Bobthebuilder's next adventure - Key West to Havana, Cuba

[jayboat]

LOL Bob. I know its totally not your style but I think you gotta go with the celebrity status, hang by the pool, have a few rums and a good cigar while you're there

He can do all that after he's finished starting these international 'incidents'.

[Member: 541]

Bob...glad it was a safe trip. Have a great time and a safe return home.

[Bobthebuilder]

I am now known around Havana and by my crew as "Big Daddy". Too funny. We were doing a tour of a cigar factory this afternoon that has 700 workers. Our guide was a cutie names Ely who spoke very good English. Part way thru the tour she addressed me as " Big Daddy" to much laughter. Now I have no respect from the crew and inteasd of Captain, I'm just Big Daddy.

Some brief notes about the Partagas Cigar Factory. They produce 30,000 cigars a day. No automation. Same as 100 years ago. They have people in "training" that when they are able to produce 60 to 180 cigars a day become "professional" and make more money. As u go thru factory workers try to get u out of group and sell u cigars. This happened several times. They are allowed 10 cigars a day 3 of which they can take home. I asked why I did not see anyone smoking the other 7. Apparently they sell them at factory tours if they can or smuggle out. Most expensive cigar is Cohiba Behike at 15,000 uros a box. Like i imagine a sweat shop would be like. Very hot, humid with only fans. Only A/C in retail store and VIP smoking room. In important baseball game was on today so radio was piped thru plant. The 300 professionals had a TV on a table at front of room. Every day for 45 minutes a reader reads the news over the PA system. If no ball game to watch he reads books to workers over PA. I have never seen anything like this.
I asked if the Gov. owns the factory. Surprised to hear half govm't and half private investors from UK, France and Spain.
This trip has been a major culture shock for me. So much more to tell.
Bob

[JupiterSunsation]

Anyone know how much 15,000 euros is in dollars?

[Bobthebuilder]

The CG boat was a 36' +/- center console w trips. They thought they had incepted a drug boat. At the marina they went thu every suitcase and every compartment on the boat and had a drug dog on there for 10 minutes. Nothing of coarse. As time went on they came to realize we were not bad guys and things loosened up. One spoke decent English and I said to him : You know we let you catch us, eh? After nodding in agreement and having a good laugh, he patted his gun and we laughed some more.

Bob

[Airpacker]

Always an adventure huh Bob ?

[Bobthebuilder]

After pictures were being taken of Olga Tanon and I, one of the staff approached me and showed me what a great picture she taken. She then said - "this time tomorrow, I bring to your room." I say - Olga ? You can't bring Olga to my room ! I could not understand her reply and she was not understanding me. We go to the front desk and someone there who speaks English said " she wants you to have a copy of the picture, and that is what she is bringing to your room. Much laughing by all of us but the laugh was on Bob. Just so much crazy stuff like that with the language barrier.

[Expensive Date]

Bob glad you made it safe and are having a great time.

[boatme]

Bob

If you had called ahead and informed them you were coming would it have been easier when you arrived ????? or did you do that

[Bobthebuilder]

Bob

If you had called ahead and informed them you were coming would it have been easier when you arrived ????? or did you do that

No it would not have made much difference. The harbor master tells me next time will be quicker but I doubt it. They are very thorough and bureaucratic. This is in the islands and time does not mean anything to these people. Calling might have prevented the CG interception but my sense is they enjoyed it and can always use the practice. Manny our taxi driver was in the harbor master office and heard the CG chatter over the VHF about a fast approaching Go Fast. I had actually slowed to about 45 MPH when I reached the 12 mile limit to not be seen as a threat. We stopped 14 miles out and started calling Marina Hemingway for permission to proceed with no answer. I got back up on plane and called every few minutes but no response. I just kept going till I saw them coming like a good thing and slowed some till they came alongside. it was fun till we saw the guns and no smiles! LOL

[boatme]

glad you are ok and having fun

thanks for the responce and all the interesting information

[duckcommander]

thats 522.00 a cigar...must be a good smoke.

[Bobthebuilder]

thats 522.00 a cigar...must be a good smoke.

Price is double if the box has been signed by Fidel. The workers make the same whether it's a 12.00 cigar or top of the line. I forget the pay scale and will check but think it's around $15 month. I am told that is more than doctors make. I talked to an illegal taxi driver last night who is retired and his pension is $25 month. The non violent crime and corruption is unbelievable. It's survival for them. More on that when home.

[Wobble]

Anyone know how much 15,000 euros is in dollars?

Tourist rate


Saturday, September 19, 2009

15,000 Euro = 22,953.528 US Dollar

[Ratickle]

So, Big Daddy and Olga will be on the news read in the cigar factory tomorrow........

[Ratickle]

Is a box of cigars 25 like the average here????

[catastrophe]

The CG boat was a 36' +/- center console w trips. They thought they had incepted a drug boat. At the marina they went thu every suitcase and every compartment on the boat and had a drug dog on there for 10 minutes. Nothing of coarse. As time went on they came to realize we were not bad guys and things loosened up. One spoke decent English and I said to him : You know we let you catch us, eh? After nodding in agreement and having a good laugh, he patted his gun and we laughed some more.

Bob

Sounds like a trip I shouldnt try in my boat.

[Ratickle]

Sounds like a trip I shouldnt try in my boat.

You'd be fine. Just take Stecz with you as the sacrificial lamb.....

[catastrophe]

You'd be fine. Just take Stecz with you as the sacrificial lamb.....

Best part would be showing everyone where we stuck the Canadian Flag as we were approaching the island.

[Airpacker]

best part would be showing everyone where we stuck the canadian flag as we were approaching the island.

ouch!!!