As Fewer Americans Travel to Cuba, One Group Finds Formula That Sidesteps

[Judi Lynn]

As Fewer Americans Travel to Cuba, One Group Finds Formula That Sidesteps Controversy: Building Playgrounds
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By Vanessa Arrington Associated Press Writer

Published: Sep 29, 2005

HAVANA (AP) - It's hard to avoid controversy when travel to Cuba is involved, but the latest group of Americans visiting the island seems to have found a decidedly agreeable formula: building playgrounds for children.

Forty-nine volunteers led by San Diego real estate investor Bill Hauf are spending the week digging holes and assembling modern park equipment in four different Havana neighborhoods.
(snip)

"We have been very successful with this project because we have been apolitical," Hauf said. "Both governments seem to understand this program is to help children - in this case, they happen to be Cuban children. Our objective is to not take political sides."
(snip)

"We are so isolated from the Cubans," said the older Roberts, an attorney who represents a shipping company with service to Cuba. "We have impressions that tend to be distorted because of the rhetoric our governments throw at people."
(snip/...)

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBUT1QA7EE.html

[Cha]

1. Good for them..I got a few

places on Earth I'd like to visit before I leave and Cuba sounds all the more intriguing because this fascist government says I can't..

Well fuck 'em.

[soothsayer]

2. Yes indeedy!