THE APPEAL
We almost went to Cuba last Winter. In fact had the opportunity presented itself just a little sooner to us, then we would have gone there.

Along with 15 others. It would have been legal, no going around our country's restrictions about travel there. It would technically have been under the guidelines for providing humanitarian aid, taking hospital and medical supplies to Havana. But actually, we'd have only been along for the ride. We may have had to lift and carry, but we never got that close to finding out.

Why I would want to go is the same reason I like to go to other places. If Sir Edmond Hillary said, "Because it's there," I guess I could borrow his sentiment. I might add, and "because I've never been there ."

One big draw to me would be to see all the old American cars as in the picture. Man, we used to make some beautiful cars For a variety of reasons, we don't anymore. Nor does anyone else. They're better made. At least some. No car in bygone days got much over 100,000 miles. Not so today. Fuel efficiency, safety--well there's no comparison. But for beauty and style, those old cars ruled.

The past would also be a huge draw. Not just cars, but Cuba, at least to me, is the one place that hasn't changed much since the ill-fated Castro revolution. Times were bad before: they're still awful for the citizens, but again to see how things were 50, 60, almost 70 years ago would be interesting to me.

And knowing that you would be helping people. I shouldn't have placed that third, but some of my former students would tell you that in writing the traditional 5-paragraph theme, sometimes it is advisable to present your most important information just before your conclusion. Just as in a speech. Unless you're a great speaker who can simply say nothing and use reflection and emphasis in unusual places for the Obama effect. (I know I've been rough with the Prez this week, but I'm still waiting for him to do something that I agree with; then I'll give him the accolades). So, I'll just say that helping them would certainly be rewarding even though it would appear that I was simply going along for the ride.

If the opportunity avails itself again, I might go. But there are lots of folks who need help. And there are a lot of attractions. So Cuba, you'll just have to wait..