Comments on: The twenty minute vacation http://www.zentastic.com/blog/2009/12/20/the-twenty-minute-vacation/ I can scarcely move or draw my breath // Let me, let me freeze again to death Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:44:13 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Shannon Larratt is Zentastic › Like a tiger defying the laws of gravity! http://www.zentastic.com/blog/2009/12/20/the-twenty-minute-vacation/comment-page-1/#comment-17259 Shannon Larratt is Zentastic › Like a tiger defying the laws of gravity! Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:00:24 +0000 http://www.zentastic.com/blog/?p=8335#comment-17259 [...] of their contents. The letter was thankfully still readable and we didn’t have a repeat of my Cuban horror story, but it meant that I was on a reduced medication load. We still had a great time although on the [...] [...] of their contents. The letter was thankfully still readable and we didn’t have a repeat of my Cuban horror story, but it meant that I was on a reduced medication load. We still had a great time although on the [...]

]]> By: Ryan http://www.zentastic.com/blog/2009/12/20/the-twenty-minute-vacation/comment-page-1/#comment-13571 Ryan Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:43:50 +0000 http://www.zentastic.com/blog/?p=8335#comment-13571 oh, and totally fuck cuba! oh, and totally fuck cuba!

]]> By: Ryan http://www.zentastic.com/blog/2009/12/20/the-twenty-minute-vacation/comment-page-1/#comment-13570 Ryan Wed, 10 Nov 2010 14:43:25 +0000 http://www.zentastic.com/blog/?p=8335#comment-13570 is shannon related to starbadger? is shannon related to starbadger?

]]> By: Owen http://www.zentastic.com/blog/2009/12/20/the-twenty-minute-vacation/comment-page-1/#comment-10007 Owen Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:10:09 +0000 http://www.zentastic.com/blog/?p=8335#comment-10007 Hey sorry if i came off wrong in my comment, I'm sorry that your vacation sucked and i hope that all is well and you guys can make the best of it. :D happy holidays Hey sorry if i came off wrong in my comment, I’m sorry that your vacation sucked and i hope that all is well and you guys can make the best of it.

:D happy holidays

]]> By: The Notorious C.J.T. › Cuba, farewell http://www.zentastic.com/blog/2009/12/20/the-twenty-minute-vacation/comment-page-1/#comment-9997 The Notorious C.J.T. › Cuba, farewell Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:15:40 +0000 http://www.zentastic.com/blog/?p=8335#comment-9997 [...] the Cuban authorities had other ideas about our vacation (Shannon called it 20 minutes, but it was really closer to an hour total on the ground there), I’ve had to figure out other [...] [...] the Cuban authorities had other ideas about our vacation (Shannon called it 20 minutes, but it was really closer to an hour total on the ground there), I’ve had to figure out other [...]

]]> By: TheWomanMonster http://www.zentastic.com/blog/2009/12/20/the-twenty-minute-vacation/comment-page-1/#comment-9994 TheWomanMonster Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:03:26 +0000 http://www.zentastic.com/blog/?p=8335#comment-9994 Fucking bummer about the trip, but I'm glad to hear you weren't detained any longer than that. Fucking bummer about the trip, but I’m glad to hear you weren’t detained any longer than that.

]]> By: Indigo http://www.zentastic.com/blog/2009/12/20/the-twenty-minute-vacation/comment-page-1/#comment-9993 Indigo Tue, 22 Dec 2009 04:56:50 +0000 http://www.zentastic.com/blog/?p=8335#comment-9993 That really sucks. However, togetherness is what counts, so at least you have that, as you pointed out. Caitlin, I'm sure your donations of your travel goodies will be appreciated immensely by those in need. That's a very sweet and thoughtful gesture, especially in light of the circumstances. That really sucks. However, togetherness is what counts, so at least you have that, as you pointed out.

Caitlin, I’m sure your donations of your travel goodies will be appreciated immensely by those in need. That’s a very sweet and thoughtful gesture, especially in light of the circumstances.

]]> By: peteD3 http://www.zentastic.com/blog/2009/12/20/the-twenty-minute-vacation/comment-page-1/#comment-9989 peteD3 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:09:43 +0000 http://www.zentastic.com/blog/?p=8335#comment-9989 DAMN! that sucks, but at least your out of Cuba and not in one of thier torture cells... DAMN! that sucks, but at least your out of Cuba and not in one of thier torture cells…

]]> By: starbadger http://www.zentastic.com/blog/2009/12/20/the-twenty-minute-vacation/comment-page-1/#comment-9987 starbadger Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:42:50 +0000 http://www.zentastic.com/blog/?p=8335#comment-9987 Give it a rest people thanX estrojenn for the best "guess" what that was about - but yeah - get over it - don't spend much time thinking about it ... my guess - almost identical to yours as expressed in your 15. Far from it being communism and the castro brother's it's business just business. Love you Shannon. It's all part of the journey. Count yourself blessed. Richard Larratt Ordinary Member Founding Director Knights of Ignorance Of what you've been a victim is why I love America - if one coffee shop is shirt and tie there is another across the mall that does not care if you've got shoes on or not. Give it a rest people

thanX estrojenn for the best “guess” what that was about – but yeah – get over it – don’t spend much time thinking about it … my guess – almost identical to yours as expressed in your 15.

Far from it being communism and the castro brother’s it’s business just business.

Love you Shannon. It’s all part of the journey. Count yourself blessed.

Richard Larratt
Ordinary Member
Founding Director
Knights of Ignorance

Of what you’ve been a victim is why I love America – if one coffee shop is shirt and tie there is another across the mall that does not care if you’ve got shoes on or not.

]]> By: Shannon http://www.zentastic.com/blog/2009/12/20/the-twenty-minute-vacation/comment-page-1/#comment-9986 Shannon Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:27:31 +0000 http://www.zentastic.com/blog/?p=8335#comment-9986 Owen, I agree completely. Last time I was there, earlier this year, was a huge culture shock and very depressing. It's really terrible what oppressive communism has done. Communism might have some nice ideals on paper, but it's a complete nightmare whenever it gets applied, and Cuba is a prime example. I would never want to live there, and for the sake of their population, I look forward to the day that government crumbles. And yes, they did some things right -- literacy and lots of doctors -- but at what cost? I hate it when people hold up Cuba as a shining example because of the few things they got right... Owen, I agree completely. Last time I was there, earlier this year, was a huge culture shock and very depressing. It’s really terrible what oppressive communism has done. Communism might have some nice ideals on paper, but it’s a complete nightmare whenever it gets applied, and Cuba is a prime example. I would never want to live there, and for the sake of their population, I look forward to the day that government crumbles.

And yes, they did some things right — literacy and lots of doctors — but at what cost? I hate it when people hold up Cuba as a shining example because of the few things they got right…

]]> By: Owen http://www.zentastic.com/blog/2009/12/20/the-twenty-minute-vacation/comment-page-1/#comment-9985 Owen Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:18:47 +0000 http://www.zentastic.com/blog/?p=8335#comment-9985 could you image how bad it would be if you didn't have the force of your canadian currency behind you? Could you imagine living there? Married to a cuban woman it saddens me that I may never meet that part of her family, but i won't go there to support that kind of government. could you image how bad it would be if you didn’t have the force of your canadian currency behind you? Could you imagine living there? Married to a cuban woman it saddens me that I may never meet that part of her family, but i won’t go there to support that kind of government.

]]> By: Shannon http://www.zentastic.com/blog/2009/12/20/the-twenty-minute-vacation/comment-page-1/#comment-9984 Shannon Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:15:31 +0000 http://www.zentastic.com/blog/?p=8335#comment-9984 Ed, it's true -- at one point I said to them something like "fine, if you're not letting me into Cuba then I'll go back to Canada", and they started pulling a "oh, you're not going anywhere" thing that was pretty threatening. Ed, it’s true — at one point I said to them something like “fine, if you’re not letting me into Cuba then I’ll go back to Canada”, and they started pulling a “oh, you’re not going anywhere” thing that was pretty threatening.

]]> By: Mark Kramer http://www.zentastic.com/blog/2009/12/20/the-twenty-minute-vacation/comment-page-1/#comment-9983 Mark Kramer Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:23:25 +0000 http://www.zentastic.com/blog/?p=8335#comment-9983 Definitely you've earned 2009's Platinum Rucksack award for Most Nightmarish Travel Tale.... Only consolation: It could have been worse. That said---Happy Holidays to the magnificent Larratts! Definitely you’ve earned 2009′s Platinum Rucksack award for Most Nightmarish Travel Tale…. Only consolation: It could have been worse.
That said—Happy Holidays to the magnificent Larratts!

]]> By: Steph http://www.zentastic.com/blog/2009/12/20/the-twenty-minute-vacation/comment-page-1/#comment-9982 Steph Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:51:02 +0000 http://www.zentastic.com/blog/?p=8335#comment-9982 un-fucking-real! It is true though, a friend of mine was going to Cuba and we went shopping for "tip gifts" because its better to do that then give them money. That's really shitty that you couldn't go but I have to agree with ED, thankfully your both home safe in Canada! un-fucking-real! It is true though, a friend of mine was going to Cuba and we went shopping for “tip gifts” because its better to do that then give them money.
That’s really shitty that you couldn’t go but I have to agree with ED, thankfully your both home safe in Canada!

]]> By: Ed http://www.zentastic.com/blog/2009/12/20/the-twenty-minute-vacation/comment-page-1/#comment-9980 Ed Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:40:37 +0000 http://www.zentastic.com/blog/?p=8335#comment-9980 <b>Shannon and Caitlin,</b> That sucks royally. But - the bright isde is that BOTH of you were allowed to leave. I have never been to Cuba - but with all the movies I watch - it makes me think that - without warning one (or both ) of you could have been detained on a more permanent basis - and never heard from again. So, while the mini vacation didn't go well, I am very happy both of you made it out of there safely. Shannon and Caitlin,

That sucks royally. But – the bright isde is that BOTH of you were allowed to leave. I have never been to Cuba – but with all the movies I watch – it makes me think that – without warning one (or both ) of you could have been detained on a more permanent basis – and never heard from again. So, while the mini vacation didn’t go well, I am very happy both of you made it out of there safely.

]]> By: Andrew http://www.zentastic.com/blog/2009/12/20/the-twenty-minute-vacation/comment-page-1/#comment-9979 Andrew Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:20:23 +0000 http://www.zentastic.com/blog/?p=8335#comment-9979 It saddens me to read this post, I'm so sorry that your trip ended this way. It saddens me to read this post, I’m so sorry that your trip ended this way.

]]> By: Rosie http://www.zentastic.com/blog/2009/12/20/the-twenty-minute-vacation/comment-page-1/#comment-9978 Rosie Mon, 21 Dec 2009 05:31:02 +0000 http://www.zentastic.com/blog/?p=8335#comment-9978 that really, really blows. Sorry to hear it :( that really, really blows. Sorry to hear it :(

]]> By: estrojenn http://www.zentastic.com/blog/2009/12/20/the-twenty-minute-vacation/comment-page-1/#comment-9976 estrojenn Mon, 21 Dec 2009 04:15:33 +0000 http://www.zentastic.com/blog/?p=8335#comment-9976 Scienkoptic - the Cuban gov't encourages and makes huge allowances for tourists to bring "gifts" to Cuba...particularly medical supplies (bandages/first aid kits etc) as well as OTC drugs like ibuprofen/asprin/gravol etc. Anything like soap, toothpaste, makeup goes a long way. they have nothing for the locals to purchase. I met a group of nurses from Albert a few years back who brought suitacases full of IV bags to donate and they were given VIP treatment at customs. they didn't mention that they had packed a bunch of them for themselves to cure their hangovers (literally drank until they were falling down, then hooked themselves up to an IV in their hotel rooms to fix themselves up). caitlin - its probably less about your second trip and more about past travel/appearance from what i gather from people i've met there. cayo coco is "high end" cuba now...and they are likely getting more strict with tourists going there (because a lot of "high end" tourists are travelling there and spending more money and being more picky about who they see at their 4 star resort. holguin or cienfuegos, on the other hand are where people actually travel to visit family). Scienkoptic – the Cuban gov’t encourages and makes huge allowances for tourists to bring “gifts” to Cuba…particularly medical supplies (bandages/first aid kits etc) as well as OTC drugs like ibuprofen/asprin/gravol etc. Anything like soap, toothpaste, makeup goes a long way. they have nothing for the locals to purchase. I met a group of nurses from Albert a few years back who brought suitacases full of IV bags to donate and they were given VIP treatment at customs. they didn’t mention that they had packed a bunch of them for themselves to cure their hangovers (literally drank until they were falling down, then hooked themselves up to an IV in their hotel rooms to fix themselves up).

caitlin – its probably less about your second trip and more about past travel/appearance from what i gather from people i’ve met there. cayo coco is “high end” cuba now…and they are likely getting more strict with tourists going there (because a lot of “high end” tourists are travelling there and spending more money and being more picky about who they see at their 4 star resort. holguin or cienfuegos, on the other hand are where people actually travel to visit family).

]]> By: scienkoptic http://www.zentastic.com/blog/2009/12/20/the-twenty-minute-vacation/comment-page-1/#comment-9974 scienkoptic Mon, 21 Dec 2009 02:55:40 +0000 http://www.zentastic.com/blog/?p=8335#comment-9974 So surreal! Carting trinkets along on your vacation to Cuba. Why? I think I know why.... Cuba is still a Communist country where people suffer under the thumb of the Castro Brothers. Don't you feel dirty? even slightly? So surreal! Carting trinkets along on your vacation to Cuba.
Why?

I think I know why…. Cuba is still a Communist country where people suffer under the thumb of the Castro Brothers.

Don’t you feel dirty? even slightly?

]]> By: Caitlin http://www.zentastic.com/blog/2009/12/20/the-twenty-minute-vacation/comment-page-1/#comment-9972 Caitlin Mon, 21 Dec 2009 02:28:05 +0000 http://www.zentastic.com/blog/?p=8335#comment-9972 Jen: Cayo Coco. I can't remember what airport we flew to last time, but it being our second trip in a year may have set off their 'alarms' too. Their sniffer dogs were spaniels, the one that sniffed our bags a cocker spaniel, sort of weird. All the gifts I packed will be donated to my local women's shelter-hopefully they can use spices, cooking utensils, children's toys and LOTS of good makeup. Jen: Cayo Coco. I can’t remember what airport we flew to last time, but it being our second trip in a year may have set off their ‘alarms’ too.

Their sniffer dogs were spaniels, the one that sniffed our bags a cocker spaniel, sort of weird.

All the gifts I packed will be donated to my local women’s shelter-hopefully they can use spices, cooking utensils, children’s toys and LOTS of good makeup.

]]>