I had a friend with post-polio syndrome who went to Cuba 3-6 months every year until he died, and he really enjoyed himself. He found the place to be very friendly to handicapped people, and the medical care was good. He loved the people and the music and the food.

He didn't say much about the government, but government isn't everything. Carlos was a committed socialist, and seemed to appreciate much of what Castro did. Carlos blamed the poverty on the American embargo.

My son went last year and really enjoyed the trip. I get the impression that living conditions aren't wonderful, but that it isn't the dismal place we might think it to be.

And both my son and my friend Carlos really enjoyed the people. Oh, and they both found the old cars to be very interesting.

-Joe-