We were planning to go to Cuba again in February 2020, but when Trump started making more changes tightening up the requirements for Americans to visit one of our closest neighbors, we decided to go as quickly as we could.

So off we went at the first possible date – even though it conflicted with our “normal” travel plans to NYC for Marianne’s birthday. Oh, yes, we DID have to go on this trip since it was an anniversary gift to Marianne.

Once again, as creatures of habit, we used the same travel agent, tour guide, hotel and for much of the time the same restaurants. We were not disappointed!

What was new was the category we were required to travel under. “In support of the Cuban people” with an emphasis on animal protection. We brought along a number of supplies like sutures, leashes, muzzles and most importantly a little money for them. We visited 3 rescue sites and were totally impressed with the can-do approach of the staff and their obvious love of their charges. While they are just now learning that the “real” solution to the problem of stray animals is birth control, it is much more “complicated” than that. No medical supplies can legally be used for animal care since human needs are put first and there are shortages due to the USA embargo.

For the time being, we’ve decided to donate the cost of our “next” trip to the Spanky Project USA, a “protectora” group founded by Audrey Mabe…but this was likely not our last trip to Cuba.


December 2019