In more than 20 years working for NorthBay, I only remember once that I took vacation during Christmas. That was to take a two-week trip to Cuba. That was 14 years ago, in 1997.

Several groups partnered to arrange this visit. One was "Bikes not Bombs." The group in Cuba that hosted us was the University of Havana Bicycle Club. There were about 15 people in our group and a similar number from the club showing us around. At that time I had been learning to speak Spanish. There were only three others in our group who spoke Spanish. A friend of mine, Dolores from the Grizzly Peak Cycling club was one of those Spanish speakers. Of our Cuban hosts, there were only a few who had useful English skills, so we were interestingly matched in the communications arena. When I returned, my Spanish speaking skills were the best they have ever been in my life.

One of the fun parts of this trip is that part of the deal was that we would all be leaving the bikes that we brought with us in Cuba, donating them to the bicycle club. It was a challenge for me to find a bike that I would that I would be happy riding while I was there but also be not too expensive. I nearly settled on a Schwinn but I was not thrilled with that option. Luckily I found a Raleigh that somebody had been riding regularly, maintaining and upgrading. It was well-equipped and in beautiful condition. The price was right.

The plan for the donation of the bikes did not go as planned by the socialist club. Dolores and I led a rebellion of sorts. Dolores had bonded with a young woman and she wanted to donate her beloved bike to this woman. I had made friends with the  bike mechanic of the club and he was taller than I am and the only person tall enough to ride the Raleigh. So I of course wanted the person who would take great care of this bike to have it. Our entire group insisted on donating our bikes to individuals instead of the group in defiance of Socialism.

We traveled  to Havana via Mexico City. We had to stop and get our tourist visas in Mexico. Our bikes failed to arrive with us, so the first two days of our trip we rode heavy single speed Chinese klunkers provided by the club. We spent four days in Havana. Some of the memorable sites included the official scale model of the city. The city manager gave us the tour and provided us the history of how the different parts of the city was built.

We visited a healthcare clinic as well as a mental health clinic. A prominent Surgeon came to speak to us about healthcare in Cuba. She was El Salvadorian and was a rebel during the Civil War, was a prisoner of war ending up in Cuba as part of a prisoner exchange. We also visited several schools.

Before  leaving the city, we visited an area known for world renowned artists. There was musicians and dancers performing in the streets. We also attended a Jazz Festival, Ry Cooder was one of the performers.

There were a lot of tourists, just not many Americans. The Cubans were quite friendly and interested in us when they found out we were Americans. The Cubans are well-educated and not liking the U.S. government does  not mean they do not like America and Americans.
When we traveled out into the countryside I visited a "green medicine  factory." It was not on the schedule. Our group was cycling out to a artisan cigar factory. I missed that tour but got a very personal tour of the green medicine factory.

The resort we were staying at sent a guide with me to introduce me to the manager of the factory. Our tour group also sent an escort. When we arrived at the factory I waited to meet the factory director. He  personally took me on the tour. Each part of the tour the workers stopped what they were doing and stood at attention while the director spoke.

We spent about five days out in the country side. I recall Pinar Del Rio was an area I especially liked. We arrived back in Havana on Christmas Eve. And spent two more days before leaving. Several people in our group attempted  to extend their stay but because the Pope was scheduled for his first visit, they were not allowing any American groups to remain in the country.

That was 14 years ago. I hoped that I could have returned sooner. I feel fairly certain that the Raleigh is there still in good condition and would be available for my use whenever I do return.