Is This the Best Country in the World? Part II

Is This the Best Country in the World? Part II

Date: 09/29/2009

Author: Suzan Haskins

Yesterday I told you about a country that has much going for it: Thousands of miles of gorgeous coastline with warm, tropical offshore waters…top-notch (and free) health care. A crime-free society and a population that is among the best-educated, most athletic, and most culturally talented in the world. Read the full description here.

Today, I’ll tell you more about this “Nirvana.” With the clues I give, let’s see how long it takes you to guess the country I’m describing.

There seems to be an unwritten rule that all travel writers are obliged to describe this place as forbidden, mysterious and “lost in time.” But it’s not that at all. Every year, millions of tourists visit its beaches, historic cities, verdant valleys, and rugged mountains.

The people, of course, are its true treasures. Even though I don’t understand much about how their society functions or a lick about what makes them tick, on my recent trip, I was struck by their naivety and inquisitiveness. They ask so many questions!

They don’t get the chance to meet many Americans, you see, as very few Americans visit here. During my visit, in fact, I did not meet a single fellow U.S. citizen, although I did encounter Germans, Italians, Spaniards, British, Irish, Mexicans, and Australians.

The locals love to sing and dance long into the night, and gorgeous music and swaying hips can be found in bars, restaurants, on beaches and street corners throughout the country. When those I met learned I was from the U.S., I always got a big hug and a smile. They were delighted to have me there and to have the opportunity to show me their beautiful homeland.

Unfortunately, despite all this country has going for it, its economy is on the skids in a big, bad, terrible way. The average monthly salary is $19. Food is in short supply, and the country has defaulted on so many debts it is hard to find anyone who will take a chance on exporting goods there, except on a cash-up-front basis—never mind that foreign lending markets have all but dried up. Since half its oil is imported, factories have been closed in order to reduce electricity consumption.

Think you know the country I’ve been describing? These final clues will help:

This country is just 90 miles off the coast of the U.S.—closer to visit for the majority of Americans than is the U.S. Midwest or West Coast. Yet for nearly 50 years Americans have been forbidden to go there, thanks to a 1962 trade embargo imposed by the U.S.

Yes, this is Cuba. Seventy percent of Americans say they would like the opportunity to visit it. Very soon, they may get their wish.

Although President Obama recently extended the trade embargo against Cuba for another year, bills have been introduced in both the House and Senate to lift the travel restrictions.

To get the whole story, including the opportunities that may soon emerge when the travel ban to Cuba is lifted, check out the October issue of International Living Magazine—out Thursday. Change is coming to Cuba and it’s time to prepare…

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