Preface

The Cuba trip described in this blog was arranged through Northwestern Michigan College's extended education program, which contracted with Explorica as an agent. Explorica typically arranges educational tours for students. The college had taken students last year and decided to offer a tour through the extended education department. Twenty of us from Northern Michigan signed up for the tour. Most of us were in the Senior category, though one college student and the college leader and her husband failed that category. The following picture was taken by the college leader's husband, Chris. Was taken at a organic farm. In the picture is Eduardo, the farm owner.

Money exchange was an issue discussed at length in publications and seminars. Cuba has two currencies, a tourist called CUC's and local called Pesos. CUC's basically are equal in exchange to the dollar; however, due to the Embargo, Cuba charges an additional 10% in addition to the 3% exchange fee to exchange $ to CUC's. We were warned that when buying anything in remote areas, CUC's would be accepted, but we may receive Pesos in exchange. I never had that happened, though when merchandise was priced, it often was in both. The exchange rate for the Pesos was 4 cents to the dollar.

We were told that Canadian and Euro were not subject to the additional charge, so I discovered that Wells Fargo, my bank, had a service online that allowed me to acquire Euros at what appeared to be a reasonable exchange rate. In the end who knows. I did run out of CUC's at the Havana airport and desperately wanted a bottle of 7 year Havana Club rum, so I pulled out my $'s and proceeded to get whacked an additional 30% fee. Hope it tastes good.

The CUC's were easy to handle as they came in typical denominations including a coin for 1 CUC and a 3 CUC bill.

We chose to drive to Miami for the opportunity to visit snowbirds and relatives along the way going and coming. The rest of the members flew from Grand Rapids to Miami, where we met them for the flight to Cuba.

The biggest challenge to the blogger in this case is that I lost my trip notes somewhere between Cuba and Michigan, so the content might not be as thorough as was originally planned.

I took 400+ pictures to include a large number of old and some new vehicles in Cuba. I will attempt to post pictures where appropriate, but try and refrain from too many, especially vehicles.

In reference to cars and trucks specifically, pre-1960 and the revolution, Cubans owned mostly American cars and trucks. When the Embargo was placed, American cars and trucks and parts were no longer available, so Cubans have had to be creative in maintaining the ones they have.

Most of the American vehicles have been modified with foreign diesel engines and manual transmissions. Many have been hand painted and look like it. Others have been nicely maintained. Most autos in Cuba are 4 door as they are used to transport people given that the Cuban mass transit system is significantly less than it needs to be.

The larger trucks, such as the '51 Yellow Ford shown below, were outfitted to haul passengers in the back on bench seats. I would guess in excess of 25 could be packed into the backs of these. Many existed and were in better condition looking than most cars.

I found almost every brand of American car in existence in the 40's and 50's on the streets. I was surprised to see many late model, French Peugeot,  Korean and Chinese cars there as well. The tour buses are modern Chinese buses, while most of the Cuban mass transit buses are aged.

I will add some pictures of vehicles in the Preface, so that I can concentrate on pictures that are relevant to the various sights.

,51 Ford Truck/people hauler

,55 Chevy Bel Air

'58 Buick

'53 Buick

Model A Ford with mods.

Peugeot