Has anyone ever been to Cuba?

[Weezer]

Just curious.

Bad experiences? Good experiences? Do tell.

I plan to go there for a few weeks sometime after high school.

[Hiero]

It is alright. Mine overall was a good experience, it depends on what you want to travel for.

People who speak spanish who have been to Cuba tell me that alot of people complain to them about conditions, especially young people.

[Susurrus]

I have. Any specific questions? Here's an experience I had that shows the situation in Cuba to an extent: Next to Che's memorial and resting place, there is a resort. This resort is far too expensive for ordinary Cubans to go to, so it is the realm of foreign tourists and powerful Cubans. The tragic irony of putting this next to the grave of a man who fought for equality and communism is overwhelming.

Also, I made a thread related to this: http://www.revleft.com/vb/off-cuba-t156757/index.html

[wunderbar]

I've been to Cuba. I wasn't there long enough or traveled enough (I stayed in Havana the entire time except for when I went to see Ernest Hemingway's house, about 15 miles away) to have a ton of experiences, but I did learn some things:

If you're in the US and you want to stretch your money a bit, exchange most of your dollars to the currency used in the country between the US and Cuba (assuming you're getting there the "unofficial" way, if you go legally direct from the US, there's not a lot you can do about this). The reason is because unlike other currencies like Euros, Pesos, Canadian Dollars, Cuba charges an extra 10% fee on US dollars when exchanged for CUC.

Bring small gifts for people, things like pens and whatnot.

When walking around, people will try to sell you cigars and other stuff.

Newspaper sellers in the street sell a daily Granma in Spanish, a weekly Granma in English (and other language editions), a weekly youth Juventud Rebelde, and some magazines.

Word can spread quickly, and people might know things about you (where you're from, how long you're staying, even things you're looking to purchase in markets) that can be surprising.

The Ministry of Industry in Havana had plastic pink flamingos in front.

When leaving Cuba, you must pay a 25 CUC departure tax.

[brigadista]

i was there for 3 weeks in 2009 if you have any questsions . I was in Havana , Santiago de Cuba and the coast -Baracoa .

[Vladimir Innit Lenin]

I was there for 2 weeks last year, stayed in Havana province - in Centro Habana and in Guanabo in the Playa Del Este.

I saw many signs of the existence of inequality whilst I was there - the people who I stayed with were both clearly wealthy (in relative terms). One even had a maid. Whereas I met some people who lived 3 generations to a flat.

The story from less well-off Cubans was very much the same throughout. They adore Fidel, and to an extent the rest of the original revolutionaries, but don't like the system because it makes housing complicated, is unfair, bureaucratic and so on.

People outside of Havana City were very willing to talk about politics openly. Even met the mayor.

Gringos will get fleeced there. The hustlers are quite annoying on a personal level, though it's more that they're happy to chill out with you for an hour or two in exchange for drinks/milk (rare) being bought rather than aggressive 'hustling' per se, but on a political level it's worrying the divide that the dual currency and Capitalistic reforms of recent years have created between rich and poor.

[Fulanito de Tal]

I go about twice a year. What about Cuba interests you?

[Weezer]

I go about twice a year. What about Cuba interests you?

Basically, everything. Solidarity with Cuba has been one of my political interests lately, and I'm thinking of writing some kind of 50-60 page little novella sized pamphlet defending Cuba, countering reactionary arguments against the government, etc.

If anyone who has been to Cuba could give me some first hand accounts about their experiences, I would incorporate their stories into the book and give them credit. :)

[RedMarxist]

I have not been, but once I'm done with High School/later on in life if I can I really want to go there. I'm reading A book, its kind of old 1997, got it from my local library its called Inside the Revolution: Daily life in Socialist Cuba

Despite the obvious bias in title choice, its a fairly accurate portrayal of small town life in Cuba under the rule of the Communist Party of Cuba. Check it out if you can find it, I believe it is on Amazon as well in reprints.

I really believe that the whole "Cuban Revolution" is over-hyped. I mean Fidel basically replaced a right wing regime with a left wing regime. Both are bad in my opinion.

[Fulanito de Tal]

Basically, everything. Solidarity with Cuba has been one of my political interests lately, and I'm thinking of writing some kind of 50-60 page little novella sized pamphlet defending Cuba, countering reactionary arguments against the government, etc.

If anyone who has been to Cuba could give me some first hand accounts about their experiences, I would incorporate their stories into the book and give them credit. :)


Read my blog. It's my experience with Cuban medicine while comparing it to the Veterans Health Administration system in the US.

It would be hard for me to tell you about everything I know about Cuba without writing and entire book.

If you have any specific questions, let me know, and I will answer them as best as I can :)

[OhYesIdid]

Basically, everything. Solidarity with Cuba has been one of my political interests lately, and I'm thinking of writing some kind of 50-60 page little novella sized pamphlet defending Cuba, countering reactionary arguments against the government, etc.

If anyone who has been to Cuba could give me some first hand accounts about their experiences, I would incorporate their stories into the book and give them credit. :)

:blink::blink:Dude, for that I expect you to at the very least go and live there for a while. Damn, the vanity of thinking you can write such a thing based off blog posts :cursing:

[Comrade Crow]

No but I want to. Not even because of zomgah, Che and Fidel, and it being an alleged worker's state or Socialistic or whatever. Mainly because I see it as an old school, awesome holiday spot. Movies like The Godfather and all that. I heard the Rat Pack went there or something, idk, seems really chill to me.

All the Che and what nots just seem like icing on the cake.

[LevDavidovichBronstein]

I haven't been to Cuba, but I've been to North Korea :D

[Weezer]

I haven't been to Cuba, but I've been to North Korea :D

How was that?

[LevDavidovichBronstein]

Not as bad as you'd expect - Stayed in a nice hotel and of course the tour of the country was very, very interesting.

It's something you need to do for yourself to experience, if you know what I mean;)

[Hiero]

i was there for 3 weeks in 2009 if you have any questsions . I was in Havana , Santiago de Cuba and the coast -Baracoa .

Sounds like you did the same tour as me. Did you stay at the (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julio_Antonio_Mella)Julio Antonia Mella international camp

[RadioRaheem84]

How is the tourist industry and the currency exchange creating inequality if the proceeds go to the state in order to fund the social programs, pensions, health care and education of the average Cuban? Serious question.

[Hiero]

How is the tourist industry and the currency exchange creating inequality if the proceeds go to the state in order to fund the social programs, pensions, health care and education of the average Cuban? Serious question.

I think what people mean is that tourists get access to things that most Cubans will not be able to experience, for example eating beef. It is a misrecgonition of global inequality for local inequality.

Tourist can afford this because they come from affluent countries and earn more then third world workers, they bring money to Cuba that Cuban's do not have and so by their spending the tourist industry can meet their demands. These people can easliy go holiday Thailand and Cuban's will still not be able to eat beef. It is not like they are taking beef away from Cuban working class. If there were no tourists in Cuba there would not be restaurants serving beef.

[Vladimir Innit Lenin]

How is the tourist industry and the currency exchange creating inequality if the proceeds go to the state in order to fund the social programs, pensions, health care and education of the average Cuban? Serious question.

Because there is a great scarcity of material goods in Cuba (I mean, I spent 2 hours in Havana trying to find a plug and they didn't have a single one!), and many luxuries and scarce normal goods are only available to those with convertible pesos/foreign currency.

Consider also that Cubans get paid in National pesos, not convertible pesos. There are effectively two markets and the markets which you can enter with national pesos are quite limited. A litre of milk (warm and unpasteurised!) can cost up to 5 convertible pesos, for example, when the wage of the average Cuban worker will certainly be less than 20 convertible pesos.

In short, national pesos mean that Cubans can pay their rent, buy foodstuffs on the ration cards and get things cheap from some peso stores (where national is the currency), but most goods are scarce and even getting plugs, clothing items, milk and things that you and I might consider 'basic' is financially unaffordable due to the dual currency system.

[Vladimir Innit Lenin]

How is the tourist industry and the currency exchange creating inequality if the proceeds go to the state in order to fund the social programs, pensions, health care and education of the average Cuban? Serious question.

A great example of how tourism creates inequality:

As I said previosuly, the average working wage in Cuba is around 15 convertible pesos, give or take.

People are allowed to rent out a room in their house (casa particular system) to tourists. This has been the case for a few years. They charge 25-35 convertible pesos per night.
At one place I stayed I paid the woman 25 pesos per night, + 5 pesos for breakfast and 10 pesos for dinner, so she was making in a day what ordinary Cubans might make in over two months.

[Triple A]

I plan to go to Cuba when I get a bit older and with more money but its really expensive for us europeans.

BTW: i think cuban medecine must be good as we hire cuban doctors to our hospitals here in Portugal.

[brigadista]

Sounds like you did the same tour as me. Did you stay at the (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julio_Antonio_Mella)Julio Antonia Mella international camp

no - i was there for three weeks independently

[Aspiring Humanist]

I have not been, but once I'm done with High School/later on in life if I can I really want to go there. I'm reading A book, its kind of old 1997, got it from my local library its called Inside the Revolution: Daily life in Socialist Cuba

Despite the obvious bias in title choice, its a fairly accurate portrayal of small town life in Cuba under the rule of the Communist Party of Cuba. Check it out if you can find it, I believe it is on Amazon as well in reprints.

I really believe that the whole "Cuban Revolution" is over-hyped. I mean Fidel basically replaced a right wing regime with a left wing regime. Both are bad in my opinion.

agreed. If there is a hell, Batista and Castro will be burning on the same level

[S.Artesian]

Right, yeah, sure. One, Batista's, condemned poor people to inferior education, inferior medical care, inadequate nutrition and the other one, Fidel's, created a system of excellent education, health care, and adequate nutrition for all.

Sure they belong in the same hell. Right, pay no attention to reality, keep praying.

In answer to the OP, yeah I've been there 4 times. Did some work with the Cuban railroads. Haven't been back though in a decade.

[RadioRaheem84]

A great example of how tourism creates inequality:

As I said previosuly, the average working wage in Cuba is around 15 convertible pesos, give or take.

People are allowed to rent out a room in their house (casa particular system) to tourists. This has been the case for a few years. They charge 25-35 convertible pesos per night.
At one place I stayed I paid the woman 25 pesos per night, + 5 pesos for breakfast and 10 pesos for dinner, so she was making in a day what ordinary Cubans might make in over two months.

Holy shit.

I figured that people were exploiting the tourist industry in an effort to make ends meet or make more money.

That does seem like it would be creating a serious problem of inequality, yet the Cuban government has not addressed this?

But how does this effect the overall economy? Does the extra income for Cubans effect the overall makeup of the nation? Is the gap really that noticiable? And does the extra income exhaust resources for everyone else? In other words, are the people making out like bandits over the tourist trade taking up more than they should?

[Hiero]

Holy shit.

I figured that people were exploiting the tourist industry in an effort to make ends meet or make more money.

That does seem like it would be creating a serious problem of inequality, yet the Cuban government has not addressed this?

But how does this effect the overall economy? Does the extra income for Cubans effect the overall makeup of the nation? Is the gap really that noticiable? And does the extra income exhaust resources for everyone else? In other words, are the people making out like bandits over the tourist trade taking up more than they should?

This is just a cause of global inequality. Tourists have money to spend, Cuban's provide a service.

[Vladimir Innit Lenin]

Holy shit.

I figured that people were exploiting the tourist industry in an effort to make ends meet or make more money.

That does seem like it would be creating a serious problem of inequality, yet the Cuban government has not addressed this?

But how does this effect the overall economy? Does the extra income for Cubans effect the overall makeup of the nation? Is the gap really that noticiable? And does the extra income exhaust resources for everyone else? In other words, are the people making out like bandits over the tourist trade taking up more than they should?

Well, I was there a year ago and, as you'll know from the coverage of the recent Congress, my experience may well be out-of-date now and in the near future, and I was there for two weeks, so my knowledge is far from exhaustive.

There is a noticeable, but certainly manageable inequality in Cuba. Nobody goes hungry or lives in the kind of conditions you might expect in some of the poorest African nations, but yeah, some people live 2 or 3 generations to a flat, whereas a couple of the people I stayed with (if only i'd known i'd not have directed my money towards some of them...) had just the one generation living generously, with room to hold a gringo like me.

In terms of your macro-economic questions, i'm afraid I simply don't have the expertise to answer. It seems to me, and I recall from some brief googling ive done previosuly, that inequality isn't endemic. It's more of a symptom of a reversion from progressive, Socialistic policies, to reliance on tourism and trade, during and since the Special Period of 1990-95.

[brigadista]

there are problems with the dual currency-its should be mentioned that there are also two levels of transport - ordinary cubans cannot afford to travel on the tourist transport.

However, unlike other developing countries tourists cant buy goods or food for a lot less than the value as a result of comparative currency inequality.

The main problem put to me when i was in Cuba was the inability to travel out of the island. Also as in many other countries some people with relatives in the US seem to have a idealistic view of the US.However, this is also the case in other carribbean islands.

there seemed to be a different views of the Cuban government depending on whether people lived in the countryside or towns.

My experience is limited as i was a tourist and only stayed there for only 3 weeks however, i have never met people before like the Cubans. In general they were very dignified and open and I would love to go back. In my limited experience i doubt somehow that their dignity would be intact if they had not had the revolution. People in the towns were different to the people in the countryside as in most countries.

I stayed in hotels and casa particulars There is an area in Havana that is being developed specifically for tourist - hotels.

I avoided Varadero - I think it is important to speak spanish if you go.

we saw and met quite a lot of openly gay men throughout the island .

Santeria is VERY popular .

this post is my experience of cuba. In no way would I say it is definitive about Cuba.I wouldn't begin to presume that after only 3 weeks there. I think a non Cuban person who was say studying there as an overseas student would have a much better insight into how Cuba works, society , government .

[RadioRaheem84]

Cuba seems to be using it's tourist industry to fuel it's social programs, and there are Cubans who have gamed the system in order to flourish themselves. In one sense, I do not blame them but in another sense it seems like it's hurting the level of equality there.

[S.Artesian]

Cuba seems to be using it's tourist industry to fuel it's social programs, and there are Cubans who have gamed the system in order to flourish themselves. In one sense, I do not blame them but in another sense it seems like it's hurting the level of equality there.

It certainly is. And it's a drain on the infrastructure, with an "energy footprint" massively greater in proportion to its general social contribution than other sectors of the economy-- but that's the nature of value, isn't it.

Look, Brazil and India have hammered the fuck out of earnings from sugar in Cuba; without Venezuela's contribution of oil the country would be effectively bankrupt. Mineral production [nickel] is hampered by obsolete machinery and technology.

Commodity inflation, boosting the price of sugar, historically works to drive out inefficient producers as the cost of inputs to the overall economy exceeds the profit obtained from the commodities [worked that way in the Philippines after the sugar bust of the 1970s, which led by the way to Aquino and the successful attempt to channel the "peoples' revolution."]. It's fattening the smaller goose to give it a bigger liver for the fois gras. And you know what it takes to make fois gras, of course. Killing the goose.

Commodity inflation does set up those producers for the great fall as the inflatin marks, measures, and facilitates greater overproduction and when the price falls.. well look at the Philippines again, or look at English agricultural 1973-1815, and the driving out of small producers, destruction of the commons, etc.

The cost of making any of Cuba's industries [I]competitive in the world markets is simply prohibitive for one country [Russia couldn't do it. Cuba can't do it. This should tell us all we ever need to know about "socialism in one country."]

So Cuba is embarked upon its "reorganization" which reorganization will not be successful unless.........Cuba removes the barriers to foreign direct investment, and I mean the barriers which amount to the protections for labor.

[CHE with an AK]

I have been there many times, and to most of the major cities. I've also spoken to and met with many officials in government, the CDR's, the University of Havana, the organic farm communes, and a couple members of the Castro family, + Che's daughter Aleida (who was very engaging and nice).

I'm open to answering any specific questions you have.

My experiences have always been fairly good, and I consider it a unique and inspiring place in many respects. There is a glory in their constant struggle against U.S. Imperialism.

If you live in the U.S. or Canada and want to venture there for the first time, and don't know much Spanish - I would recommend a Cuban education tour with Cuba Now ...

http://www.cubasolidarity.ca/

It is a great initial introduction to the island with informed tour guides, who place an emphasis on the island's socialist history and accomplishments.

[RadioRaheem84]

Cuba removes the barriers to foreign direct investment, and I mean the barriers which amount to the protections for labor.

Just how much of the barriers need to be removed? What can be done considering the blockade?

Anyone have any reports or articles about the problems facing the Cuban economy?

[S.Artesian]

Just how much of the barriers need to be removed? What can be done considering the blockade?


I honestly do not know and wouldn't want to speculate.

[Fulanito de Tal]

A great example of how tourism creates inequality:

As I said previosuly, the average working wage in Cuba is around 15 convertible pesos, give or take.

People are allowed to rent out a room in their house (casa particular system) to tourists. This has been the case for a few years. They charge 25-35 convertible pesos per night.
At one place I stayed I paid the woman 25 pesos per night, + 5 pesos for breakfast and 10 pesos for dinner, so she was making in a day what ordinary Cubans might make in over two months.

That family had to apply for a license to be able to accommodate foreigners. They are highly taxed, so they don't keep all of the money for themselves. I'm sure, as with everything else, some of it is corrupted, but don't think that the family there pockets all of the revenue.

Also, if you paid 10 and 5 CUC for dinner and breakfast, respectively, you got ripped off and the family pocketed some of that. I wouldn't pay more than 30 pesos (~1.05 CUC) for a full meal with waiter service. If you were near El Capitolio, you could walk to the boulevard and get a pan con lechon or arroz salteado for 10 pesos each.

The saying in Cuba is "El que pestapierda, ñea, [The person that bloses, links]" which is a play on "El que pestañea, pierde.[The person that blinks, loses]". The person that hears the first version will stay confused for a second and that is when s/he loses. The people in Havana are experts in scamming foreigners, so it's really hard to not get ripped off. I get caught sometimes too, and by the time I realize it, it's too late. Then I just rationalize it and pretend that I deserve to waste money as a luxury sometimes, which is stupid in itself as well.

Anyway, I'm not trying to illegitimize your experience or call you stupid, but adding to your post.

[Vladimir Innit Lenin]

That family had to apply for a license to be able to accommodate foreigners. They are highly taxed, so they don't keep all of the money for themselves. I'm sure, as with everything else, some of it is corrupted, but don't think that the family there pockets all of the revenue.

Also, if you paid 10 and 5 CUC for dinner and breakfast, respectively, you got ripped off and the family pocketed some of that. I wouldn't pay more than 30 pesos (~1.05 CUC) for a full meal with waiter service. If you were near El Capitolio, you could walk to the boulevard and get a pan con lechon or arroz salteado for 10 pesos each.

The saying in Cuba is "El que pestapierda, ñea, [The person that bloses, links]" which is a play on "El que pestañea, pierde.[The person that blinks, loses]". The person that hears the first version will stay confused for a second and that is when s/he loses. The people in Havana are experts in scamming foreigners, so it's really hard to not get ripped off. I get caught sometimes too, and by the time I realize it, it's too late. Then I just rationalize it and pretend that I deserve to waste money as a luxury sometimes, which is stupid in itself as well.

Anyway, I'm not trying to illegitimize your experience or call you stupid, but adding to your post.

It seemed par for the course to chuck an extra 5CUC in for breakfast.

Dinner I only paid CUC prices when I first stayed there. I was in Guanabo and there was literally nowhere else to eat other than my house, and tbh 10CUC for 3 courses, drinks and a nice family atmosphere was still alright. If they pocketed some of the money then good luck to them.

When I got into Centro Habana the first thing I did was go next door to a quiet little paladar and get Steak, rice, chips and salad for 1.50CUC.:D

But yeah, the jineteros there are little buggers. Got absolutely hustled for a mojito and milk when I first ventured into Havana, which was probably just as well because I then toughened up and learned quite quickly who were genuine Cubans to hang out with and who just wanted my money. The genuine ones were always happy to take me to proper cafes and ice cream places and buy us stuff or share the cost, I found.

[RadioRaheem84]

Ok all these stories sound like tales from the third world to me.

Where is the progressiveness that made Cuba stand out? Yes, there is housing, medical care, education and guaranteed food, but what about in terms of wages?

[punisa]

Questions:
1) What are young people doing? How much free time do they have? What kind of music is popular among the youth? Any rock n roll music? :)

2) What do people say - what will happen after Fidel dies?

3) Is there any racism between black and white?

4) Does bureaucracy produce "local sheriffs"? As in local influential and powerful individuals who everyone *should* be nice to? This question is regarding smaller places and countryside.

5) What is the recent state of internet? Can ordinary Cubans get online?

6) Any foreign newspapers available in Havana?

7) How safe is it to walk back home alone mildly drunk at nighttime in Havana?

8) Are people generally in good condition and healthy?

9) Do you need to be a party member to enjoy certain benefits? Like get a better job etc.

10) How political are young people?

11) Is there a lot of prostitution? (I heard so)

thanks, answering any of these would be nice :)

[Susurrus]

I have been there many times, and to most of the major cities. I've also spoken to and met with many officials in government, the CDR's, the University of Havana, the organic farm communes, and a couple members of the Castro family, + Che's daughter Aleida (who was very engaging and nice).

I'm open to answering any specific questions you have.

My experiences have always been fairly good, and I consider it a unique and inspiring place in many respects. There is a glory in their constant struggle against U.S. Imperialism.

If you live in the U.S. or Canada and want to venture there for the first time, and don't know much Spanish - I would recommend a Cuban education tour with Cuba Now ...

http://www.cubasolidarity.ca/

It is a great initial introduction to the island with informed tour guides, who place an emphasis on the island's socialist history and accomplishments.

Is that Cuba solidarity thing what you did?

[CHE with an AK]

Is that Cuba solidarity thing what you did?
I went on a tour through them the very first time I visited Cuba. All visits since have not been with them, but it is great for a first time visitor.

[Fulanito de Tal]

1) What are young people doing? How much free time do they have? Depends what age you are asking about. Kids are really involved in school. There are lots of activities for them to take advantage like sports. Cuba is known for martial arts, baseball, and volleyball. They also have dance and and drama. I can find out more for you soon.


What kind of music is popular among the youth? Any rock n roll music? :)Music is somewhat clique-y, but not like in the US. Reggaeton and charanga are the most popular amongst the youth. Rockers are called freaks. It's not an insult, but more of a name that they are proud of.

Cuban reggaeton
_fbtqNClD-0

Charanga
WYTuNlEU3qU


2) What do people say - what will happen after Fidel dies?I don't know for sure, but it seems that the youth is ready to take charge of the country. I'm still anxious though :/


3) Is there any racism between black and white?Yes, but it's not like racism in the US. I'm white. I remember the first time my dad stopped at a dark corner in the night and there were three black guys just hanging out. I was like, "WTF are you doing?" He realized was I was talking about and to show me that things were different, he started a conversation with them. So, the animosity between white and black is not as strong.

If we had data on the amount of people of African decent in jails and their professions in Cuba, that would be a good measure too. I know that the last time I went, I went to the doctor 3 times (I save my medical issues for when I'm there). Two of the doctors were black like the night sky. One of those two was Angolan and we had a conversation about Angola. He said that it's corrupt because that's capitalism. The third doctor was a mulatta female. She was GORGEOUS. My dad also went to the heart institute in Havana. His doctor was also a mulatta female. They're not all "black" though. I've seen white doctors on prior visits.


4) Does bureaucracy produce "local sheriffs"? As in local influential and powerful individuals who everyone *should* be nice to? This question is regarding smaller places and countryside.I don't know everything about this, and my experience is from the city. There are CDRs (http://www.ecured.cu/index.php/Comit%C3%A9s_de_Defensa_de_la_Revoluci%C3%B3n) and they have presidents. Like anyone with power, you're going to have problems if you don't get along with them. Still, it's not like you would imagine. Once these self-employment laws kicked in, my cousin started working for the lady on the first floor. Her husband is the president of the CDR for the area. My cousin couldn't take orders from a boss (lol @ capitalism), so he chewed her ass, told her to go to hell, and quit. He and the president still get along fine and he hasn't had any trouble. he said that if he did have trouble, he would fix it. but, everyone knows it's better to get along.


5) What is the recent state of internet? Can ordinary Cubans get online?Internet is very limited because Cuba has been purchasing interent through costly internet through satellite because Capt Freedom USA wont allow Cuba to connect to Florida with a cable. Therefore, internet is rationed an only certain people have access. Tourist can use the internet, but they are charged by the hour. Certain professions have access to internet or email only such as medical administrators and professors. These people allow others to use their email access sometimes. When I'm there, I use my sister's mom's email that she's provided because she was a director of a mental asylum. There are also email cafes that are accessible to the population, but the lines can be long and in the sun. If you have nothing else to do, it may be worth the wait. Recently, a cable was connected from Cuba to Venezuela. I don't know the status of this project or how it's affecting internet in Cuba yet.


6) Any foreign newspapers available in Havana? I've never even thought to look for one. So, I don't know. I'm always so excited to read the Cuban ones, that it never occurred to me. My guess is that there probably are, but only tourist can afford or choose to pay the price considering that the Cuban papers are 1 peso from an old guy when a foreign paper is going to be much more expensive.


7) How safe is it to walk back home alone mildly drunk at nighttime in Havana?Really safe. I've done it many times and much more than mildly drunk. There are some neighborhoods that are considered "caliente" which means they're more dangerous. Being a foreigner highlights you as a person that has lots of money, so you may be of interest to a thief. Still, it's not like the dangerous neighborhoods in the US. In the city, there's almost always someone outside, so doing something will be seen by many and people will probably intervene or help you if you need anything. If you're in tourist areas, there are TONS of cops, so I wouldn't be worried at all. Also, cops are not out to get you. They're there to control the situation if it gets out of hand.


8) Are people generally in good condition and healthy?Yes, much better than here. They say that people in the US have obesity problems. I ran a the Maraban Marathon one year and it wasn't until Mile 10 that I finally caught up with a 60-70 year old lady IN SANDALS. They're life is much more active, so they get lots of exercise. The health systems is amazingly effective and practical. If you don't go to the doctor when you're sick, people call you stupid and argue with you until you go. However, I think they don't worry as much about their teeth.


9) Do you need to be a party member to enjoy certain benefits? Like get a better job etc.I don't know. I'm going to find out for sure, but I'm guessing that party membership will boost your resume for certain jobs like administration or public service.


10) How political are young people?From what I've notice, very little. They're more about dancing, being cool, partying, or whatever hobby they're into.


11) Is there a lot of prostitution? (I heard so)Yes. Sex is very open there. It's normal to ask someone to fuck and them not find it offensive or think that you're a pervert. Since at least a year now, homosexual hook ups are very open. Still, prostitution is illegal, but it happens. The saying is, "Quando se cierra puerta, todo es cama. [When the door is closed, everything is bed.]" Meaning that when doors are closed, people are fucking.


thanks, answering any of these would be nice :)You're welcome! Let me know if you have any more questions.

[Vladimir Innit Lenin]

Good answers above.

I'd add to question 10 that from what I saw, people under 30 seem to be admiring of Fidel and some of the original revolutionaries, but don't seem to like the government intereference that Cuba's political system brings.

Prostitution is ridiculously rife and, I hate to say it, but from what I remember the offers of sex came mainly from fully black Cubans (as opposed to mulatto or white Cubans), which makes me think that there is some sort of racial economic divide. I mean, it's no secret that there was a lot of racism around a few years ago, and whilst I didn't see any to the extent that there seems to be in the USA, there seems to be some sort of racial economic divide.

[Reznov]

Heres a bit of a question I have, how important is it to speak Spanish?

I have a thick southern accent, and I cannot say a single word of Spanish without it sounding horrible, if it even makes sense.

Do people there speak English? Should some type of translation be taken?

How big is safety? Is there a lot of crime etc...?

(RevLeft is also a Cuban Tourist information kiosk haha!)

[ColonelCossack]

My aunt visited Cuba. she said that the atmosphere was really good, and they were really proud of Castro and the socialist government.

Edit: i think that even if Cuba's made some concessions, I think it's still quite impressive considering the HUGE embargo that they didn't get annexed to the USA!

[ColonelCossack]

agreed. If there is a hell, Batista and Castro will be burning on the same level
Wasn't this forum origianlly called 'Che lives'? Doesn't that kind of celebrate the Cuban revolution?

[Fulanito de Tal]

Heres a bit of a question I have, how important is it to speak Spanish? I have a thick southern accent, and I cannot say a single word of Spanish without it sounding horrible, if it even makes sense. Do people there speak English? Should some type of translation be taken?

There are some people that speak English there. Also, if you're good a improvised sign language, that would help too. One time, I was two blocks east of El Capitolio near La Floridita bar. I saw an old guy (65+) that stuck out holding yellow post it paper with the word "Terminal de Trenes" [Train Terminal] written on it. I asked him in Spanish if he was looking for it, and in the worst Spanish ever, he said that he was looking for it. I talked to him in English and that was his primary language. I told him how to get to the terminal which was a few blocks away. This guy barely spoke Spanish and was getting around Cuba. He was also old and his safety was not an issue.

There are people in hotels that speak English and you can ask them how to get around and where places to see are at. Taking a list of phrases might help.

How big is safety? Is there a lot of crime etc...?
The crime in Cuba is mostly revolving around corruption. Violent crime is rare and you have to look for it. For example, you would have to call a guy on the street names or do something to find it. Since I'm Mr. Stories, I have another one. I was drinking a some milkshakes in the Chinatown in Havana. There was lots of noise coming from down the block. What happened was an old guy was hitting on some other guy's wife. The other guy got mad and started beating the old guy. About 20 people broke up the fight. One lady when running and got the police. The police, instead of going straight there, got in their car and drove around the entire block because it was a one way road. By the time the police got there, the guy had ran off. So the lady that ran to get the police started yelling at the cops and people started backing her up. The police got the hell out of there because they knew they were in the wrong, lol. The entire group of 20 something was gonna go against them.



(RevLeft is also a Cuban Tourist information kiosk haha!)

:thumbup:

[ellipsis]

I have, back in 1999.

[Fulanito de Tal]

agreed. If there is a hell, Batista and Castro will be burning on the same level

Both you and RedMarxist are basing your opinions mostly on bourgeois propaganda. You don't know what you're writing about and stating that Castro will be in hell next to Batista is shit. I dare you to go to Cuba and say this in the streets. The cops wont even get a chance to protect you before the civilian population, including me if I'm there, fucks you up. Of course, afterwards, you would get free health care thanks to the revolution.

[CHE with an AK]

... stating that Castro will be in hell next to Batista is shit. I dare you to go to Cuba and say this in the streets. The cops wont even get a chance to protect you before the civilian population, including me if I'm there, fucks you up. Of course, afterwards, you would get free health care thanks to the revolution.

:thumbup: magnifico :thumbup1:



ljH17Rq67ck


:castro: :cubaflag:

[Fulanito de Tal]

:thumbup: magnifico :thumbup1:



ljH17Rq67ck


:castro: :cubaflag:


"I speak in the name of children that don't have a piece of bread." :crying:

[Susurrus]

As much as I like Fidel(even my Cuban exile grandmother who despises him gives him credit for improving the lives and opportunities of the people), that video looked a lot like ones with Stalin and Kim Il Sung in terms of stylism.

@ColonelCossack Don't think that the US hasn't tried to annex Cuba. Remember the Bay of Pigs?

[CommieTroll]

I dare you to go to Cuba and say this in the streets. The cops wont even get a chance to protect you before the civilian population, including me if I'm there, fucks you up. Of course, afterwards, you would get free health care thanks to the revolution.

This was one of them RevLeft posts that really made me laugh, just make sure he's alive afterward so he can thank Fidel for the free healthcare :laugh:

[Weezer]

I have, back in 1999.

Care to expand on your visit?


As much as I like Fidel(even my Cuban exile grandmother who despises him gives him credit for improving the lives and opportunities of the people), that video looked a lot like ones with Stalin and Kim Il Sung in terms of stylism.

Honestly, that video was no worse than those dreadful US Army commercials.

"There's strong. And then there's Army Strong." Ugh.

[Fulanito de Tal]

jEMhg-66Tfg

And at the end of that, I want to throw my fist through your fucking mouth.

[RadioRaheem84]

Bad ass song and bad ass message.

What is the song's name?

[RadioRaheem84]

Castro = Nasser, Sukarno, Tito, and nearly all in the Non-Aligned Movement of the 20th Century.

Good men, great populists, but their regimes not really Marxist/Communist.

I still support them within reason.

[B0LSHEVIK]

I went to Cuba in the Spring of 07, though I was only there for four days, three actually.

It's VERY expensive for anyone with US dollars. You're best bet when you get there is to befriend Cubans really. Because of the dual currency, CUP (national money) and CUC (convertible, foreigner), tourists pay a higher price for everything. For example, I went to the baseball stadium where 'tourists' were paying about $25 to get in, while Cubans paid about 10 CUP's which was like $.40 back then, since 24 CUP's made a dollar.

Also, take small 'personal' items like soaps, toothpaste, candies, etc. You can actually use these things for barter. Oh and also, go to Varadero, its thee most beautiful natural beach I've ever seen, and I've seen a few 'world class' beaches. Eat in casa particulares, with average working Cubans, finding restaurants is hard anyways and always packed with tourists. Oh, and buy revolutionary money off of a Cuban; on my wall I have a little plaque with a few CUP bills with images of Cienfuegos, Che, and Jose Marti. Oddly enough though, Fidel is not on the money. :(

[Smyg]

Oddly enough though, Fidel is not on the money. :(

First time I've ever seen someone saddened by a lack of cult of personality.

[B0LSHEVIK]

First time I've ever seen someone saddened by a lack of cult of personality.

What can I say, I admire Fidel!

[bricolage]

It's VERY expensive for anyone with US dollars. You're best bet when you get there is to befriend Cubans really. Because of the dual currency, CUP (national money) and CUC (convertible, foreigner), tourists pay a higher price for everything.
I dunno why everyone thinks it's so hard to get the national peso, I just walked into a bank that someone had told me about and made an exchange.

That being said a lot of the cheapness of it seems to come from actually being Cuban and not because you have the Cuban money, places won't actually offer you the cheaper rates if you are a foreigner.

Eat in casa particulares, with average working Cubans,
Eh? You stay in casa particulares and they mostly offer you some dinner but I've never heard of just rocking up to peoples houses for food, might well be the case but I dunno.

[B0LSHEVIK]

I dunno why everyone thinks it's so hard to get the national peso, I just walked into a bank that someone had told me about and made an exchange.

That being said a lot of the cheapness of it seems to come from actually being Cuban and not because you have the Cuban money, places won't actually offer you the cheaper rates if you are a foreigner.

Eh? You stay in casa particulares and they mostly offer you some dinner but I've never heard of just rocking up to peoples houses for food, might well be the case but I dunno.

Really? You just walked into a bank and the teller knowingly exchanged a foreigner national currency? Funny. Everyone in Cuba said its illegal to do that, and that selling those CUP of Che was illegal. EG, its illegal for foreigners to use and carry, national money. But that was in 07. Now, with all the current reforms, who knows.

And yes. They're like neighborhood kitchens. They're also hotels if you plan ahead, I didnt. So, we would go to these casa particulares to eat lunch and dinner mostly, our hotel offered breakfast. I will say another thing, I didn't eat like a king, so to say.

[brigadista]

Bad ass song and bad ass message.

What is the song's name?

backing track - here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBRXZNuK3Jo

and here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22HonqaXji4&feature=watch_response

[Comrade J]

Both you and RedMarxist are basing your opinions mostly on bourgeois propaganda. You don't know what you're writing about and stating that Castro will be in hell next to Batista is shit. I dare you to go to Cuba and say this in the streets. The cops wont even get a chance to protect you before the civilian population, including me if I'm there, fucks you up. Of course, afterwards, you would get free health care thanks to the revolution.

You would fuck someone up because he disagrees with your political viewpoint on a particular politician? A tad harsh...


Oh and also, go to Varadero, its thee most beautiful natural beach I've ever seen, and I've seen a few 'world class' beaches.

Ergh, don't go to Varadero, it's just converted millionaire/mafia mansions exclusively for tourists. I went for a few days to Varadero when I was in Cuba in 2006, and as beautiful a place as it is, it is awful and I regretted it. There is a toll to get onto the Varadero peninsula (see below) and unless they work there, a Cuban citizen cannot get in and enjoy the privately owned beaches. I felt so fucking decadent in that place. There is however a nice park there, and Al Capone's house is now a great seafood restaurant. Still, the whole place is just full of scum who will say they've been to Cuba and just stay in Varadero, and it could be anywhere in the Caribbean, frankly.

This is in Havana with one of the many signs commemorating Fidel's 80th birthday (guess which building is UNESCO renovated...)http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f216/comrade-j/Cuba/PICT0104.jpg

And this is the toll to get onto the Varadero peninsula.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f216/comrade-j/Cuba/PICT0655.jpg

EDIT - I should mention however, one cool thing about Varadero is the main art gallery. The greatest sculpture I ever saw is there, and has been my avatar on here for about 5 years.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f216/comrade-j/Cuba/PICT0658.jpg

[Susurrus]

Really? You just walked into a bank and the teller knowingly exchanged a foreigner national currency? Funny. Everyone in Cuba said its illegal to do that, and that selling those CUP of Che was illegal. EG, its illegal for foreigners to use and carry, national money. But that was in 07. Now, with all the current reforms, who knows.


I should think people on the street care little for such things, particularly since they probably get a huge profit from it, considering the differing values of the two types.

[brigadista]

varadero =AVOID:mad:

[B0LSHEVIK]

When I went to Varadero, which there is a toll (like from NYC to NJ for example), I didn't stay at a 'tourist' hotel, I was only there for a day and there are public beaches, thats where I went. Where they rent out lockers and you can rent umbrellas and buy drinks. But, nice pics.

Hey, and if I remember correctly, Havana was under a supposed major restoration process, Im not too sure how thats going though.

[RadioRaheem84]

backing track - here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBRXZNuK3Jo

and here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22HonqaXji4&feature=watch_response

The track is actually a riff from the movie Scarface. It plays whenever Tony first meets the big boss and F. Murray Abraham is killed.

[bricolage]

Really? You just walked into a bank and the teller knowingly exchanged a foreigner national currency?
Yeah, it was 2007 as well. A friend of a friend who had been staying there for a few months showed us where to go. I mostly used the national money for a restaurant we found and for buying street food.

EDIT: I kept a scrapbook thing when I was in Cuba then and I've actually found a receipt stuck in it when I made the exchange for the national pesos, the exact date was 21/03/2007 and it was at a CADECA on 257 Obispo.


And yes. They're like neighborhood kitchens.Oh right, casa particulares have only ever been places to stay for me where someone just rents you a spare room in the family house. All the ones I stayed at in Cuba offered you dinner but that just meant they'd make a bit extra of the family meal. I guess there are probably different types though.

[Dave B]

I went to Varadero for two nights at the end of travelling around for a two weeks,2011, and stayed in a smallish hotel on the beach front for about $20 or ‘ cucs’.

The beach wasn’t private and prices in surrounding restaurants and bars etc were OK.

In fact we didn’t get the impression that there was that much in the way of premium prices but we were all old hands at independent travelling with a nose for the lowest prices.

Even the tourist traps in Havana like the Hemingway Pub weren’t too bad, well just for one beer anyway.


There are swanky hotels and we paid to enter one to use their swimming pool one afternoon just for the hell of it, it wasn’t much.

They produce an excellent wine, called Soya I think, which for some strange reason the Cubans think is crap and cheap plonk and try and persuade you to buy Spanish or European stuff.

Apparently the Chileans etc have recently moved in on it and passing on their talent for that kind of stuff.

There is quite a lot of badgering trying to get you to buy cigars etc even if you are dressed like a poor tourist who has never smoked a cigar in their lives and probably doesn’t know anyone that does.

They seem to have picked up on the Greek trick of waiting for you to get off the buses, or as in Greece the boats, and swarming around you in order to sell you a room for the night.

And I suspect they can spot a sucker with more money than sense as well as anyone else.

I really enjoyed it and felt more relaxed than many other places about being ripped off or turned over.

Money is a bit of a problem as outside Havana working cash machines are about as common as ‘rocking horse pooh’.

What did surprise me for some reason was the nationalist pomp and ceremony with immaculately dressed and disciplined soldiers doing the changing of the guard for instance around Castros’ crappy leaky boat which is proudly displayed in a glass house in a square.

It was a hot day and there was just a low wall like there usually is around the central attraction, so I just sat on it for a fag whilst waiting for the others to come out.

They were very nice about but I was asked to stand up as somehow or other it offended to the dignity of the place.

I committed a similar offence outside the Che museum in Santa Clara.

We accidentally met a real life right wing dissident in a bar who seemed confident enough to rant in public about how shit everything was.

He gave us his name etc and we checked it out on the internet when we got back and it seemed as he was real, his son is a bit of a famous pain in the arse apparently.

The people I was with were Castro lovers mainly so it got a bit heated.

[Fulanito de Tal]

We accidentally met a real life right wing dissident in a bar who seemed confident enough to rant in public about how shit everything was.

He gave us his name etc and we checked it out on the internet when we got back and it seemed as he was real, his son is a bit of a famous pain in the arse apparently.

The people I was with were Castro lovers mainly so it got a bit heated.


Thank you!!