Cuban Journey Prologue

frame image.gif (15909 bytes)

Cuban Journey
"Relive the splendor through the roads of Cuba"

“The multitude of palm trees of various forms, the highest and most beautiful I have ever met with, and an infinity of other great and green trees; the birds in rich plumage and the verdure of the fields; render this country, most serene princes, of such marvelous beauty that it surpasses all others in charms and graces as they day doth the night in luster. I have been so overwhelmed at the sight of so much beauty that I have not known how to relate it.”

Columbus
To King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, 1492

Cuba, the pearl of the Antilles, is the largest island in the Caribbean, with a history longer and richer than the United States. Political factors have prevented Cuba from being sullied by mass consumer tourism. Cuba beckons the jaded traveler with its picturesque colonial towns, intriguing Afro-Cuban culture, rousing revolutionary monuments, almost 300 unblemished beaches, enchanting countryside, and potent rum. The Cuban people are sincerely friendly, and US citizens receive the same warm welcome that Cubans extend to all their guests: there’s absolutely no ill-will towards Americans. For nearly four centuries, Cuba was the main gateway to Spain’s vast American empire and cities, such as Havana, Matanzas, Trinidad, and Santiago de Cuba. With over 2 million inhabitants, Havana is the largest city in the Caribbean. Founded on its present site in 1519, it is one of the oldest cities in the Americas. Cuba’s unspoiled landscape extends well beyond its magnificent coastline to verdant valleys, rugged mountains, and pristine reefs. Cuba is a fascinating smorgasbord of nonstop discovery and experience.

The US broke its relationship with Cuba in 1961. After the Bay of Pigs and several CIA attempts to eliminate Fidel Castro, the United States attempted to put Cuba in quarantine. The US engaged an embargo, which still stands 38 years later. Today, most Americans view the embargo as an outdated relic of the past. Most Americans want to see the blockade lifted. What can be done to encourage the US politicians to act?

Cuba is a mere 90 miles from South Florida. For many Americans, this Caribbean island is enshrouded in a veil of mystery. It is time to introduce Americans to their splendid neighbors.

Stan Cottrell, the internationally known ultra-distance runner, will lead in the “Cuban Journey Run, ” a 600-mile run from Santiago de Cuba to Havana, in Spring 2000. Sponsored by Friendship Sports Association, Inc, the goals of this run are to promote friendship and fitness, and to provide insight into the culture and country of Cuba. Involvement in the run will take place on many levels. Cuban athletes and students are encouraged to run alongside Stan. A website will provide daily updates, live-cam, and links to other websites. Filmmaker Mickey Grant will create a feature length documentary film as well as an inspirational Christian short film.

The message will be clear: the people of Cuba and the people of the United States are ready to emerge as friends, with a compelling urgency to lift the outdated embargo. To an entire generation of Americans, Cuba awaits rediscovery. Its rich history, sultry music, original cuisine, stunning land and beaches define the country that is uniquely Cuba.

Stan Cottrell is no stranger to this type of project. Some of his notable achievements have included the following: 2 runs across the USA; a 3,500 mile, 80 day run across Europe; a 2,000 mile run across China in 53 days; and a run from Hanoi to DaNang. In the spirit of promoting friendship, Stan Cottrell has logged more than 160,000 miles running throughout the world.