A buddy of mine convinced me to go to Cuba with him in a few months. This will be my first visit to the island, (not to mention my first visit outside of North America, period). I was wondering if some of the more travelled members here could fill me in on what to expect when I get there, places/clubs I should check out while I am down there, and which places I should avoid altogether (by places, I mean sp related and otherwise).
Cuba
- Thread starter Rotcod
- Start date
I too am planning a Cuba trip and need some info on the best all inclusive resort for people under 40. I am not into kids running around and crowded beaches suck balls as far as I am concerned. I need to get away somewhere hot. Advice welcomed.
I am glad you don't have any bias towards Cuba like so many people who have misconceptions about socialism. I admire the Cuban people, they have been both socially and economically issolated by US policies far too long. Yet they manage to strive through hardship and learn to adapt to there conditions.
Look at how they are able to take cars that are decades old and keep them running not only does this show that the Cuban people are resourcefull but this process of recycling is also good for the environment. We in the "disposable" society can learn alot from them.
As for US policy changes toward Cuba under Obama. I was a volunteer in his campaign and from the talk around me as I understand the US may well in the near future have vey different attitudes towards Cuba. I think it will be a great day when the US treats Cuba as a neighboor and a friend instead of a Communist threat. After all it has been well over a decade that the Berlin wall has fallen.
A few years ago a friend was part of a program in providing computer equipment to Cuba for medical purposes. Because of the US policies, Cuba was denied the equipment. Furtunately we here in Canada can see past the capitalist right wing rhetoric and we are human enough to show some humanity.
Look at how they are able to take cars that are decades old and keep them running not only does this show that the Cuban people are resourcefull but this process of recycling is also good for the environment. We in the "disposable" society can learn alot from them.
As for US policy changes toward Cuba under Obama. I was a volunteer in his campaign and from the talk around me as I understand the US may well in the near future have vey different attitudes towards Cuba. I think it will be a great day when the US treats Cuba as a neighboor and a friend instead of a Communist threat. After all it has been well over a decade that the Berlin wall has fallen.
A few years ago a friend was part of a program in providing computer equipment to Cuba for medical purposes. Because of the US policies, Cuba was denied the equipment. Furtunately we here in Canada can see past the capitalist right wing rhetoric and we are human enough to show some humanity.
Thanks for all the advice. My friends have gotten to know a few of the locals there quite well, including a VERY attractive girl who is interested in meeting up with me. It kinda sucks that I am not allowed to have any company in my room, but as you said there are ways around it, depending on how much of a prick the cops are. My plan is to spend approximately half of my time in Havana, and the rest with the family my friends know, so I can get to see both sides of Cuba.
P.S. I too, think that the US embargo on Cuba is a load of BS. Fidel Castro is nowhere near the threat he used to be, and its only hurting the civilians.
P.S. I too, think that the US embargo on Cuba is a load of BS. Fidel Castro is nowhere near the threat he used to be, and its only hurting the civilians.
Havana is a very cool place. Knowing some Spanish is a good idea.
Renting at a casa particular is the way to go.
US citizens go via Canada, Mexico or one of the Caribbean islands. Lots of Americans go.
Girls are everywhere. The full time hookers hang out at the hotel discos and on the Malecon. Part timers are on the Malecon and 5th.
My best Cuban friend said it was a given that a Cuban guy would get laid on his first date. That is all that you need to know.
Renting at a casa particular is the way to go.
US citizens go via Canada, Mexico or one of the Caribbean islands. Lots of Americans go.
Girls are everywhere. The full time hookers hang out at the hotel discos and on the Malecon. Part timers are on the Malecon and 5th.
My best Cuban friend said it was a given that a Cuban guy would get laid on his first date. That is all that you need to know.
Cuba's problems are almost exclusively a function of the government's policies, just like other messed up countries. The US embargo is a very convenient thing to blame for all your problems. It has kept Fidel in power all this time.
When you don't have property rights, a functioning legal system that allows for the fair resolution of contractual disputes and a government that welcomes private investment, you have a messed up economy.
When the government consisently stiffs its creditors, is incredibly bureaucratic and makes it hard to Cubans or foreigners to conduct business, you get a screwed up economy which is exactly what Cuba has.
If Cuba was such a good place to do business, the Europeans, Canadians and South Americans would be falling all over themselves to do things there. They aren't. That should be all the hint anyone needs!
Sorry for the rant but I get tired of hearing people that believe the incredibly lame the US embargo is the sole source of our problems propaganda!
When you don't have property rights, a functioning legal system that allows for the fair resolution of contractual disputes and a government that welcomes private investment, you have a messed up economy.
When the government consisently stiffs its creditors, is incredibly bureaucratic and makes it hard to Cubans or foreigners to conduct business, you get a screwed up economy which is exactly what Cuba has.
If Cuba was such a good place to do business, the Europeans, Canadians and South Americans would be falling all over themselves to do things there. They aren't. That should be all the hint anyone needs!
Sorry for the rant but I get tired of hearing people that believe the incredibly lame the US embargo is the sole source of our problems propaganda!
Two More Tips
Love Cuba, one of my fave places. Especially cigars, so freakin' yummy and cheap compared to here (especially if you buy them "right").
Tip 1: Get A Lonely Planet Cuba book
Read it, study it, bring it with you. Chapters, etc. all have this year's edition. It has all the info that you'll need on how to take Cuba on.
Tip 2: Take In as Much of Havana As You Can
Havana is a cool, vibin' town. Lots to do there. And in the evening, hang out at the clubs and restaurants, listen to live music, sit in the open air, smoke a Cohiba.
Am sure you'll have a good time, Luck You!
Love Cuba, one of my fave places. Especially cigars, so freakin' yummy and cheap compared to here (especially if you buy them "right").
Tip 1: Get A Lonely Planet Cuba book
Read it, study it, bring it with you. Chapters, etc. all have this year's edition. It has all the info that you'll need on how to take Cuba on.
Tip 2: Take In as Much of Havana As You Can
Havana is a cool, vibin' town. Lots to do there. And in the evening, hang out at the clubs and restaurants, listen to live music, sit in the open air, smoke a Cohiba.
Am sure you'll have a good time, Luck You!
nope I'd just like for you to live in an environment where everything is controlled and rights restricted. might do you a world of good to see what it is like to live under that type of government.
Do you realize that Cuba has universal health care that even a wealthier country like the US doesn't have and they have free education that the even Canada doesn't have. A lot of the misconceptions about Cuba is from US propaganda doninating the media.
A lot of the problems Cuba has is due to the illegal US trade embargo. Hopefully, Obama will make things right and the US will start treating Cuba as a friend instead as a threat.
A lot of the problems Cuba has is due to the illegal US trade embargo. Hopefully, Obama will make things right and the US will start treating Cuba as a friend instead as a threat.
which is why so many people will try anything to get out of there. You won't see cuba by staying in the tourist places either.
Fudd,
Ever been to a Cuban hospital that serves Cubans? I bet you wouldn't take your pet there!
Ever gone to the dentist and had a filling or tooth extraction without freezing?
The medical system for Cubans (vs. a separate one for foreigners) isn't quite as Michael Moore described it.
Don't get me wrong, Cuba is a great place and I love it (have been 25 times) but rather than believing someone's propaganda, go there and see for yourself. Go to Havana and smaller towns and talk to real people.
J
Ever been to a Cuban hospital that serves Cubans? I bet you wouldn't take your pet there!
Ever gone to the dentist and had a filling or tooth extraction without freezing?
The medical system for Cubans (vs. a separate one for foreigners) isn't quite as Michael Moore described it.
Don't get me wrong, Cuba is a great place and I love it (have been 25 times) but rather than believing someone's propaganda, go there and see for yourself. Go to Havana and smaller towns and talk to real people.
J
Here are some quick numbers,
Air Only $400-$500
Casa $30 a day x 7 = $210
Girls- Hard to say $30-$100 depends on the girl & your negotiating. Lets say $50 x 7= $350
Food/Drink- $25 x 7= $210
Taxi's- Varadero-Havana is $80 bus is $11 if your flight time matched up.
I would say budget $150-$200 a day + your airfare.
Here is what $30 will buy you in Havana (about a hour, 2 shots)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6DuGxi-tzU
Thought I would bump this old thread rather than start a new one (me being the OP and all).
It looks like we will be staying in Varadero @ the Barcelo Marina Palace. Not completely sold on the idea myself due to the mixed reviews, but I trust my friend's judgement. Apparently, there is a local girl who became friends with my buddy, and when he showed her pictures of moi (as well as telling her I was single), she seemed to develop a bit of a crush. The downside is that she knows very little english, y me espanol no es muy bueno.
I am well aware of Vardero's reputation for excellent beaches, but what is the nightlife like? Also, assuming that this girl and I do NOT hit it off, what is Varadero like for a single, young-looking guy with a tiny bit of game who is looking to have fun (and hopefully end his dry spell)?
It looks like we will be staying in Varadero @ the Barcelo Marina Palace. Not completely sold on the idea myself due to the mixed reviews, but I trust my friend's judgement. Apparently, there is a local girl who became friends with my buddy, and when he showed her pictures of moi (as well as telling her I was single), she seemed to develop a bit of a crush. The downside is that she knows very little english, y me espanol no es muy bueno.
I am well aware of Vardero's reputation for excellent beaches, but what is the nightlife like? Also, assuming that this girl and I do NOT hit it off, what is Varadero like for a single, young-looking guy with a tiny bit of game who is looking to have fun (and hopefully end his dry spell)?
