Cuba in 2018

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2017 was certainly a strange year for Cuba policy.  We saw the new policies of open travel and relaxed limitations move to a time of uncertainty and ultimately a more restrictive foreign policy once again requiring legally registered travel and more regulations on travel.  Regardless of your perspective on these various policies, Cuba is full of people who genuinely want to see Americans and full of great opportunities to share interactions with the people of Cuba.

As we continue to legally bring travelers to Cuba to meet people and experience the Complete Cuba, we see people open their hearts, minds, and create new friendships that last long after their time on the island.  We look forward to being in Cuba again in January.  We hope you consider the opportunity to join our March 2018 group, along with Dan Tamarkin of Tamarkin Camera, for what is sure to be a great trip.  

Treat yourself to a new experience in the new year.  Come experience the Complete Cuba.  For more information check out completecuba.com.

Complete Cuba Image of the Week...November 9, 2017

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Our second Image of the Week is from Gordon Smith, Florida.  Gordon stated he wants to, "...show the warm, resilient and "enjoying life" spirit that I felt from the Cuban people." 

You can see a more of Gordon's photos from his 2017 Complete Cuba trip (including eastern Cuba and Havana) at http://www.blurb.com/b/7827479-cuba. 

Shot with a Leica Q, 1/2000  f2.8  28mm lens  ISO200

Shot with a Leica Q, 1/2000  f2.8  28mm lens  ISO200

The Photo Exhibit.

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We are beginning a new project on the Complete Cuba Blog.  It will showcase our clients' favorite photos and show how talented they are.   These posts will also feature not only how much fun an adventure to Cuba can be…but also the real “Complete Cuba” interactions we have on our trips.

We asked alumni to submit their favorite photographs from their trip(s) with Complete Cuba.  We will be selecting these randomly to show on this blog, along with information about our upcoming trips.
 
Once the blog project is completed, we are planning a gallery exhibit of Complete Cuba travelers and their photos, at The Rangefinder Gallery at Tamarkin Camera, here in Chicago Illinois.  We hope this exhibit will incorporate photos from our January and March 2018 as well, and will likely be in the second quarter of 2018.

We are excited to showcase highlights from Complete Cuba trips.
 
We hope you enjoy seeing some of the favorite photographs of our past travelers.

Complete Cuba featured on Famous-Smoke.com.

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We’ve found that even Americans with no personal interest in cigars want to buy and bring back authentic cigars from Cuba.  It can be an overwhelming prospect, and one we’re glad to help our travelers navigate.  We were asked to share with the readers of the Famous Smoke Shop Cigar Hub some tips for buying authentic Cuban cigars.  You can read the post (accompanied by Keith’s photos) here: https://cubancigars.famous-smoke.com/travel-tips-for-authentic-cuban-cigars/

November 2017 Trip is Full and Closed.

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The November 2017 Havana trip is full and closed to new participants.  Please check your calendars and save dates for our currently announced trips:

Winter 2018: Save the Dates
Depart – January 13, 2018
Return – January 20, 2018
Spring 2018: Save the Dates
Depart – March 17, 2018
Return – March 25, 2018

Additionally, we are planning a November 2018 trip as well. These dates will be announced soon!

Thank you for all of your interest in Compete Cuba.

How do you keep up with the latest information on Cuba?

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One of the questions we often get is how we keep up on the developments in Cuba. A new resource we've found helpful was recently launched by Famous Smoke Shop, the nation’s #1 discount retailer of premium cigars online. Cuban Cigar Hub is a new resource for those who are interested in the ongoing politics related to Cuba and the United States, and cigar enthusiasts who want to discover how our two countries’ histories and current policies may impact cigar smokers. 

You of course won't find Cuban cigars for sale on the site, but you will find descriptions of the leading Cuban heritage cigars — Cuban brands that are also made outside of their native country — such as Cohiba, Montecristo, Partagas and Romeo y Julieta, among others.

Even those not interested in cigars will find interesting information, such as a timeline on the history of U.S.-Cuba relations from 1898 to present day, a news section with informative articles on the relationship between the United States and Cuba, President Trump's stance on the status of the Embargo, a Resources section, and a feature on how to spot fake Cuban cigars. 

Check it out visit the Famous Smoke Shop Cuban Cigar Hub, and let us know what you think. And, of course, if you want to smoke real Cuban cigars, check out the details page for information on our upcoming trips!  

 

Mi casa es su casa...Casas Particulares in Cuba!

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Mi casa es su casa...Casas Particulares in Cuba!

When you stay in a casa particular, in addition to a place to stay, you have the opportunity to meet and get to know your hosts. Here, we say good bye to our Havana hosts from our Winter 2017 group trip.

Amy M. Gardner recently did an interview about casas particulares with Shoulders of Giants.  The transcript is below.

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