Complete Cuba Day 1

Day 01 – Thursday, January 9, 2013 – Depart Denver, CO to Miami, FL; Welcome Reception; Evening at the Miami Airport Marriott

Our day began early as we had to leave home at 6:15 for our 9:50 flight to Miami. The interstate was packed; it is amazing how many people have to get up and go to work in the dark!

Instead of fighting traffic on I-225, we took E-470, the toll road to DIA. Just as we were pulling into the Pikes Peak Shuttle Lot, the winter sun was peeking up over the horizon.

There were several shuttles waiting for all of us early morning fliers so we did not have to wait too long in the cold. Gennie had on her fleece vest and she never goes anywhere without gloves. Vic is never cold so we were fine in the 26 degree crisp morning air.

This was the first time in ages that we had flown United airlines. The check in was very easy as Gennie had printed our boarding passes and paid our bag fees yesterday, all online. Our bags were weighed and tagged and we were ready for security.

Another pleasant surprise - TSA has a new pre-screening procedure. As we seem to be low-threat passengers, we were able to go through the "Pre-check" line. No computers out, no liquids out, no shoes off - very streamlined!

There was plenty of time as we made it to the gate at 8:00. Vic had a breakfast sandwich and Gennie connected her iPad to the free DIA internet to check e-mails and let our son, Eduardo know we made it safely to Denver.

As Gennie started the Day 1 Journal, Vic heard strains of his mother tongue and began talking to two Brazilian women also flying to Miami and then home to Brazil.

Our United flight 1044 was called at 9:15 and we left the jetway at 9:50. As usual, the flight was full to over-booked and the desk agents had asked for people who were willing to give up their seats.

The flight was scheduled for 3 hours and 42 minutes. We arrived in Miami at 3:32 pm

Eastern time, having lost two hours in the process by traveling east.

We collected our bags and then walked to meet the Marriott Miami Airport Shuttle from Gate 2. How nice to be in warm Florida! The short drive to the hotel was interesting. Miami has grown incredibly since we were here last.

The hotel check in at the Marriott went smoothly - it is always nice to find no glitches in reservations. We organized our things and then went out for a walk in the neighborhood.

There so were many Cuban shops and restaurants that we thought we might be in Cuba already. At 5:30 we walked back to the Marriott and met Kathy and Jim, both biology professors at the University of Missouri.

We had a welcome reception at 6:00 in one of the hotel's meeting rooms. The fifth member of our group had not arrived but our agency hostess, Lazara gave us our Cuban visas and paperwork for our flight tomorrow.

International Expeditions, our travel company had arranged for drinks and light snacks of Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, and pastries. We did not need to go out for dinner.

At 8:00 we went back to our room to shower, repack for the charter flight, and get to sleep. Tomorrow would be an exciting adventure.

Accommodations: MIAMI AIRPORT MARRIOTT - - - Meal: B & L

Wow, I want to go!

Cool! Hope you two enjoy your trip - say howdy to Castro

This trip really sounds interesting. Looking forward to your journal, as always

YEAH!!! I am excited to be seeing Cuba thru your eyes, essays and pics!!

Looking forward to it. I was just remarking to Liz this morning that I would like to visit Cuba.

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Day 6: Mediterranean Navigation

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