   #
philo Loc: philo, ca
 
Blaster34 wrote:
Enjoy philo, have a great, safe trip....but either way you're still supporting the despotic, brutal, Communist regime regardless of how you look at it....Cheers

I hate to say this, but the world is full of despotic goverment. If things keep going we are going to join the list.

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Jun 13, 2020 14:37:03   #
ronichas Loc: Long Island
 
Blaster34 wrote:
Enjoy philo, have a great, safe trip....but either way you're still supporting the despotic, brutal, Communist regime regardless of how you look at it....Cheers


You clearly do not know what you are talking about. It may have been a brutal regime in the past, but it is no longer that way. It is safer, kinder and may even have less corruption than we have in the USA!!!
Right now in this country, it is so much worse than Cuba.

The *for the people* is not supporting the government. You need to educate yourself if you are going to post.

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