Havana Airport

March 24, 2016

We were told we had to be at the airport 3 hours before our flight. Due to an early start, we arrived 4 hours early-no fault to anyone. We processed through ticket agents quite fast as no one was in line. Moved on to passport control where we were held up a bit as they couldn't process us as the flight had not been activated in their system. Nan was at the window when that happened and of course we didn't understand what was wrong-Nan was just ordered to get back on the red line. Jade, our Cuban guide was nearby and she was able to clarify for us.

After passport check, we proceeded to their version of TSA, which though simpler, just as hectic. We had purchased a painting which had been rolled up and placed in a tube all wrapped with tape. I was carrying it in a backpack. As I emerged from the TSA screening, I was told to proceed to a desk off to the side. The person there requested the tube and proceeded to open one end and pull the painting part way out. She then said I owed 3 CUC and she stamped the back side and pushed it back in the tube and resealed it.

We found seats and  purchased some lunch. I had managed to acquire some more CUC's at the hotel as I planned to buy rum at the Duty Free store, so I wouldn't have to carry so far and didn't have to worry about it in our luggage. After purchasing two bottles of Santiago white, which is made in the old Bacardi plant in Santiago, I decided I would like some 7 year Havana Club and that's when I got socked with the 30% fee.

Our flight was delayed from 4 to 4:30. That time came and went. I think it was around 6 when we were in line to board. After we were all on the plane, we sat there for another hour while the luggage was loaded. Not sure what went down on the ground, but was some confusion.

When we arrived in Miami, all went pretty well, but now we were extremely late for our dinner reservation, so decision was made to go to Clarion and eat there.

Poor folks we were with had to catch a 6:30 a.m. flight, while we slept in.

Conclusion

The Cuban adventure was everything we expected and maybe in some cases more. Though most days were long and tiring, what we experienced was well worth it all. We got the sense that everyone in our group felt the same. The college and it's staff did all they could to make it the success it was along with a great Cuban tour guide and excellent driver. Was a pleasure indeed and we would recommend Cuba now to anyone and don't wait. They are busy building new hotels. We observed hundreds of tour buses running everywhere we were and when cruise ships and scheduled air comes to pass, I expect hundreds more buses. We did not experience anything crowded for the most part and were easily able to navigate around towns and highways comfortably.