In October 1959 Fidel Castro spoke to the American Society of Travel Agents at the Old Blanquita Theater in Havana.  "Cuba has many things" he said.  "We have sea, we have bays, we have all kinds of medicinal waters, mountains, game and fish.  We have as much blue sky as you want, as well as beaches with sands of every color and a gentle cool breeze in the summer.  The Cubans are a noble and hospitable people, and what’s more important, they don’t hate anyone. Our people love all visitors and make them feel completely at home."

 

Within 2 years, diplomatic relations with the U.S. had completely deteriorated.  President JFK enacted a trading embargo, prohibiting all travel to the small island by US citizens.

 

Despite these new restrictions, a few good Americans decided to stay...