1.31 - VAMONOS A LA HABANA!

There was a young girl from La Habana

Who had a bright colored bandanna,

But while in search of clean rhyme

Chucky ran out of time...

He's quite clearly no Carlos Santana!

Ahhhh Yes...  
It begins again Dear Hearts and innocent bystanders...

[Those familiar with Ribald & Raunchy Rhyme are breathing easy that no use of "Nantucket" was employed - those that aren't familiar with R&RR are probably scratching your heads about this note]

{AHEM... just get on with it... }

As many of you may know - or many more may not -  The Ever-Lovely Dragon Lady [a/k/a Ileana Canda Mercurio] is a native of LA HABANA, CUBA.  [Yes Dear Gringos, the spelling is correct - {click the link}] This is also why she has been referred to in past NOWAT... as the "The Cuban Lady".

AND... having been transported to the "U S of A" at the tender age of 7 by a very wise mother who sensed early on that Fidel was up to no good, it has long been her desire to revisit the land of her birth. However, never finding the right opportunity [both Fidel's and Uncle Sam's many restrictions not withstanding] nor having a close relative available to guide her search for her roots and renew childhood memories, it has only been a fleeting thought...
Until now!

Wham...BAM...Bada-Binngg - Out of the Blue, comes the news that "Cuz" of Tampa - Chelita Houston - along with her Sister Griselle Brooks - 'Other' Cuz of Tampa, [both also born in Habana] and their mother "Tia Chela" [a favorite aunt and last of Dragon Chick's mother's 6 sisters] are also eager to make the trek to the Mother Land.  This Great News of course once again sparks DL's desire to drag the Wacky American Tourist [like he really needs an excuse] on another Globe Trotting search for her roots - Remember 1800 miles of Root Tracking in NOWAT-ESPANIA 2002?

Also on this wild ride will be "Cuz" of Tampa's husband Doug, and their 2 sons Jessie & Jake. In all, 8 innocent but brave souls [OK, 7 Innocents and Chucky] are about to venture 90 miles south of Key West to explore the land of Sugar Cane, Powdery Beaches, Fine Rum, Robust Cigars, Antique Chevy's and a little Latin/Caribbean culture.

This rather hasty but meticulously planned excursion [that's his story and he's stickin' to it] is scheduled for March 9th thru the 16th and looks to be shaping up as quite an adventure.  Truth be told, Chucky has wanted to visit Cuba since 1957 when a trip with the family of a Cuban girl he dated in Jr High was aborted because Castro had begun his antics in the Sierra Maestra mountains and... well, that's a history lesson for another time.

"Cuz" has contacted a "OFAC Licensed" travel agent recommended by Another CUZ that makes the trip often [Oh Sure... NOW the Cuz's are comin' out of the woodwork!] who will process the necessary paper work for Visa's, Special Charter Flights, auto rentals etc.  Oh yeah, you need a special Federal License to book Cuban Travel [more about that later - it is quite involved]

Fortunately for all, there are still relatives in Habana, Another CUZ [or in Spanish "Prima"] Maria Niurka Valdez Montalvo y Collazo [say that three times fast after a few shots of Havana Club Rum] who has been most gracious with seeking adequate accommodations [2 couples, 2 late teen boys, a single woman and a wheelchair bound aunt - not an easy combo for rooms] and helping with other arrangements, sightseeing, dining, entertainment, etc. and who will try her very best to keep them out of trouble. [Yeah... Sure! It is apparent she has never had to deal with the Wacky American Tourist and his penchant for getting lost in all the right places - at all the wrong times.]

Once the agenda and travel arrangements have been formalized, we'll post it all as usual so you can follow this motley crew as they bounce along the pot holes and rutted roads of La Bella Cuba in search of:

The HABANA Girl's Roots
Cherished Relatives
Aged Habana Rum
Authentic Salsa lessons

More Aged Rum

and a Media Noche or two.

Not much else to relate at this time, but you just know it will get VERY involved once Chucky starts to plug in all the details.
[What... you expected anything less????]
Soooooo, stay Tuned Dear Hearts and other Innocents...

Ooooohhh this is gonna be Sooooo Much Fun!
HASTA LUEGO,

Uncle Chuck &The already looking for shoes to pack,

Cuban Lady

Gonna Ride Antique Chevy's, Munch Plantains & Sip Fine Aged Rum