Galapagos and Machu Picchu - Getting Passes Getting Harder

Two of the greatest attractions in South America are getting more difficult to experience. In either case, you can't just show up and enjoy a tour. Visiting both spots is strictly regulated and you have to have an approved pass or card to be allowed access. This is mainly because the growing crowded were putting these delicate and unique places at risk.

So if you are planning a holiday to either of these destinations (or both), make sure you have your paperwork in order to avoid any last-minute disappointments. And be aware that you may have to start the process a while before your trip actually happens.

The Galapagos Islands

These famous islands are off the coast of Ecuador, and are world-famous for their unique wildlife. The marine iguana, Galapagos tortoise and the blue-footed booby are some of the better-known island inhabitants that you'll get to see.

Before you can depart for the islands, you must have a Transit Control Card, and you have to apply online before your arrival in Ecuador. Once you have completed the questionnaire, your information is saved until you arrive at the airport for your flight out to the Galapagos. You need to provide your fingerprints and your pre-registration is verified before they issue you the card. There is cost at this point of $10 USD. This on top of the Park Entrance Fee for the Galapagos that runs a stiff $100 for foreign national adults and $50 for children under 12.

Even though you have already pre-registered, it can take some time to go through the lines to actually get the card issued. Plan on arriving at the airport a few hours early to make sure you get everything finished before the flight leaves. Some tour companies allow you to get your TCC through them to save you the time, but don't assume this unless they've said so.

Once your card has been issued, only then can you get going with your actual flight to the islands. And hold on to that card during your trip. You will have to show it again when you leave the island.

Machu Picchu

The other endangered site is the ruined Incan city of Machu Picchu, high in the mountains of Peru. These amazing ruins and mountain views have combined to create one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, and the area is at risk from too many visitors.

Admission tickets are no longer available right at the site, so you have to pre-plan your arrival and order tickets online. There are approximately 2500 allotted each day and the generally sell out a day or two ahead. So you should get your tickets at least a week before you plan on being there, to make sure they are available. 

Another feature of Machu Picchu that is under strict control now is the Inca Trail leading up to the city. More adventurous travellers have long hiked this 4-day route to get to Machu Picchu on foot, but you have to have a government issued permit to take the hike. There are 500 of these available per day, and though that sounds like a lot, they sell out months in advance. At the point this article was written, the passes are sold out for the next 3 months, for example. 

Restaurant Review: Hong Kong City in Guayaquil, Ecuador

Okay, I now have a new favorite Chinese restaurant in Guayaquil, Ecuador: Hong Kong City Restaurant. The reason can be explained in two simple words, Dim Sum. Yeah, there is Dim Sum in Ecuador.

There are a lot of chifas in Ecuador - basically oriental style foods that primarily sell different versions of chaulafan (fried rice) and tallarines (noodle) dishes. But low and behold a bunch of us were wondering down the main drag of touristy Urdesa Central, Victor Emilio Estrada, and saw a sign for Dim Sum. It was an immediate date for that evening.

Sure enough, Hong Kong City is a smallish place but a huge menu. It has the normal range of soups, rice and noodle dishes, but also has three pages of dim sum recipes.

The first real surprise, two ordered soup - one a won ton soup and the other an egg drop soup. These bad boys were huge! In fact we asked the waiter to bring some smaller bowls for me and another to sample the egg drop of my wife, Lisa. We got a nice cup each and it barely dented the massive bowl she had. And this egg drop was something else, with lots of  chicken, tofu and other ingredients along with the traditional chicken stock and eggs. Yum! It was a meal itself but more was to come.

We tried the spring rolls. They were refreshingly different since it seemed they were spiced with some sort of five-spice blend. They were good as something different, although I think I will stay with more traditional spring rolls as my typical favorite.

Of course Dim Sum was on the menu, and I loved my shrimp dumplings. We also ordered some main courses to carryout for lunches. I had curried chicken that was a tad mild, but once fired up with a bit of hot sauce it met my fire standards.

The best surprise was the bill. The total for a massive soup, an order of Dim Sum, spring rolls and two main dishes, plus two beers for me and two Coke Zeros for Lisa was $28, and we eked two more meals out of it. So three meals for two people for less than $30 is top notch in my book!

Hong Kong City Restaurant
VE Estrada 1210, Guayaquil, Guayas, 
(593) (4) 2381800

Sad but Expected - Ecuador to Drill for Oil in Amazon

I saw this coming in 2007 and now it is here: Ecuador is abandoning a program to ransom the Amazon Rain Forest and instead is going to start drilling in a United Nations designated Biodiversity Habitat. Yesterday, Thursday August 15, President Rafael Correa said he would ask the country’s congress to allow drilling in the Ishpingo-Tambococha-Tiputini oil fields located in eastern Ecuador’s Yasuni National Park.

According to a news report on Bloomberg, Correa said, “Let no one be fooled, the fundamental reason this failed is because the world is hypocritical.The world has failed us.”

Actually, I'd say Ecuador, and especially the Yasuni National Park, is the victim of Correa's policies.

In 2007 Correa announced a plan for wealthy countries to fund the non-exploitation  of the fields. The plan sought $3.6 billion over 13 years in contributions from the international community to protect the area. Contributions to a fund in return for not exploiting the fields were to be managed by the UN’s Development Program.

However, Correa bristled at any controls over the money, calling any suggestions a "attack on the country's sovereignty " an ongoing theme of the President. That, coupled with his regular policies of revoking current agreements whenever it suited his government, refusing to pay government bonds simply because he wanted to spend the money on social programs and otherwise making a name for his government being unreliable, potential donors were put off from relying on him. Then, the final point was what happens in 13 years when the payments stop coming, Ecuador would open up the national park for drilling anyway?

Donors wanted guarantees. Correa rejected guarantees as "insulting." And meanwhile, the Ecuador government is increasing spending this year 24% as it works to build a Venezuelan-style social state.

Correa needs the money. He has very limited borrowing ability because he has trashed Ecuador's credit. It was only a matter of time before he opened the fields.

Which is a shame, because Yasuni is literally a world treasure. It is sad to see the rape of its jungle lands come a large step closer.

Ecuador’s Taste of the Inca’s – Ingapirca

To a history nut like me Ecuador = Incas + Spanish Colonialism + a lot more and so forgive me if I am a bit nuts about Ingapirca (Incapirche, Incapirke, meaning Inca Wall) which is the best preserved set of Inca ruins in Ecuador. If the ancient time of the Incans fascinates you as it does me, you will want to make room in your plans to visit Ingapirche. You can see into the past and touch history.

You can get to Ingapirche if you head east from Guayaquil towards the town of Canar. There is a road heading right to the ruins from El Tambo, which is just a little north of Canar. The scenery is jaw-dropping magnificent. Towering Andean pinks with mist shrouded valleys. Rustic farms weave their way about rocky outcroppings and tumbling streams, so you will enjoy your drive getting there. You can also get there by heading south from Quito or north from Cuenca.

Some writers have claimed the site is extensive. I wonder if they have been there. Yes, it does cover several acres, but it never was a real city by our modern standards. Essentially it was an imperial retreat coupled with an astrological observation temple. Of course, if you were Supa Inca (High King) and came to visit, that meant a couple thousand guards and retainers. However the everyday site was religious in nature, dedicated to the Sun God and Moon Goddess. Unfortunately, only the low walls and foundations are remaining for most of the area. The largest partially intact spot is the circular solar temple that once marked the movement of the sun and the solstice days. It was a central figure of Ingapirche religious life, so it's fitting that it is the main remaining part. Some of the palace buildings are still partially intact. Makes sense since these were likely some of the most elaborate buildings to begin with.

But even though most of the buildings are gone, you can still see the size and scope of the town and see where the different sections and neighborhoods once thrived. I was fascinated just walking about and seeing the stone remains of homes as well as the open square or plaza, the wineries, the palace and a series of what probably were public bathhouses. A complex series of cut channels worked as an aquaduct for the city, and that is still plainly evident to see. One series of rooms laid out on a semi-circular grid were once store houses for potatoes and other Inca staples. Closing my eyes I could picture what life would have been like more than 500 years ago.

The site also was also part of the Canari people who were subjects of the Inca Empire. You can see that the more elaborate side was the Inca, while somewhat more humble the Canaris. 

There is a small museum there were you can more closely see all the artifacts that were uncovered when the city was first discovered. Many examples of Incan and Canari pottery are on display, as well as some human remains that were found there. Guides are available to give you a tour of the sight. Most speak enough English to get you through if your Spanish is challenged like mine.

There are hosts of tour companies that can take you to Ingepirche from Cuenca or Canar, or you can go on your own if you prefer to explore things at your own pace. I found the best way to get a guide is ask at whatever hotel you are staying in. There is a small entrance fee at the park that was covered by my tour.

If you are going through Canar during your visit, you should take some time to browse through the craft markets there. You'll almost certainly find some unique trinket to take home as a souvenir of the Andes.

It may not have the size or complete majesty of Machu Picchu, but Ingapirche is still an important part of Incan history that you will certainly enjoy. Not to mention it is just a lot easier and cheaper to get to. You can easily make it a day-trip from Cuenca or Guayaquil.

Guayaquil is...Where?

Spain defeated the Ecuadorian Selecion (National Soccer Team) and... WHAT? It amazes me at how shoddy some writers are in checking facts. I am referring to a news story running on Yahoo Sports an originating from Goal.com

On Wednesday, 14 August Spain traveled for the very first time to Ecuador to play a friendly between the national teams of Spain an Ecuador. Here's the quote that has me shaking my head:

The world and European champions dealt with the altitude in Guayaquil and produced a professional win despite the absence of several of their stars.

???????? The altitude in Guayaquil? Uhhh, Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador, the most important commercial center in the country, and most importantly, the most important shipping port in Ecuador. That is right, shipping port, as in on the Pacific Ocean.

My comment was:

I live in Guayaquil, and living one meter above the ocean has its challenges, I guess.Of course, I believe this writer has never looked at a map, and expects that since Quito (where most of the international games are played) is at 9,300 feet then the whole country must be. Poor work.

We all make mistakes, lord knows I have made my share, but come on guys.

By the way, Spain won 2-0, if you keep track of such things.

I Love Being an Expat

There are a lot of things to love about being an Expat - an expatriot being someone living outside their home country. Yes, I am a proud American citizen, but living outside the country carries many benefits. And right now I am sitting in the aula de profesores considering my latest boon -some Thai spice pastes.

One of my fellow Expat teachers - Mike - went on a three week trip to Indochina. Bummer, I was stuck teaching but he managed to break away to wander Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Those places are on my bucket list by the way. I had some extra work to cover while he was gone, and I even let him store his motorcycle at my home in Urdesa.

Mike made it better. Knowing how much I like to cook, he picked up some curry and spice mixes while away. I absolutely love doctoring up some shrimp or chicken with some good flavors, so now I have some real MADE IN THAILAND stuff to make some food go off into some to directions. So here I am in Ecuador, where the seafood is as fresh as can be, and I have some neat That stuff to do them up proud.

True, these are not the type of products the Thai themselves would use as is, they are mostly made for an Australian export market, but not something you would normally find in the States. I have some cardamon pods just itching to be thrown into a skillet with these bad boys.

Okay Mike, I forgive you for leaving me behind.

And boy, it is moments like this when I dearly love being an Expat.

Sand and Sun: Ecuador’s Salinas

Guayaquil, where I live, lies along the Duale River and not too far from Ecuador's Pacific Coast. When things get hot, the locals head to either Salinas or Playas. Salinas is more upscale, Playas more for those looking for a closer and cheaper getaway, but in any case there is some great sun and sand experiences in store. I'll talk about Salinas first, and look at Playas in another post.

Salinas is a small city on the south-central coast of Ecuador, and it's a tourist hot-spot for lots of reasons.  

The main attractions in Salinas are the beaches. There are several excellent stretches of gorgeous white sand beaches all along the city's coastlines and there are many high-rise condos and resorts right along with them. You can stay right on the beach in style, to hit the sand every day you're there. Some of the hotels are pricey but you should be able to find some beach-front accommodations to fit most budgets.

Actually, Salinas kind of reminds me of Cartegena, beach-wise, minus the prostitutes and uber-aggressive street vendors. It has long stretches of high-rise condos backed up right to the sand, making a stay an almost religious experience in sun-kissed, drunken debauchery. Okay, that's an exaggeration, since lots of families come here too.

If sunbathing isn't your thing, you can get active at the beaches instead. The surfing is excellent in and around Salinas, and people come from all over to ride the waves. One of the beaches just south of the city, Punta Carnero is especially famous for its waves and many competitions are held there. Add in loads of deep sea fishing, whale watching excursions along with the usual rounds of para-sailing and paragliding

But if you want to stay within the city, check out San Lorenzo Beach. It's the largest one in Salinas and right in the middle of the city. Farther out on the peninsula, you can find Playa del Mar Bravo and Playa de Chipipe. Walk along the busy streets or the beach boardwalks and see the life of Salinas bustling around you. I love to go on some long, slow runs in the morning.

And while I mentioned it before, I'll emphasize it again, there is also some excellent whale-watching outside of Salinas. We are talking world class whale watching in Salinas, since many breeds like Humpback Whales and others migrate right past Salinas twice each year. Several tour groups will offer boat charters to get you out on the water and on the lookout for the next pod of whales to crest the surface. If you stay closer to shore, you can take in some snorkeling or scuba diving. The water is just buzzing with activity - and yes, it is warm water!

By the way, when I go to Salinas I practically live at the Cevecheria. This is an area about two blocks in back of San Lorenzo Beach with two solid square blocks of restaurants all selling ceviche in all of its forms: my wife loves shrimp, but I love Ceviche Mixto - a dish filled with fish, shrimp, squid, and about every other sea creature they can find that day. It is normally served with popcorn or patacones (fried plantains) or plantain chips. Drink with a glass of Pilsener or Club, two of the local beers, and you'll be feeling good.

The Museum of the Great Peninsula is one of the larger attractions in Salinas (after the beaches of course). It's also called the Siglo XXI Museum (21st Century Museum), though it does hold a lot of ancient artifacts, not just contemporary exhibits.

When you're finished with all the sights and activities in Salinas, you can set out on a road-trip up the coast along the famous Ruta del Sol that goes up to Manta from Salinas. Lots of small villages and beaches along the way, as well as the Machalilla National Park. Along the way is the tiny seaside village of Montanita - which has become an Australian surfer hangout because of the waves there. The beaches tend to be stoney here, but with consistently great waves. After playing in the water there are thatch-roofed dives like the Wipe Out to eat ceviche, drink beer, and share the events of the day.

It's easy enough to get to Salinas if you want to add this city to your travel plans. There are major roads coming from Guayaquil, and the General Ulpiano Paez Airport is right in Salinas if you prefer to fly in although commercial service is extremely limited. Most people do drive, and the scenery between the cities is stunning.

Where is All the Fruit in Ecuador?

Just sitting on my patio and looking out to my back yard gives me a gentle reminder of what I love about Ecuador: two coconut trees, three of banana, four papaya and two mangos offer their shade and their fruit to my wife and I. In fact Ecuador as a whole is the source to a long list of great fruits and vegetables. So why does the typical lunch include huge servings of white rice and pureed potatoes?

Even the international fast food chains have jumped on the rice and beans bandwagon. You can get these two staples as side dishes at such junk food giants as KFC though the infamous McDonald's has stuck with its standard North American options.

Though the specific delicacies of Ecuador vary from region to region, there are some things you're going to find in just about any restaurant across the country. That's assuming you stay away from the "American food" places in big hotels and start looking for some authentic and fantastic Ecuadorian food.

Most meals are going to revolve around a soup and a rice-based dish. Sounds plain? Well, you'll still find more variety than you can possibly sample. Soups are broth or cream based, and can be loaded with meat, fish or vegetables. Typical Ecuador vegetables tend to lean to the starchy side, like plantain, potatoes, cassava and yucca. But many meals are served with asparagus, broccoli, and other familiar greens.

The meats served with rice are usually chicken or pork, but you can't ignore the more exotic cuy (known more commonly as the guinea pig). And speaking of cuy, here are a few of the "must try" dishes in Ecuador cuisine:

Cuy (Guinea Pig)

Yes, you did read that right. One of the most traditional meats in Ecuador is the little guinea pig. It can be served up in many different ways, but roasted or grilled whole is the most common. Find some cuy from a street vendor, and you'll be tasting one of Ecuador's most famous signature dishes. Just be prepared to enjoy the entire beast. It's typical to eat the brains, feet and everything in between. Eating whole cuy is a bit of a challenge due to all the bones so you'll have your work cut out for you, and it's not the cheapest meal on the menu. Still, you can't go to Ecuador and not have cuy at least once. And in case you're curious, the meat kind of tastes like duck.

Ceviche

This is another dish that Ecuador is famous for, though it is more of a coastal thing. If you're staying in the highlands, it might not be on the menu as often. It's a cold soup made with a mix of fish, other seafood and zesty lime juice. Try it as a starter before your main meal.

Llapingachos

One last treat that you should have on your list of things to eat in Ecuador is the llapingacho. It's a pretty simple little snack of a fried potato and cheese patty. Sounds simple, but it's very tasty and available just about everywhere.

Back to my original question of "why?" so little fruit and vegetables, I'm not sure I can really pin down an answer to that. It's mainly due to the economy for the average Ecuadorian. When there isn't much money around, you choose the cheapest and most filling foods out that and that usually means starches (like rice, yucca, plantains), beans and a few local meats. And so, the cuisine of Ecuador has been built around these humble foundations.

Now, I really can't say that there is no fruit in a typical Ecuador menu. A whole mix of wonderful fruit juices and smoothies are available just about anywhere you go. You can sample a whole new range of sweet juices that are virtually unheard of in North America. Try a fresh glass of maracuya, guanaba or tomate de arbol (tree tomatoes). You won't be disappointed. If you prefer something more familiar, you'll find lots of  drinks with mango, papaya, coconut and pineapple juices, too.

More Problems at Hostal de Monasterio

Well, I guess I am not the only one who has found the Hostal de Monasterio in Cuenca, Ecuador, to be lacking. If you missed it, I made the following post about my reservation fiasco. I showed up and no one at the Hostel was there. Now, I've heard from another person that she had the very same experience.

Bea told me that several weeks ago she also had a reservation for Monastario for herself and some family members. Just like me, when they arrived the place was closed. Folks around the place told her that it was often closed when it was not busy. Just like me, her group ended up finding rooms at another place nearby.

The good news is unlike me, they didn't get locked inside the building by a wayward locksmith. Still, my advice from before applies. Make sure you call to verify everything is set for your reservation, and that everything will be open when you are scheduled to arrive/

Brazil Students Win AirBus Fly Your Ideas Challenge

I always love it when students do good, and a team of students from the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil just won 30,000 Euros in the third annual Fly Your Ideas Challenge by Airbus. The team Paulistas took on the challenge of designing a new, eco-friendly and sustainable sustainable technology for airplanes an aviation. For the Paulistas it was a way to find a new use for an old technology - Air Hockey?
Yeah, air hockey, at least the cushion of air provided by the air hockey table. The Paulistas designed a way to use a system using a similar cushion of air that loads and unloads baggage from planes. It promises to be faster, easier and less energy demanding than the current system of moving belts.
Okay, that is so cool.
See the details at the Airbus Fly Your Ideas challenge website.

Review: Tocumen International Airport in Panama City

Both Lisa and I have traveled separately through Panama City the last couple of months. Price-wise, Copa Air is quickly becoming an important low cost airline between North and South America. That means their hub airport in Panama City, Tocumen International Airport, is seeing more of us Gringos heading down to Latin America and back. Here are our impressions, and a few tips, on getting around Tocumen.

First of all. it is located in the north-east outskirts of Panama City about 15 miles (24 Km) out of town, and it is identified by the international symbol PTY. Copa Airlines operates the most flights in and out of Tocumen with connections throughout South America, but KLM, Iberia, Delta, Air Panama, Avianca and American Airlines all have some service to Tocumen Airport as well. Seasonal flights from Canada on Air Transat are also now available.

The airport was last renovated in 2006/2007 with some major expansions and modernizations, and it now has two runways and an updated passenger terminal. All the standard services can be found: ATM machines, several shopping outlets and places to buy a little food if you are waiting for your flight. Prices are considered high by both every day Panamanian and Americans standards, particularly the food, lthough less compared to many major US airports like LAX, O'Hara or others. Prices are mostly listed in the Balboa, but the shops do take US dollars.

High-end shops like La Riviera, Lascoste and Tommy Hilfiger will give you interesting places to browse while you're killing time on your layover. Some of the shops seem a little impractical for most Americans at an airport, such as one store selling large electronics. But a lot of South Americans pass through here, and they are going back home where electronics are harder to get and much more expensive. In any case, browsing does help the time pass when you have a longer layover. There are also duty-free options if you prefer to shop for some luxury items without the added taxes.

The big tip I'll throw out is how to find the food. At Tocumen the food court areas are all on the 2nd floor, which may not be that clear if you don't know to look. There are signs, but they are all a bit small. Many people complain that there is no food, when in fact there is an entire floor of it that they've missed.

Even with the expansions, the terminals are a little small. During busy times, it can get pretty crowded and you'll find long lines at food services and other shops. The waiting areas at the gates tend to the small side too and one big problem both Lisa and I noticed were flights from Panama City to the US require extra security screenings. The Panamanian security staff do these extra screenings at the gate waiting area. First they clear out the whole area, then set up a security checkpoint. Passengers can go back into the area after they and their baggage have gone through the extra screening. So if you are heading back to the States and have a few hours to wait, don't get too comfortable at the gate. Most likely you will have to move you and all of yours out for screening as the time for boarding approaches.

Another downside to the Tocumen Airport is the lack of smoking areas. Those who have to have a smoke after being on a plane for 8 hours. You actually have to go through immigration and customs to get off the premises to smoke. Then go through both areas again to return. Not an ideal arrangement to put it mildly.

Some of the staff speak a little English but you would do better if you spoke enough Spanish to do some basic communication. Additional perks like free wireless Internet are a nice touch as well.

If you are going to be spending any time in Panama, because of a longer layover or simply because that's your destination, you will need either a taxi or a shuttle bus to get to the rest of the city. There really aren't any public bus options.

Don't expect a 5-star resort when you travel to Tocumen Airport, but you can expect a clean airport that is easy to get around with decent services at hand. It should make your trip through Panama a convenient one.

Will I Ever Get to Travel to Cuba?

Several months ago a Dutch friend of mine, Wilha, traveled to Cuba on her vacation. She came back with a treasure trove of stories and photos of sparkling beaches and eclectic towns. I have to wonder, will I ever get to travel to Cuba?

I've looked into it a little further, and I'm starting to get some confidence that the answer to my question is actually "yes"! Have you ever dreamed of being able to visit Cuba someday?

A lot of Americans don't realize that its only their country that has this old travel ban in place. People from around the globe travel to Cuba all the time to enjoy their beaches, resorts and overall hospitality. It's not hidden away behind some iron curtain where no one can ever tread. Quite the contrary. Their tourist industry is just booming. So why are Americans banned?

Well, the ban comes from the USA, not Cuba and it's an old remnant of Cold War hostilities. I won't bore you with any more political talk than that. It's a shame that the ban is still in place, but old habits die hard particularly when it comes to international relations.

More and more people are disregarding the restriction and heading off to Cuba anyway. You have to take a longer route through another country though because there are no routes or services that can take you to Cuba from American soil. If you're an American already in another country, you can just book a flight. Keep in mind that it's still illegal. The ban is for all American citizens, no matter where you are living or where you are traveling from.

The way you get around this is that you have to ask the customs officials not to stamp your passport going in and out of Cuba. They're used to it and your request probably won't even raise an eyebrow. BTW, this is not something I would do and I am advocating any illegal activity. I'll wait until things become legal before I go. Still, a great number of people do this but given the covert nature of traveling this way, there aren't any official statistics to back up the stories.

But perhaps this age of travel deceit is finally coming to an end. Relations have been changing between Cuba and America over the past few years, which may eventually lift this out-of-date travel ban. In some sense, the ban is already coming down with a new policy in place that allows Americans to go to Cuba as long as they are part of an officially sanctioned informational tour group. The key points are "officially sanctioned" and "informational". This is where Insight Cuba comes in.

This tour company is recognized by the State Department , and they now offer several fully legal tours to Cuba for Americans, as long as you abide by the rules of taking the trip as a "people-to-people" approach to learning about the country. That means you have to be going as a way to learn more about Cuba, by visiting historical sites, taking in cultural events and other such activities. That doesn't sound too bad at all, though it does mean you're not supposed to spend your time lounging on the beach. Fair enough, at least it's a start.

Their website offers tours ranging from 4-8 days, and starting a bit above $2000.

So if Cuba is on your travel bucket-list, you may have a chance yet to see this lovely island without having to risk an international incident. I'm confident that open tourism will be on the upcoming horizon, and then we'll all get the chance to see what Cuba has to offer.