The first Cuba Libre I ever sipped was at the La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe, N.M. Santa Fe was celebrating the burning of Zozobra, also known as Old Man Gloom, and the slick bartender at the La Fonda talked me into trying a Cuba Libra.
'It's made of rum and Coke and it means Liberty in Cuba,' he said, shaking up the drink.
Rum is, of course, a lethal drink. It were lead-based and was a favorite of pirates like Blackbeard who would ply their men with rum before going on a raid. During my drinking years, I consumed my share of rum. I remember being on a beach one evening in Aruba and meeting two Cubans who shared a bottle of rum with me.
When they discovered I was a journalist, they made a proposition to me. If I paid them $500, they would take me to Cuba on a boat. I could explore Havana and when I was finished, they would sail me back to Aruba. I was sorely tempted -- the rum made their offer sound especially interesting -- but in the long run, I shook my head and said, 'No, thank you.' I did not want to become an American pawn controlled by the Castro government.
That was 10 years ago. Now it is 2017 and the U.S. government and Cuba have relaxed their attitudes toward each other. Ante Up Poker Cruises has even booked the first poker cruise to Cuba.
Publishers Scott Long and Christopher Cosenza print their magazine out of Clearwater, FL. In the past, they have published my articles about poker and I have nothing but kind words to say about them.
On Aug. 26, the Ante Up poker cruise will sail from Tampa to Key West and then on to historic Havana. The cruise will last from Aug. 26-30 and the ticket will cost you just $642.
I am sorely tempted to go on the cruise.
One of my favorite movies is an adult cartoon called 'Chico and Rita,' which was produced by two Cuban film producers. It features the music of Bebo Valdez, a Cuban jazz pianist, and tells the romantic story of Chico, a piano player, and Rita, a sexy vocalist who begin their careers in Havana and who find fame in New York and Las Vegas.
Cabins are selling fast for the cruise and if you are interested, call Jeanne Cosenza at 727 742 3843. Prices are based on double occupancy.
Cuba was a fabulous gambling getaway before the army of Fidel Castro seized control of the island in the late 1950s. Castro and his revolutionary government shut down all the casinos, broke up the slot machines, and turned the island into a communist stronghold.
Today under the leadership of Raul Castro, Cuba is relaxing its ways. They are opening up the island to tourism and are bringing back gambling. I am sure Cuba Libres will play a major role in any tourism success the island experiences.
Cuba is famous for its beaches, its old cars, its music and its beautiful women. I am going to watch 'Chico and Rita' again tonight since the cartoon reenactment of Havana is accurate in its depiction. Rent or buy a copy of the video and you will see what I mean.
I salute Scott and Chris for making this cruise available. If they have a free berth for a traveling journalist, I would be open to all offers. Let the games begin.
Author: Geno Lawrenzi Jr.
(Geno Lawrenzi Jr. is an international journalist, magazine author and ghostwriter and poker player who lives in Phoenx, AZ. He has published 2,000 articles in 50 magazines and 125 newspapers. If you want to share a gambling story or book idea with him, send an email to glawrenzi@gmail.com ).
