Relatives are great out on tour! They are supportive and want you to know a few things you may not hear from non-relatives.. Marie and Fran Balla, John's cousins just returned from our Cuba experience. We met them a couple of days right off of the tour. Words were flying....

What were the general conditions in Cuba?
"Cuba was so much cleaner and safer then we thought. We felt very safe even though even though the police were pretty much behind the scenes. The children were very well behaved and neatly dressed."

Why choose to travel to Cuba now?
"We wanted to see Cuba before it changes. Every day, out on tour, we were very much a part of the Cuban culture with the People to People experience. Cuba is rich in culture. The music, the architecture, the people, the antique cars and the food were great!"

Yes, tell me about the food?
"The food was not spicy. The choices were good and everything was fresh and prepared simply yet tasty. Live music with most meals was impressive."

Was it important to be with a Cuban Tour Manager
as well as your Mayflower Tour Manager?
"We started our tour in Miami, with an enlightening orientation about Cuba from an American perspective. Vicky Martin, who has been to Cuba 17 times, was our Mayflower Tour Manager. She assisted us with visas and general information and prepared us for the trip. Upon arrival in Cuba, Israel was our Cuban Tour Manager. He jumped in and between the two, delivered the 'WOW'. There were 26 fellow travelers and the size of the group was perfect."

Did you buy anything?
Absolutely, we could spend $400 of which $100 could be used to purchase Cuban cigars and rum. Here are (pictured above) some of the things we bought for our grandkids and friends."

Would you go back to Cuba again?
"You bet..in about five years..."

Another satisfied relative... Thanks, Marie and Fran!