You searched for Michael Richie

The Revolution Is Over

August 31, 2020August 31, 2020

Michael Ritchie writes about the epic years and his fascination with “El Jefe”, and the unfortunate fact that “the Revolution is over.”

The re-opening of the U.S. Embassy in Havana in 2015, followed by President Obama’s subsequent visit, promised renewed diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba. While travel restrictions were lifted and U.S. tourism to Cuba and diplomatic meetings increased over the period of 2015-2016, the election of President Donald J. Trump (and his indecision about “the deal”) has slowed progress between the neighboring nations to a snail’s pace.

Cuban Bathroom Humor

September 7, 2016September 10, 2016

Once I paid 13 CUCs (15 USD) to wait in the VIP Lounge, assuming there would be more luxurious seating arrangements. I found a cleaner, more private bathroom, with toilet paper even, but no toilet seat.

What Would a Trump Presidency Mean for Cuba?

August 30, 2016September 5, 2016

During my last visit to Cuba, while strolling through Centro Habana, camera in hand and looking very much like a tourist, an old, bearded Cuban gentleman seated on a bench called out to me. “Where are you from, Señor?” he asked, puffing on a particularly fat cigar.

Has Cuba Already Changed?

August 22, 2016August 30, 2016

It’s an oft-repeated desire among many US citizens: “I want to visit Havana before the we ruin it, with McDonald’s and Starbucks on every corner.” Well, fellow US citizens, after visiting Havana three times in a year since “the opening,” I have good news and bad news.

Sonic Attacks: Cubans Don’t Take Them Sitting Down

October 19, 2017October 21, 2017

By now we’re all aware of the charges flying around the world that United States diplomats— and lately even casual tourists— may have been victims of scurrilous “sonic attacks” which left them near-deaf and near-daft.