Tucson Residents Recall Recent Visit to Cuba

Street scene in Havana.

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Steve and Doris Ratoff have traveled to many countries around the world, but Cuba had been on their bucket list for years.

They fulfilled that wish in December when they joined dozens of other residents from Southern Arizona who went to the island nation as part of an educational and cultural exchange organized by the Loft Cinema of Tucson.

Shortly after the Tucson group returned from the Caribbean, the Obama administration announced its plans to improve political and economic relations with Cuba.

"I was rather surprised, and I think it's great," Doris Ratoff said.

"I don't think it's going to happen overnight, she said. "You're still not allowed to go by yourself, you know, but they are listing a few things here and there. I don't think Congress is going to lift the embargo, to be honest."

Still Doris and Steve Ratoff said they are encouraging others to visit.

"We grew up in the time of the [Cuban] revolution, and we thought it would be a great place to visit," Steve Ratoff said. "We've visited most places around the world and here's a place close at home that we haven't visited."

He and Doris said the trip's highlights were the people and local color, including the legendary well-preserved cars from the 1950s.

While most U.S. citizens are still prohibited from going alone under the official travel ban, many groups have been organizing trips to Cuba under special permits such as educational and cultural exchanges.