pvtguy

Seeing and experiencing a visit to a Cuba that can only exist in the CJ-verse is a wonderful journey. CJ and Oz let us vicariously see a wonderful visit where they get to meet wonderful people, eat great food, and discover a find that will help propel Cuba into a brighter future. As part of the CJ series of the summer of 2022, this both fills in some blanks and sets up the promise of more to come. As usual, a wonderfully crafted story by an amazing writer, Carlos Hazday.

Ok...I'm going out on a short limb here....Craig enjoys a popularity and lives up to a created reputation, perhaps not living his true nature. Yes, he is aggressive/bully-ish, but perhaps he doesn't know how to act in such a way as to break his known persona. After all, we're dealing with 16 year-olds who make stupid decisions all the time. Still, I think Seth is in for more difficult times. This just makes it abundantly clear that I wouldn't want to live through age 16 again!

I'm going to take the devil's advocate position for a moment about Gonzaga (the TSA Agent): Was he overzealous? In some ways, I can say yes, but he was also being especially cautious as he did not know that they were doing an official job. They could have had a potentially false official pouch in which could have been something dangerous to National Security. They did not use their diplomatic passports or carry them with them on purpose. As always, I loved this story for all the reasons cited previously by everyone who has responded so far. You are quite the talented author, Carlos! Your research and preparation before writing is exactly what fails other authors who get stuck ending a serial because they had no total picture to begin with. While I wish you would publish sooner, I respect your taking your time before crafting and publishing a story.

Is the history part of this story accurate or literary? Great explanations.

I totally get Sebastian. Still, I hope as he calms down, he proceeds with his coming out. I'm not sure what the future holds with Miles if any other than professional, but I do hope he finds someone who values and respects him!!

And I'm guessing options available today were not available then. Still, Ella is a very strong women and very advanced in thinking and acting than most women were then.

I wish everyone who goes through a separation/divorce could be as amicable!

What becomes of the doubloon and chain/trident? It would seem that they would have to be turned over to the Cuban government. Another excellent chapter, Carlos.

I do hope there is a teen support group for Roni and Seth! Seth is a doormat for his sister as far as his mother is concerned, it seems. Great chapter in providing intrigue, angst, and care on the part of Seth towards Roni.

I learned how to block out noise around me when I wanted to study. It is both a blessing and curse as it gives many the impression that I am ignoring them (which, I guess, I am momentarily). However, it also served me well as a counselor to focus on what a client was saying. I am thankful I never lived in a college dorm! Without meaning to do it, Devin is acting like an emotional bully when he says he will tell him his secret later, but appears not to do so. I'm sure this can be resolved.

It is refreshing to see a story about actual adults!

Considering the time frame in which this takes place, Ella is very forward thinking: she's quite rational and does seem to have positive feelings towards Joe.

I foresee CJ living in the ambassador's house with Camilo as a close friend! Fascinating story as always! Thanks for the tour!

@drsawzall: I do agree with all you say, but must say, your descriptions do make me chuckle. I would like to think better of some people and hope that Craig is not a predator/bully, but you may be on spot! The rest of it...I do agree.

Perhaps Craig is harboring some closeted gay feelings too...

I have no doubt they will grow out of the naivete as they age and go through challenges of life. Hope they can do that together and respect each other's differences.

When I was studying for my B.A. in Massachusetts in the late 60's, in order to be a teacher, one had to have a dual major - one in the field one was going to teach and another in education. I took maximum courses every semester plus summer school. At the certification of my credits at graduation time (by paper, not computer, lol), I found out I actually had a third area of concentration - thus, in effect, a triple major! It helped when I went on for my master degrees and worked towards a doctorate. So, it is possible with dedication, organization, and being involved in the school! There is still naivete in both Devin and Mac - even more so in Mac in my opinion - but there is also commitment to each other.

What a wonderful way to start a Sunday morning! I'm intrigued by Camilo: is he trying to truly glean information from CJ or is he trying to find a way to defect? And will Jay live to return to the U.S? Happy Birthday, Carlos.

Hmmm...that last line causes me pause! Now let's see what transpires.

I wonder how long Jay will have his job? He needs to be put into a strictly research position in a closet as far away from people as possible if he is allowed to continue employment! He certainly is not the person who should be representing the U.S. in any manner. Thanks for another story, Carlos! Excellent.

We've certainly advanced in the area of divorce since the time portrayed here....but, it still is not easy for a lot of women.

Psychic waves are flowing: All week, I was thinking about this story and hoping to read another chapter. And voila! Here it is!! Don't want to repeat the above observations, but just so thankful you are feeling better and publishing again! Would that I could ever experience anything near to what is described in this story - from the trips, the hotels, the yacht service, but especially meeting the wonderful, if fictional, people! You make it all so real! Thanks.

Wonderful verses and advice. My saddest experience in working with teens for so many years as a counselor was with those who dared not dream because life had already knocked them down very hard in their short lives Lack of encouragement from their living circumstances, social pressures due to either overt or "unconscious" racism, and other pressures led to lack of involvement in education which, in turn, further hindered them. Would that we had the ability to inspire dreams.

Wonderful writing, Bill. And the story both fills out and moves forward a bit more.

The hubris of some is the ruination of any relationship. Such it is with Joe. He thinks his money has made him better than others. That he could see Ella as a "servant" because she would drive herself is definitely a red flag for the relationship.