Three letters on Cuba column

Cuba is an exhilarating country

To the editor:

We travelled with the San Francisco Art Alliance four years ago to Havana. I can’t remember a more exhilarating trip. We were treated each evening to dinner at an artist’s home. The art was astonishing in its freshness. It was art that called out for an association with the United States. Every artist “dreamed” of a time when there would be normalized relations.

Being some of the few citizens who were allowed to travel freely, they were sophisticated explorers of the larger world. Hands down, their love for America was resounding. I am hopeful that we can extend the hand of true friendship to this country that is so eager to join the 21st century and all that capitalism has to offer.

– Ellen Harley, Charleston, S.C

Share similar impressions about Cuba

To the editor:

Great story. Anne and I were there for a week last October (wrote about it in two Mercury articles) and shared many of the same impressions. They have a lot to accomplish to accommodate the finicky demands of American tourists.

We were there with a group sponsored by the Spoleto Festival and went to museums, art galleries and music performances every day. We met artists and performers and found them all friendly, engaging and talented.  The only downside was my lack of understanding of being able to bring back some of that seven-year-old Havana Club rum. Good stuff. Anne and I slipped over to the Hotel Nacional one evening and sat on the patio overlooking the Malecon and sipped the best daiquiris ever. Thanks for evoking fond memories.

— Ben Moise, Charleston, S.C.

Enchanted by Cuba

To the editor:

We totally agree with what you have said. We visited Cuba in early March with a group and were enchanted.   Loved it. Do not want too many changes to take place, though perhaps opportunities for improvement for the lives and comfort of the Cuban people who were quite wonderful. Our private tour focused on the Jewish community past and present on the island and was most fascinating. Most of us were from the Charleston area.

— Susan Wallen, Mount Pleasant, S.C.

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