Dave Makichuk takes a look at the passion and sheer joy Cubans have for the game of baseball.

1. Section F
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Editor: Lisa Monforton 403-235-7428 lmonforton@calgaryherald.com Saturday, April 2, 2011
Travel
Notes I love Cuba. Goddamn, they play baseball for all the
right reasons: ’Cause they like it. They don’t play it
because they can make some more money and sell some
World more satellite dishes. They play it for all the right reasons.
of wonders Bill (Spaceman) Lee
FINALISTS • Jeju, the largest
island off the south coast of
Korea’s mainland, is in the
running to become one of the
New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Jeju is the only location
worldwide to gain three
UNESCO world heritage
certifications: the Biosphere
Reserve in 2002, UNESCO
World Heritage Site in 2007
and Global Geoparks in 2010.
The island’s central feature
is Halla mountain, a dormant
volcano, which rises 1,950
metres above sea level.
Jeju is one of 28 New 7
Wonders of Nature finalists.
You can see the entire list —
which includes Canada’s Bay
of Fundy — with images and
videos and enter your seven
votes at www.n7w.com.
Original image courtesy Dave Makichuk
The Industriales Lions host a Cuban Baseball League
game at Estadio Latinoamericano, in Havana.
Ladies only tour
to India
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The land package com-
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priced from $4,099. Chi- Passion and sheer joy made one The crowd erupts — it’s
complete and utter pande-
fierceness of competition
and the undying loyalty of
napac International (www.
chinapac.com) can also visitor ‘fanatico’ for the game monium in the stands as the
runners round the bases. A
the fans, not to mention the
unparalleled experience it
arrange your airfares. Dave Makichuk swaying cheerleaders as deft pickup in the outfield is offers visitors to Cuba.
Three new Calgary Herald
HAVANA
the Lions’ big hitter, Alex
Malleta, slowly strolls up to
followed by a precise throw
to second, which is relayed
Unlike the majority of
Canadians who fly south
guidebooks home plate. home . . . safe! in winter — most of whom
I t’s a typically warm The visiting Ciego de Instantly, I’m surrounded head straight to the nearest
ON THE SHELF • Let’s and sunny afternoon in Avila Tigers are in deep by a sea of joyous, bouncing beach, all-inclusive buffet
Go Europe 2011 (Let’s Go, Havana and a gorgeous, trouble; it’s early innings conga-driven “fanaticos” as or bottomless pina colada
$21.95, 1,220 pages) — blue cloudless sky serves as and Los Azules (the Blue the entire Lions squad leaps — I came to experience a
The student-travel bible an appropriate backdrop at Ones), so named for their from the dugout to form week of “beisbol.”
has spruced itself up with the nearly packed Estadio Blue Jay-like blue and white a line of high-fives for the To say that Cuban base-
a more-readable design, Latinoamericano, home uniforms, have put two run- scoring runner. ball has left me — a tried
rewritten every listing and to the famed Industriales ners on base with only one Welcome to baseball and true MLB Detroit Ti-
added photos. Entries have Lions. out. The Lions are about to Cubano-style! gers fan since 1967 — com-
youthful attitude and direct The 55,000-seat stadium close in for the kill, and the One only has to watch pletely and utterly spoiled
the backpacking crowd to is visibly rocking to the crowd senses it. one game in the Cuban for all time, is an under-
cheap, filling food, nightlife hypnotic, pulsating rhythms It’s a gutsy throw — a fast- National League to gain statement.
and affordable rooms. of a tireless group of conga ball right down the middle. an appreciation for the re-
■ Guided by a Stone-Mason: drummers and young, salsa- Crack! A line drive to right. markable calibre of play, the See BEISBOL, Page F2
Exploring the Cathedrals,
Abbeys and Churches of
Britain by Thomas Maude
(Tauris Parke, $17, 176
pages) — How in the world
did workmen using simple
tools create the wondrous
Concierge dishes on how to get your wish
sanctuaries of the U.K.? This Ross Werland gating this rusty old world in ■ Hotels track your com- good service from some-
paperback will tell you. McClatchy Newspapers more princely fashion: plaints. If you are a nice body who’s afraid of you.”
■ All Aboard: The Complete ■ No reservation at the guest, that will go on your ■ When trolling for celebri-
North American Train Travel In the fun book Concierge restaurant? No problem. record. You may be re- ties at restaurants, sit up
Guide by Jim Loomis (http:// Confidential, superstar Check in with the host, be warded even at other hotels. front, not in the back. In
takeatrainride.blogspot. Manhattan concierge Mi- engaging and acknowledge And if you’re a jerk, you may front, you’ll see the “whole
com) — Not only will the chael Fazio explains how to that you’re an idiot. Say, be rewarded for that too. parade.”
third edition of this useful pry what you want out of the “Look, I know I’m a loser. I ■ If you have a reason to ■ In selecting a service
guide (Chicago Review Press, service world. He provides didn’t make a reservation. send food back, be very gra- person, do you want to see
$18.95, 354 pages) help you some intriguing insight into I’m in your hands.” Fazio cious no matter how you a cute face or get help? “I
plan a trip, but it also will tell the inner human brat that swears by it. feel. You might be surprised always look for the oldest,
you such fascinating tidbits service people often face. ■ Waiters have more clout at how well you’ll be treated. least glamorous person.” Concierge Confidential is
as why a train that’s late can For that, you’ll have to buy than you know and can re- ■ “Don’t make plans when Above all, treat service filled with great tips on
still be considered on time. the book. But here are a ward good customers. Tip you’re drunk. Trust me.” people as if you’re on their how to get your every wish
— Calgary Herald handful of his tips for navi- no less than 20 per cent. ■ “You’re not going to get team, and they will deliver. when you’re travelling.
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