“Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” a friend asked with a raised eyebrow.  “You met a guy from Havana on a web site and now you are going down there to meet him and explore Cuba? I know your Father spent time there many years ago, but it’s different now.” These were words from a caring friend. Last March I made the life-changing decision to retire from my longstanding career as a government lawyer. My Mom had passed six months earlier and I wanted to spend more time with my Dad who was now 92, a widow after 50 years and wanting more time with his daughter.  The break from the daily grind of everyday work gave me the opportunity to do something I always wanted to do: study Spanish. One day, I stumbled on a web site for people who want to learn and speak a new language with a native speaker. To my surprise, I saw the name Miguel from Havana, Cuba. “Cuba,” just the word makes me tingly.  I have always had a special place in my heart for all things Cuban. I even named my dog Rico Suave.  For as long as I can...