Sunday night, 1940 UTC, 20 meter band, I answered a CQ call from CO6LC. I did not immediately recognize the prefix but was thrilled to learn it was from Cuba! It was my first ever QSO in Cuba. The caller’s QTH is Santa Clara, a city about 50 kms or so east of Havana. I have been through there a few times. Some time ago I made a few trips to Cuba working as a journalist and had the opportunity to travel from Pinar Del Rio on the far west to Santiago de Cuba on the far eastern end of the island.

It is technically not illegal for Americans to visit Cuba. Under the terms of the Economic Embargo Act it is illegal, however, for Americans to spend any money in Cuba. Only certain visitors are granted licenses from the US Treasury Department to breech that rule. I had, actually still have, such a license.

The Cuban people are warm, friendly, and hospitable. Theirs is a very difficult life. (If you want to know the real picture of medical care under the Castro regime, do not believe Michael Moore’s film, ask me. I have investigated it first hand. It is not encouraging when Fidel Castro commends the US for passing health care legislation). Under different political circumstances I would even consider a home in Cuba – great climate, warm, family oriented-culture, and terrific music. (If you haven’t done so, and if you have a propensity for Latin music, check out Omara Portuondo and The Buena Vista Social Club. I think you can get their music downloads on ITunes or Amazon.)

Ernest Hemingway had a home there. I’ve visited the place, now a tourist attraction after Hemingway’s widow “donated” it to the Revolution (donated is a euphemism for “they took it”) when Texaco Oil and United Fruit donated their many holdings to the Revolution at the same time. I do not know the conditions under which Cuban hams are granted licenses but I can guess. I would love to know what kind of gear my contact is using. There was a pile-up and no time to just rag chew. Perhaps another time. My QSL card goes out to him today.