Love Cuba takes a bit to get the hang of the place, one thing i learned its a waste of time trying to pick up girls in the bars. Everyone is out on the Malecon at night the big Seawall that surrounds Havana, what a show, twerking gals, dancing musicians of all types it goes for miles. They can spot you right away and will entertain you for tips, you can sit on the wall and drink the best Rum in the World. I think there are more bottles than rocks in the ocean by that wall, people just throw the empties in there and everyone is drinking.
You rarely see an ugly gal there most Cuban girls are gorgeous, I'd love to go back again as well, have explored quit a bit of the Island. Horseback riding in Vinales Valley is quite spectacular, they grow the best tobacco and have the best Cigars right there on the farms, the people are the most helpful and friendliest you can meet anywhere. I always bring things for the kids, coloring books, coloring felts and crayons, kids toothbrushes and toothpaste. Air B&B has some excellent homes available and i highly recomend doing the research, those home cooked meals are awesome.
Try to see the Show at the original Tropicana, the Mob opened it in 1939 and it’s still going in all it’s glory. The costumes and dancers are fantastic and the show lasts at least 3 hrs, you get complimentary bottles of rum and cigars, coke made with real cane sugar. When the show ends it turns into a dance club and you can dance with the show girls and they are beautiful.
Quite shocking when you go thru Havana airport get a retinal scan and all the custom agents are Hot Chicks dressed like Hookers in their offical short skirts and mesh stockings. They are very serious checking you out while I was checking them out. Love to try a pooning trip, I had a dozen Condoms with me and they didnt bat an eye welcome to Cuba
I had good luck in the Clubs....but your right the street scene is something to behold.
As for the airport customs.....Yeah , I usually get a Dude, and they aren't the least bit friendly, attractive, and I was afraid the retinal scan ....was going to turn into a cavity search on one occasion. But upon exiting the country the Female customs agents are striking.
Bringing gifts is something I do every time, they can't get the good stuff like toothpaste, make-up, and if you have the balls women's lingerie. I've brought a black lace 32 DD ,with matching small sized lace boxers from Lasenza...my goal is to find the girl it will fit perfectly....it's a great ice breaker in a conversation.
The people there won't mess with a tourist, as the Government will deal with them harshly, because it's a main source of income for them.....you will love it.
Oh....the food is a bit bland, and I know people who bring spices to flavour their meals...I've never bothered.
Almost everyone there has a small scam going to get their hands on the COC dollar, as it's worth about 12 to 14 times the Cuban Peso.....if you tip someone a dollar, you've actually given them about 12 bucks.
They will make you as a tourist, and the price will automatically go up....I have a friend there who will take my money and buy the food ,and alcohol for under half what I'd have to pay.
When it comes to cigars....the government stamp don't mean shit....they fake them, and sell you substandard cigars for just under retail, so don't buy them on the beach or street.