The Cuban government sponsored a jubilee week in mid-November as the capital city marked the anniversary of its birth. There were and still are ongoing events at historic and performance sites. Distinguished visitors helped celebrate the birthday, including members of the Spanish royal family. Events include fireworks over the Malecon seaside promenade, parades, sports and all types of local foods and wines.
Havana’s history consists of being part of a Spanish colony for four centuries, English rule for one year and occupation by US troops for several months during the Kennedy presidency. If you plan to enjoy all the beauty and history of the Cuban capital city, be sure to check current regulations and restrictions on U.S. visitors. www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/18/havana-on-its-500th-birthday-then-and-now
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming USA
To Cruise and Schmooze or not
Q: I met a great guy on an LA-Mexico cruise. We hit it off immediately, and when when ashore for a sunset beach stroll, it was togetherness for the rest of the cruise. The problem is that I’m in the middle of a divorce, and I told him I was single. He wants to book us for another cruise in September, this time Fort Lauderdale-Bahamas. He says he’s single, too, has a great job and offered to pay my way on the Bahamas cruise. I’m not sure he’s telling the truth either. Should I take a chance and go for the new cruise?
A: What do we look like here on www.travel55plus.com, a lonely hearts club? We’re experts in travel, not romance. However, we can tell you that cruises always create an emotional wonderland, a temporary fantasy world that often masks reality. That’s why all the fibs and promises work on new romances at sea. Or at least delay the truth until we must face real life on shore.
Tell the romantic guy the truth. Give him an idea of when you’ll be completely free. Ask him to level with you, too. Then, when there are no spouses or other complications keeping you apart, accept the invitation for the Bahamas cruise. If you feel you can afford to pay your own way on this cruise, tell him so. He’ll respect your indepenence. Then, if you really enjoy each other’s ... er ... company, why not get together again. And again. And again.
National Museum of American History's New Exhibition Goes "On the Water"
The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History today opens "On the Water: Stories from Maritime America," a new, permanent exhibition designed to engage the public in a dynamic exploration of America's maritime heritage. The 8,500-square-foot exhibition builds on the Smithsonian's unparalleled National Watercraft Collection of rigged ship models, patent models, documents and images to bring the sights, sounds and stories from the oceans, inland rivers and coastal communities to the museum's millions of visitors.
