Spanky Project

Campaña en Centro Habana.

2009-09-02T08:07:00.013-04:00

Dra.Magaly is the Director of the Colon Clinic in Centro Habana.
The joint and cooperative efforts of her clinic, Grupo Dulce Maria Loynaz
and the Spanky Project allows for free sterilization clinics to be held on a near monthly basis.

Colon is one of two (soon to be three) clinics that the
Spanky Project is working with.

Cats and dogs arrive in various forms of conveyance.

An important part of the program in Cuba involves education.
While the caregivers are waiting materials are provided to expand awareness
on the topic of animal care and welfare.

A history ...

and examination ...

...take place before each procedure.

The procedure is often completed in less than 15 minutes

Once the ear is tattooed all that is left is..

...post op and few zzzzzzzzzzz's

Another campaña completed.

Thanks go to the whole gang for their caring and dedication.
Also thanks go to those that have sponsored a spay.

Yo Quiero No Mas!

2009-07-22T17:46:00.005-04:00

Today is a sad day in dogdom.
The most famous Taco Bell spokesdog has died at the age of fifteen.
Gidget, helped make famous the slogans ...
"Yo quiero Taco Bell"
y
"Drop the chalupa"

In her hay day she traveled in limos and flew on corporate jets.
She even had the occasion to opened the New York Stock Exchange.
It has been reported that some Hipanic watchdogs protested that the commercial promoted stereotype and demanded they be removed from air.

Adios Gidget !

Canadian Chihuahua Rescue and Transport
British Chihuahua Rescue Association
Chihuahaua Rescue USA
Chihuahua Rescue Transport CRT

Wish List Wednesday

2009-06-23T19:31:00.006-04:00

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those that have delivered needed supplies to Cuba.

Although I haul big bags of supplies every trip...
every delivery is important no matter how small.

Flying with Cubana, one can check two bags of 23kg each.
With a 46 kg limit...

...you can even carry a gallon of medicated shampoo.

Please give some consideration to setting aside a small portion of you weight allowance to aid the Cubans that are supporting animal welfare.
Dogs, cats, horse....
Havana, Trinidad, Camagüey and Varadero...
I can provide you with convenient drop off locations.

Wish Lists

email

Delivering The Goods

2009-06-02T09:31:00.006-04:00

It was a good day today.
With the assistance of my friend Justo it was off to Vedado with the latest donations.
Waiting for us at Amparo’s were members of Dulce Maria Loynaz.

All arriving supplies are listed and checked by a veterinarian...

Before we go to the clinic a list is prepared which will be signed by the clinic director.  A detailed paper trail is mandatory for all donations

On this trip I brought anesthetic enough for around 100 spay/neuters depending on size. This anesthetic was purchased with donations received at the Spanky Project blog.

This morning we will deliver anesthetic for a campaña to be held in Centro Habana. 
Dra.Magaly (LEFT) is the director of the Colon Clinic in Centro Habana.

Patzcuaro

2009-05-28T07:39:00.005-04:00

After a few nights in Queretaro, and a side trip to San Miguel de Allende, we were off to Patzcuaro.
Thanks to some great research by Mags we stayed in a wonderful Casa.
I highly recommend Casa Encantada. Not only are the accommodations, food and staff great but the operators Cynthia and Victoria give back to the community. One of their projects involves support for a free sterilization clinic for animals.

Through their own efforts and support from AIPA in Monterry Mexico and Summerlee Foundation free sterilizations are available to the locals for their animals.
Upon my return to Canada I followed up with Cynthia and Victoria. I hope to be able to assist those helping the “ animalitos” in Patzcuaro.
If you find yourself visiting Patzcuaro drop off a donation at Casa Encantada.
Leave a little kindness behind before you leave.

Stay Tuned for Cuba postings.

Queretaro

2009-05-16T19:36:00.014-04:00

Where are all the dogs?
The first sign of dogs in the street happened to be sculptural in nature.
Plaza de Armas has a wonderful fountain that incorporates four canines.

I was surprised at the derth of streets dogs in Mexico's cities.
I put this down to one of two things..
successful sterilization programs
or
a very efficient dog catcher.
I lean towards the latter.

Here are some groups helping the animals of Mexico.
If you will be visiting any of these areas, drop them a line and ask how you can help.

Yucatan
AFAD Albergue Franciscano del Animal Desprotegido A.C

RAP Founder is Dhorea Ryon formerly of Coquitlam, BC Canada

Morelia
A.I.P.A. in Pátzcuaro

Baja California Sur
Baja Dogs La Paz

Guerrero
Rebeca Payne
OPALO 206
COLONIA CENTRO
ZIHUATANEJO, GUERRERO. MEXICO
TEL (755)554 3330

rebeca_payne@hotmail.com

Next stop Pátzcuaro

2009-05-05T08:41:00.005-04:00

¡FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS!

Ms. "Skeeter" Mudhen.

My little girl is growing up.
Six years old today.
Heartworm negative for two years.
Still a "terrier-ist"

Mexico Querétaro

2009-04-20T15:53:00.009-04:00

Time sure does fly. I was stunned when I realized that it had been over a month between posts.
Speaking of flying...
During this hiatus I did find myself in Mexico for ten days.
During this trip stops were made in Querétaro, San Miguel de Allende, Pátzcuaro and Mexico City.

View Mexico April '09 in a larger map

Our route from Toronto to Mexico City took us through Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. I have, in the past, been leery about arriving at my destination via connecting flights. We were allotted 55 minutes between our arrival in Atlanta and our onward flight to Mexico City. All went well. Hartsfield-Jackson is a well designed and efficient airport.

Arrival in Mexico City's International Airport Benito Juárez was also smooth. Terminal 2 is new and far superior to the older, drab, tired, etc. Terminal 1.
Within 20 minutes we had claimed our bags and the immigration officer was asking me if a 180 day visa was long enough.

Benito Juárez airport contains a bus terminal. We were lucky enough to have our destination town Querétaro served from the airport therefore eliminating the need to go to one of the city's other terminals.

Traveling on the Primera Plus bus line, we were at our destination town in just over 3 hours and 256 Pesos (25 Canadian).

Mexico is "tourist" friendly. At the bus terminal there is a booth that sells "taxi tickets".
The surrounding area is zoned for fare purposes. You buy your ticket, in our case centro historio, and head for the taxi stand. No haggling ... no fare disputes ... you just decide on the tip.

Our lodging in Querétaro was at Casa Santiago. Carl and Francis, a couple of ex-pat Canadians, purchased rubble and created a fabulous home for themselves along with wonderful guest accommodations.

Where are the dogs?

2009-04-20T08:24:00.002-04:00

We're back ....

Stay tuned for some Mexican connections.

Urgent Need!!!!

2009-03-04T19:06:00.011-05:00

The dogs and Protectoras of Havana need your help.
If you are looking for something small and compact that will have
a big impact.

...

50 mL. 1% Ivomec
Injection for Cattle and Swine
Dosed at a rate of 1/10 cc per lb. this product goes a long way.
Ivomec is a brand name ivermectin product.
Other brand names include Noramectin and Bimectin.

This product can be purchase online .
TSC Stores in the USA and farmers Co-ops in Canada carry these products.
You can also check with your veterinarian for a local source.

Ivermectin products are used at free worming sessions.

This one was held at the University of Havana garage.
The workers take care of a group of dogs that have made the garage a home.

If you can help there are two convenient delivery locations in Havana.
The Spanky Project also has contacts in Trinidad and Varadero.

Email me!

Celebración

2009-02-25T17:12:00.009-05:00

What do 6000 spay / neuters look like?
December 2003

Niña,Misu,Niña,Mariposa,Gordo,Murri,Viridiana,Sissi,Rayita,Marisol,Blanquita,
Luana, Malu,Sissi,Dinca,Sussy,Katy,Lassy,Max,Canela,Betty,Niña,Gaviota,
Hade,Sissi,Leona, Niña,Sissi, Luna,Flaqui,Sussy,Negrita, Lia,Niña, Canela,Mini,Malu,Duquesa,Astric,Romina, Negrita, Currucha, Negra,Muñeca,Mini1,Mini2,Latia,Minita,Pinta,Jivara,
Canela,Mochi,Niña,Niña, Apingora, Chiripa,
Negrita,Sofia,
Niña, Duquesa, Burbujita, Preciosa,Yassi,Sexy,Niña,Princesa,Lily,Luna, China,
Mocha, Chaquira, Roky,Negrita, Negra,Blanquita, Blanco, Sussy,Donatela,
Castigate,Princesa,Bijirita, Chiqui, Niña,Lala,Sofy,Catrina,Chiqui,
Musu, Niña,Misa,Niña,Palomo,Niño, Machito, Gaviota,Niña, Mariguana,Vengador,Princesa,Florencia, Linda,Bandy,
Canela, Niña, Lola,Dicsi,Mini, Bamba,Negrita,Medea,
Pintica, Estrellita, Chiquitina,
Chiqui,Blanca,
Linda, Buji,Tina,Panchita,Hade,Canela,Mirringuita, Chary, Rosita,Lissi,Elena, MonaFini,Manchi, Musa,Manolito,Linda, Dinky,Max,Negrita, Lala, Chivy, Cleo,Michita,Kiara,Gina,Laissy,Luna, Musiña, Miky, Almedio, Negrita, Negra,Negrita,Negrita,Negrita,Prince, Princesa, Sindy,Fefy,Yorky,
Lenta, Malu, Guarina, Machi, Fanny,Nala,Laika,Linda, Tuqui,
Yuvi,Yeira, Carina,Lassy,Tita, Sopita, Negrita,
Luna,Marina,
Niña,Niña,Yaika,Duquesa,Musa,Misu, Cuca,Fiona,Nemesia, Blanca,Rosa, Barsina, Misu,Felipe,Motica, Yasmin,Cleo,Brujita,Cosita,Chachi, Maricusa,Pelusa,Linda,
Yaria, Linda,Wendy,Lassy, Negrita, Negrita, Friqui, Chiquiña,Mocha, Suny, Boca,Bichi,Pepita,Sacha, Lucy,Chiquitica, Niña,Mini,Gretel,Misi,Kira,
Laura, Lati,Betty,Yeti,Deisy, Barsy,Rubia, Barsina,Rayita, Niña,
Shakira, Negrito,Micho,Picaso,Mariposita,Lucerito,Cielito,
Estrella, Mirringuita,Cosi ,Cleopatra, Nefertiti, Feucha,
Ricondo, Cesar,Augusto,Niño,Bonito,MusaI, MusaII,
MusaIII,Mirringuita, Lucero,Grisel,Kiara

Misita,Motica,Niña,Malu,Bruji.Suricata,
Mariposa,Miosoti,Matica,Domec,
Misu,Moñito,Suca,Via,Nora,
Monica,Bebe,Lola,
Mini,Yosy,
Mei,
Tigre,Leidy,
Kenia,Musa,Nefer,
Ramiro,Julieta,Suca,Duquesa,
Olaf,Eric,Laura,Sissi,Niña,Grisi,Omar,
Milagro,Lisi,Tito, Cintia,Maya,Sabina,Niña,Nani,
Negra,Negrita,Mariposa,Mimosa,Misuca, Enclenque,Benita, Tigresita,Pantera,Isabelita,Mariposit,Jimena,Luci,Shakira, Misitin, Misouri,Tigre,Boro,Mariposa,Orus,Luci,Muchi,Macha,Minina, Miqu,Tita, Beliña,Cuki,Lili,Negrita,Motica,Ali,Hanny,Suri, Blanca,Lequima, Misa,
Lili, Mariposita,Chula,Linda,Sissy,Pelusa,Cariñosa, Lupi,Alzu, Pipa,Lea,Fifita,Yoyi,Niña,Mariposa,
Mican,Via,Misugata
... and 5650 more

December 2008

In a period of five years more than 6000 spay / neuters have been provided free to the people of Havana. Those pictured in the above photographs are pioneers in Cuban animal welfare.
I am honoured to be a part of this group.

It takes many people to accomplish such a feat...
protectoras, vets, vet techs, caring people.

At the gathering in December 2008 Dr.Joe took the time to individually acknowledge the contribution of all those present.
Please note that Silvia (2nd from the left in the 2003 photo), a founding member of this group, is no longer in Cuba. At the celebration she was with us in spirit and represented by the happy dog.
Here's to 6000 more.
.... and to all those that have supported these campaigns.

Ground-Dog Day

2009-02-02T14:49:00.005-05:00

Ya ... aha... I see it?

So what does it mean?

It's A New Day

2009-01-20T12:01:00.001-05:00

"Let us seek together a better world in our time"-Barack Obama
We are the ones.

Si Se Puede!!!!

Wishlist Wednesday

2009-01-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

Julio and his wife Rosa operate Casa Colonial Munoz.
In addition to being a great host, Julio is a champion for the animals of Trinidad. He has been a great help to the Spanky Project and has created the Diana Project to better the lives of the local horses.

Below is the list from Julio. I have added links to where some of these items can be found.

About items I need for the project:
-wormers, hoof nails, hoof cleaners and hoof knives are always welcome.

- strong adhesive tape. Those used in American movies for tying up the hostage [read as Duct Tape]. According with the books you brought me are very good for hold the broken leg and cover the hooves for some diseases.

-I am learning shoeing so a tool kit will be great.*

-I am learning Monty Roberts method, I would like to have 2 long reins (equals) and a Dually halter (medium size)

- Cream for keep healthy the hooves.

*A number of the "tool kit"items can be found with a Google search for Farrier Supplies and Horseshoeing Tools.
Hoof Nippers, 15"
Saddle Horse Clinchers
Shoe Pullers
Driving Hammer, 14 oz.
Clinch Cutter
Rounding Hammer, 24 oz.
Pritchel
Rounding Hammer, 36 oz.
Forepunch
"The Knife" Hoof Knife
Rasps, 2 each
Fire Tongs
The Calvary Manual
Wire Brush
Farrier Apron
Shoeing Box - Aluminum or wooden of your choice
Rasp Handles, 2 each

Feel free to contact Julio directly-
Julio Muñoz
Address: Jose Marti ( Jesus Maria ) # 401
Between: Fidel Claro ( Angarilla ) and Santiago Escobar ( Olvido )
Trinidad. S.Spiritus. Cuba
Phone:
53 41 993673 ( International)
0 41 993673 (From Havana)
01 41 993673 (From other provinces)
993673 (Local)
Email: trinidadjulio@yahoo.com

Thank You

LA PROTECTORA DE COLÓN

2009-01-12T15:55:00.018-05:00

This post is to follow up on my December 24th post.
As Barbara commented, "This dog was so shaggy and so dignified."
He is allowed to keep his dignity with the help of Protectoras like Gisela.

Protectoras are those on the frontlines in the battle for animal welfare. They are the ones that help street animal in distress. They are the ones that will nurse an animal to health and find it a home. I will expand on the work of Protectoras in another post.

I had the privilege of meeting Gisela on my recent trip. She met us at the Veterinary Clinic of Colon in Centro Habana.

Here, along with (clockwise)Professora Amparo Lopez, Dra.Magaly and Dr.Barbara Calm we discussed the work being done in Centro Habana for animal welfare.

Dra.Magaly is the Directora of the clinic. She provided for review the book that contains all donated supplies provided through the Spanky Project and how they were put to use.

As we discussed the work being done... work was being done on the other side of the door.
On this Saturday a Spay/Neuter clinic was being held.
Dr.Barbara found this much more interesting.

Above
Dr.Barbara Calm DVM
Montana, USA

Below
Note- the incision is on the side and not the belly.

After each procedure the dog or cat is given a unique tattoo.
This ID system was developed by the Dulce Maria Loynaz group and the Spanky Project.
The Spanky Project has provided two tattoo outfits for Havana clinics.
Animals with the tattoo now have a way back home.
Zoonosis (Dog catcher) now has a way to find an animal's home.
With the introduction of the tattoo ID system, the government has provided the Clinic with it's first computer ... this due to the need to house the database.

After our visit to the clinic Gisela took us to some of the locations where she protects animals.
One location was a garage / parking lot.
Here with the assistance of the garage workers animals have a refuge...

and get some lovin'.

2008-12-25T13:16:00.000-05:00

Have you .....

2008-12-24T13:03:00.002-05:00

Have you hugged your dog today?

Dispatches from La Habana

2008-12-15T11:49:00.005-05:00

Greetings from La Habana.

Here I am at day five and I finally have some time to offer some commentary about this trip.

December 14th found me partaking in the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Consejo Cientifico Veterinario de Cuba (Veterinary Council).
This celebratory event was initiated and for the most part organized before the untimely death of Dr.Fermin, President of the Veterinary Council. His wife Dra.Beatriz Amaro picked up the torch and carried the planning of this event to it’s completion.

One observation from this trip is the increased number of dogs in the street. Not only increase numbers but in poorer shape.
More on this when I return to Canada.

Oaxaca, Mexico

2008-11-30T17:06:00.000-05:00

It's me again. Perhaps you've been wondering what's gong on ... well, a lot.
I interrupt my last Cuba report with a trip to Oaxaca (sounds like Wahaca), Mexico
We traveled to this part of Mexico with the specific purpose of taking in the celebration, Día de los Muertos.

You will be hard pressed to find a more colourful festival.

Oaxaca is very much a town of artists and craftspeople.

True to form ... I did search out a dog story.
Before my departure I was connected with Rebecca Raab. This expat lives with here husband on property that has been in his family since the '60s.
Together they operate a wonderful guest house called Casa Raab .

Wandering the streets of Oaxaca I noticed few dogs in the streets.
Most visible dogs seemed to be associated with a person or purpose.
The one below was the "greeter" at a monument supply company.

This one seemed to clean up after lunch at the market.

This town is amazingly clean.
Recycling is second to none and people are constantly cleaning up.

Brooms seem to be on standby and at the ready should any rubbish hit the ground.
There is little to no sign of dogs being in the streets ... you know what I mean.

In the perfect world, I would like to think that the lack of strays was due to a great humane population control program.
The world is not perfect.
The efficiency with which the streets are cleaned is also displayed by the dog catcher.
This is a town that runs on tourism.
Need I say more.

You do see more dogs as you get out of town.

Rebecca calls her project Megan House.

Megan House was established in 2003 in the memory of her beloved German Shepherd.
"The number of homeless dogs and cats in Oaxaca continues to rise at an alarming rate and organizations to assist them are virtually nonexistent. More resources and facilities are urgently needed to care for these animals and to educate the community about the importance of responsible animal ownership, including sterilization and vaccination."

Read more and perhaps leave a donation here.

Oaxaca is a beautiful part of Mexico.

Should you find yourself traveling to this area ...

...don't forget our four legged friends.

09/26/2008 continued

2008-10-24T14:51:00.004-04:00

After a short taxi ride down the Prado and along the Malecon I was in Vedado.
Awaiting me were Amparo and her cousin, my translator when needed, Justo.
 A short time later arrived Gladys Morales Wiswell. Gladys is a former president of La Asociación Cubana de Aficionados a los Gatos (ACAG).

Gladys has agreed to take on the role of Coordinator for a project under development with Grupo Duce Maria Loynaz the Universidad de La Habana and Barbara Calm DVM .
“Proyecto Felina” is Barbara’s brainchild.
With donated test kits, Barbara and Cuban Vets will see if Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) exist in Havana, Cuba, and if so, to what extent.

09/26/2008

2008-10-13T18:16:00.008-04:00

This trip to Havana found us staying at a hotel and not our usual Casa.
One week trips to Cuba are more economical if booked as a package. The Hola Sun package we booked had us flying direct into Havana and staying at the Hotel Telegrafo. This four star is located across from Parque Central and beside my favourite cafe. So, for under $600.00 CDN, we received air into Havana with over 100 lbs of luggage allowance, transfers, and hotel with breakfast for one week.  That is a great deal as air only with Air Canada would have been $800.00 plus.

View from our room

This trip I had quite a few things on my “to do” list. 
To find this dog ...

To get an update on this dog...
And...
-Attend a campaign.

-Meet with Consejo Cientifico Veterinario de Cuba.

-Develop a process for visiting veterinarians to work with Cuban veterinarians on projects of mutual interest.

-To have introductory meetings with Havana area vets. These meetings were to discuss how the Spanky Project may be of assistance to area clinics.

So, with all of this in mind, it was off to Vedado and a meet with Amparo, head of Grupo Dulce Maria Loynaz.

09/25/2008

2008-10-05T14:34:00.009-04:00

September 25th found me packed and heading to Toronto for my third trip of the year.
Flying Cubana, and being allowed 2 x 23 kg, permitted me to take a large quantity of pre approved supplies and books. Thanks to Mags for giving up a generous portion of her 2 x 23 kg to haul for the dogs.

I must say, that with our allowance, we did take the opportunity to deliver about 8 kg each of medical supplies to Policlinico Docente Principal de Urgencia Tomas Romay in Habana Vieja.
These bags were provided by Not Just Tourists (NJT)- Toronto.
NJT provides bags of donated medical supplies for delivery to Cuba - free of charge.

A few days before departure we were informed our flight would be delayed 5 hours.
Upon arrival at the airport we found out that our CU183 flight would stop first in Havana then go onward to Camaguey. This was odd but appreciated --- as it meant we would be in Havana well before the midnight we were expecting.
Boarding the aircraft there was no one in Tropical Class (first class). Strange. The departure time came and went and we were still on the ground. Soon the Tropical Class seats were occupied. Those in the seats were given a beverage and the aircraft pushed back. Once in the air the curtain between Tropical Class and us in steerage was drawn. After the seat belt sign went off four Cubanos got out of their seats and chatted the entire flight perched, for the most part, on their respective armrests in front of the drawn curtain.

For those interested in the food and beverage inflight, Cristal and Bucanero were offered at $3 CDN.

The meal was enjoyable and much better than the $6 CDN sandwich offered on Air Canada flights.

Greek salad with olives and feta.
Grilled chicken breast served chilled.
Focaccia with tarragon (albeit dry)
Blueberry swirl cheesecake

Our flight was a smooth one but there was one tense moment ---no passengers were allowed to pass the drawn curtain.
The pleadings of one woman who said she could not wait for the washroom line up at the back of the aircraft. Tense to say the least.

Our flight landed in Havana and taxied to an area of the airport unaccustomed to me.
An announcement requested all Havana passengers, "remain seated". This seemed like a cue for all the Camaguey passengers to queue in the aisle.
Stairs were rolled up to the aircraft, the doors opened, and Tropical Class emptied --- along with the chatty arm resting Cubanos.
There was a whole lot of hugging and hand shaking taking place on the tarmac.
After a few minutes of this the aircraft door was closed and everyone was told to be seated.
The stairs were rolled back and the engines started.
We taxied to the main terminal.

Here is what we figure was going on.
On September 24th, Cuban Vice President Jose Ramon Machado Ventura addressed the United Nations in New York.
It was likely that to return to Cuba the delegation and security (aka chatty armresters) flew NYC - Toronto to connect with a Cubana flight to Havana. Our Cubana flight.
So, to accommodate the Cuban delegation, our flight was delayed five hours and landed in Havana first and not Camaguey as originally scheduled.

After disembarking we proceeded to the immigration area. It was obvious we were the only arriving flight as the oficers began to scatter for their booths, firing up the computers at our appearance.
It was 9:20 pm and a very quiet airport.
Clearing immigration was smooth, taking two minutes and one question. Compare that to my previous trip where the officer in Varadero questioned me for 20 minutes.
As I mentioned earlier, I had my supplies pre approved. Upon recovering our bags I showed the rubber stamped paperwork to Aduana officials and was directed to the exit.
The elapsed time from arrival at the passenger terminal to exiting into the Havana night was 21 minutes . Suave

Trinidad and Ike

2008-09-08T19:21:00.006-04:00

Preparing for Ike
Luna and the Lada
safe and dry.

At the time of this post the eye of Ike is locate very close to the town of Trinidad on the southern coast of Cuba.

This is a good opportunity to recap some of the work being done in Trinidad.
Click here for a trip report from 2007.

Julio's "Diana Project is progressing with the assistance of donated supplies from visitors to Trinidad.

If you are traveling to Trinidad, consider delivering some horse wormer or other supplies to Julio.

Wormer is easily found on the Internet

Hurricanes Are In Season

2008-09-07T16:28:00.008-04:00

Ike is on his way .... arriving tonight.

I have received word from Havana that they are preparing for a big blow. Already electical interruptions are being experienced and it’s raining pretty good.  Some Casa Particulare operators are directing their guests to book into hotel. Evacuations, no doubt, have begun in areas.

Last week,Gustav did some serious damage to La Isla de Juventud (Isle of Youth) in western Cuba.  Ike could bring tremendous damage as it looks like it may run right up the spine of Cuba.

As for me ... the date is set and the flight is booked. I depart Sept 25th for a week in Havana.
In these days of airline cutbacks due to the price of fuel, Cubana Airline still has a generous baggage allowance. I will be allowed two checked bags at 23 kg each and a carry on of 5 kg for a total of 51 kg.  For those that are metrically challenged that’s 112.2 pounds.

If you are planning a trip to Cuba don’t forget the furry ones as well as the people.

Let's Watch This One.

2008-09-06T08:28:00.005-04:00

I have requested a list of needs as a result of hurricane Gustav smashing western Cuba last week.

Here is a look at the next dangerous weather system, Hurricane Ike.
Ike looks very dangerous at this point.
I plan on being in Havana September 24th and will be deliver supplies as required.