Re: Am I crazy or just have a healthy case of caution?

[Charmainiac]

So what do you make of this? I sometimes think I sound really like I'm losing it when I tell this, but then there are those other times...
 
 Here goes:
 I have a friend in Cuba. He and I have been friends for about 15 years now. We made our acquaintance through a former "novio" of mine while I was doing some work in Cuba back then.
 Let's just say his name is Chico. So, the friend who introduced me to Chico, over the years always told me to be careful of Chico, because he's Cuban Secret Police (a spy). The first time I heard it, I thought this pretty incredulous and laughed my head off. However, I was sternly reminded to mind my hysteria.
 Now, I began to believe what I had been told because every time I went to Cuba thereafter, even if not one Cuban knew I was coming, Chico would call the casa or hotel or wherever I was staying shortly after my arrival. When I asked how he knew that I was there, he would make up some bizarre answer.
 Fast forward to tonight. As you all know, when Zephie & I were planning this upcoming vacation, I was originally looking at Cayo Largo. I secretly wondered if Chico could find me there! However, as you also know, we've changed our minds and are going back to Varadero (again).
 I have not heard from Chico in about 6 months. Tonight, just a few short hours after I picked up our tickets for our trip...I just received a text message on my cell phone from Chico, wishing me a Happy New Year and looking forward to seeing me soon message!
 Not one single Cuban that I know, who lives in Cuba, knows that I'm coming yet!
 So tell me, am I nutty or would this creep you out a little too?   :th:

[lesab33]

I think that sounds really creepy to me ... but I will admit to overdamatization at times.

[flopnfly]

That sounds really creepy to me, but not unbelievable considering the day and age that we live in.
 
 You can't blow your nose now without some authority or another knowing about it, so why should we expect Cuba to be different??
 
 At least he's tracking you because he likes you.     :D

[That Woman]

Charmaine,
 
 I tend to walk thru life with HUGH rose coloured glass attached to my face, and I think you do as well, (though maybe not as big as mine),  I like to think the best of everyone.  However, when I meet or run into a creep I know it right away.  If you've known this guy for 15 years and he hasn't freaked you out yet, I don't think you should be terribly concerned.  Just go with your gut instinct.  Plus if he was going to "turn you in" to the secert Cuban police he would have done it by now.
 
 Lauren

[Charmainiac]

Yes, Lauren, I do like the colour of my shades! (it helps to cut down on the glare coming off most people's reality!)   ;)  
 However, I'm glad to hear that other people think this is a bit creepy too.
 FnF, you're statement that at least he's tracking me because he likes me couldn't be more true - weird, but true!
 I guess it's good to have "friends in high places"!  

[Gambitt]

In our modern times of computers, it would be sooo easy to flag a name, so that you are notified, if something comes up. If he has Any connection with the Cuban gov't. it would be quite simple. (and quite possible harmless, if you have known him for that long)   :)  
 
 Help, my glasses have picked up this "red" tint!
   :eek:

[Charmainiac]

Yah, I hear 'ya Eric!
 I have always thought of this as another dimension to my overall Cuban experience. Which can either cause a person great alarm and a sense of paranoia or a sense of calming relief that someone's looking out for you. After all these years, I still waffle back and forth between those senses.
 So now that I know that "Chico" is aware of my travel plans, I'll pack accordingly and smile unsuspiciously when he comes a-calling at the hotel next weekend!
   :cool:

[Sunny]

It does sound a little freaky but as others have said, after this length of time pretty harmless.  Have a great vacation, I will be there in less then four short weeks.

[Milli]

:roll:  I usually wear the tinted shades as well but given the facts that you reported Charmaine I would be a bit freaked out as well.  I wouldn't be too worried though and wouldn't let it ruin my vacation.  Like others have said your name may be flagged for his convenience of knowing the whereabouts of a friend.  On the other hand, this is a Communist Regime and the Secret Police are just that when push comes to shove ~ IMO  Have a great trip ~ hope you have 7 Days of sunshine and get plenty of R&R  :cubadreamin:

[Charmainiac]

Oh it won't ruin my vacation...  ;)  
 I posted this thread because I also wondered if any of you have had this experience with friends or "frens" in Cuba? And even if not, have you ever given any thought to it?
 I guess I'm showing my age here, but having grown up during a time in history when, because my mother is of German-Mennonite descent from Russia, I remember people calling her a "Commi" or a "Nazi" and being quite serious about it.
 So my spending so much time in a Communist country, over so many years has always generated reason for pause in my family.
 Knowing that I have a good friend who is the Cuban equivalent of "KGB", and now posting about it on the internet...well, let's just say that I've gotten over my own paranoia. But I do wonder if memories of that period not-long-ago, when people called each other by those derrogatory names, if they ever cross your mind when you go to Cuba?
 I have always wanted to post a thread about this stuff and so the best way to do it was by personal experience. The current topic of my friend Chico knowing my comings and goings, hopefully opens up the discussion in a gentle way.
 Thoughts?

[eeeefarm]

Maybe the guy just has Internet access and follows the forums.....not so mysterious after all.

[flopnfly]

Although I don't have a "friend", my travels to Cuba have come under scrutiny at work.
 
 What I consider a harmless beach vacation, apparently isn't just that as far as my employers are concerned.
 
 I work for an American company, and without thinking, I mentioned that I was going to Cuba.  The response I got was instant silence, intake of breaths and then  "Oh!!!  You go there??!!!
 
 I tried to explain to them, that we as Canadians are allowed to go and enjoy all that Cuba has to offer, and that it is a beautiful country.  All they heard was that I frequent a communist country and fraternize with communists.    :roll:  
 
 I guess it wasn't the best career move that I have made.    :rof:    :rof:

[Charmainiac]

Originally posted by eeeefarm:
  Maybe the guy just has Internet access and follows the forums.....not so mysterious after all.

This could be true now, however, that doesn't explain the first 13 years of my knowing him and going to Cuba... I didn't use travel forums until around 2004/5.
 But good thinking, for sure!