First flight

Leaving Miami

Arriving in Havana

Miami Airport

Security at Miami Airport was eventless except for the process to pay for over weight bags. Two in our team were told during check in that they could check two bags. After check in you are routed to a second desk if your bag is overweight to pay the $1 per pound fine. When the two got to the fee desk they were told it was an additional $20 to check the second bag plus the weight was combined to increase the weight fee. This resulted in heated discussion since the $20 fee was not disclosed at check in, otherwise security was ordinary to any other flight.

Visa and other documents

At our 9 PM we received our travel visa, paper tickets to and from Cuba flying via charter Sky King, 2 cuban customs forms which had to be filled out, paper copy of our passport, more instructions on times and flights, and 3 documents authorizing our trip which must be retained for 5 years in case we are audited by US customs.  We may takes notes about the trip or also retain the itinerary as proof of our activities.

Day in Miami

Many of our travel companions were on our flights this morning and the airport shuttle was slow to arrive and standing room only.  However our Hilton airport room is large and very nice. We have a pretty water view and I would recommend the hotel if you need to stay near the Miami airport.  The room was ready when we arrived at 2 PM and we were given a handout with instructions on tomorrow's bus pickup and luggage arrangements. 

Most of those I saw had a lot of luggage. Nearly everyone had a large, checked, roller bag, a carry-on roller bag or duffel, and a personal tote or handbag. I asked around and several people had their give-away items filling the carry-on rollers.  I am pretty sure I under packed on clothes. Marsha brought a day and evening outfit for each day, which I did not. I will fall back on paying for hotel laundry if necessary. I will keep you posted. 

We headed to South Beach for a late lunch and it was not what I expected. The architecture was lovely (Jae took some pics we will post) and the Atlantic was a pure, sparkling aqua. However it was very touristy and there wasn't much going on shopping wise. Basically we had a very good meal at the News Cafe, Jae exchanged her USD for CAD, we walked around Ocean Drive and Lincoln Rd, and then taxied back to our hotel.  Speaking of taxi, it was very expensive, $40 each way. All in all probably not worth it except to say you've been there.

Regarding the News Cafe, between the 4 of us we had seafood, chicken, burger, salad, and cocktails. Everything was good and we are a picky crowd.  Standouts include the macaroni and cheese appetizer, the cajun fries, and the caprese salad.  The cocktails were too touristy and loaded with alcohol.  Service was great and our server Alberto told jokes and exhibited tremendous personality. We all recommend The News Cafe at 8th and Ocean Drive.

We have our final group meeting tonight at 9 to get our Visas and plane tickets.

Matthew's birthday

Happy birthday to my brother Matthew. He is traveling in Seattle today. Hope his adventures are everything he wants.

Last minute changes

We recently learned of some itinerary changes and I have mixed feelings. The second hotel is nicer, it is a resort, however the move means we will not get to visit the Bay of Pigs Museum. Instead we are visiting the Che Guevara Memorial and Museum.  We also swapped a coffee plantation for a tobacco farm, Jagua Castle for a Sugar Mill Museum, Sugar Mill Valley for a Steam Train ride, and a botanical garden for a printing house.  In addition it means we don't visit historic Trinidad. Having never been to any of the places it is hard to have strong feelings or regrets but somehow I feel cheated.  My logic is that the first itinerary must be the best if they picked it first. However there is nothing we can do. The Cuban government blocked our staying in the original location.

I look forward to writing about Cuba itself starting tomorrow!

Miami bound

First day of the trip and its going well. Today we fly into Miami and I have been upgraded for both legs. Got off to a rough start at the house because I didn't get up early enough.  Through some kind of craziness M&M, Jae and I are on different flights this morning but I think I at least meet up with M&M for the second leg.  Jae is with them this morning but has a later connection.

Packing was an adventure last night. I changed up everything more than once out of indecision.  I can only hope I guessed right. Somehow I just know Marsha will look perfect every day and I will not.  With all the school supplies and over-the-counter pills my suitcase looks like it is going to bust.

Today I am still trying to get excited. Work has been super stressful and it is an awkward time to leave. I am lucky to have a fantastic team that I trust to take care of things while I am away.  I must let it go and stop worrying.

Americans to Cuba

From: Meghann
Sent: Friday, August 24, 2012 12:57 PM

Subject: Americans to Cuba

Hello Ladies …
It appears we signed up for our trip to Cuba just in time …

http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/dispatches/post/2012/08/us-puts-the-brakes-on-american-trips-to-cuba/829570/1?csp=34travel

This is with the assumption that planned trips and agencies whose licenses have not yet expired are still valid.
Meghann

A few more days...

Just four days until we depart and luggage is on my mind. Between the school supplies and over the counter medicine I have more than 15 pounds in gifts and they take up half my suitcase. We learned Tuesday the 44 pound limit is for the combined weight of our checked bag and carry-on so I will for sure have to pay an overweight fee.

I am also thinking about tropical storm Isaac and what kind of rain gear to take. More stuff and more weight. I can hear Marsha laughing at me. Of course I have not converted my money yet either. Canadian dollars seem the way to go so I will have to hope my bank has some or that they can get them by Wednesday.