DEPARTURE FOR CUBA
We finally fit everything into 8 duffle bags. Jerry and Fabiola arrived at our house by 9AM, dropped off by Rick's parents. Maryanne arrived at 9:30AM. She recently broke her arm so she arrived by car and hired driver. We departed for the airport and made good time. The express lane was a big help and we made it to Miami airport by 11AM. We dropped off the bags by Terminal 1 door#4 and Rick parked the van. We dragged the bags inside the airport and met up at the Cuba check-in desk (door#7). Check-in for Cuba is a bit more complicated than most other destinations. Rick used the kiosk to check-in, print his boarding pass and two luggage tags. Then we were told to get in line. Then we were told we all had to use the kiosk. Then we were told we could use a check-in counter. At the check-in counter we had to arrange our baggage. A few bags weighed a tiny bit more than the allowed 50lbs but others were under. They took our bags, tagged them and printed our boarding passes but they would not put our bags on the conveyor until we went to the Cuba Desk. At the Cuba desk Rick showed copies of our religious visas, they check our passports and then they stamped our boarding passes. Maryanne had to purchase a person-to-person visa ($100) and then they stamped her boarding pass. Then we went back to the check-in desk and they put our bags on the conveyor. YEAH! Now all we had to do was go through the security line. We were a bit worried due to the government shut-down but TSA was fully staffed and we made it through in just a couple minutes. YEAH #2! We made our way to the gate and along the way we found the rest our group who had arrive from Pennsylvania and they were having a bite to eat at TGI Fridays. Introductions were made and everyone enjoyed lunch together.
After we ate we walked to the gate. Everyone bought candy, bottles of water and last minute items they might not be able to buy in Cuba. Then there was an announcement that we had to have our tickets inspected by the Cuba Ready Desk. The members of our group who arrived from Pennsylvania didn't have that special stamp on their boarding passes. There was some confusion and then Rick showed the man the tickets he had and explained we were all in the same group. Lois showed him copies of the religious visas, he made a call and then stamped the tickets. YEAH #3! The had part was done! We were cleared to go.
The flight was very short, maybe 60 minutes. We landed in Camaguey. There were applause on the plane, many people probably arriving back in their native country for the first time in 50 years. We walked down the stairs, crossed the tarmac and proceeded to the terminal for inspection. We were met by a government representative inside the terminal, he gave us our Cuban visas and then we went through immigration without any trouble. They x-rayed our carry-on luggage and then we grabbed a few luggage carts and claimed our checked baggage from the carousel. We lined up to exit the terminal were they inspect the bags one more time and we were stopped. Two of our bags had been selected for inspection. Rick and Fabiola went over to the inspection area and after a short explanation and check of their visas and the invitation letter they were cleared by a supervisor with a smile and apology. The letter was very important and we were told someone from the church had been in the airport the previous day to clear us for arrival with the officials. That's why it is so important to have a religious visa and officially work under the direction of the Episcopal Church in Cuba.
There was a money exchange window outside the terminal. Some people exchanged money and then we loaded the bus. Juan our driver had a beautiful 15 passenger bus waiting for us. It took a little more than an hour to drive to Ciego de Avila. It was getting late so we decided to stop for dinner before checking in at the Hotel. Juan contact Rev Yohan who met us at Ramons Restaurant. We all sat at a long table and had fun ordering our first meal in Cuba. Rev Yohan and his wife were there to help those who did not speak spanish. There was a good selection and everyone ordered and all raised a glass as we toasted giving thanks for our safe arrival and for the success of our work. We stayed a bit too long enjoying the coversation and company but we still had one more stop before going to the hotel. On the way to the hotel we made a quick stop at St Lucas, Rev Yohan's church in Ciego de Avila. We wanted to check on the location and see what we would need to do the installation. The streets were empty as he opened the church for us. It was a very nice church and from our assessment the installation would be pretty standard. When arrived at the Hotel they were a bit annoyed having been worried about us when we arrived so late. They were very nice to use offering everyone an arrival cocktail and we quickly checked in. The elevator was working and it got a real workout as it took us to our rooms with all our bags spread out over the 5 floors of the hotel. Day 1 was complete with a bit of adventure but no trouble! The work begins tomorrow morning.