Vacationing in Cuba, anyone have any experience (NGC)

[bigbikerrick]

Hello Folks, My son is going to be going to Cuba in a couple of weeks. He plans to fly into Havana ,from Hermosillo Mexico, which is a few hours from our home  in Arizona,via car or bus.  He is going on the "people to people" provision, and is going with a friend from Mexico that went to Cuba one time about 2 years ago.Has anyone here been to Cuba lately, or have any experience/ heads up you would like to share?
Thanks alot,
Rick.

[twowings]

My ex-wife and son went last year as part of a cultural exchange program and found the country and its people very warm and hospitable...He especially loved the vibrant music scene and the vintage American cars...He hopes to return if circumstances allow...(I think a certain young lady caught his eye 😎)

[bigbikerrick]

Thats good to hear TwoWings, Thats exactly what he is looking forward to.
thanks
Rick.

[azguzzirep]

Many Germans go to Cuba for holiday. Everyone I have spoken with thoroughly enjoyed it. Now problems whatsoever.

[Lannis]

Like anywhere else you go, your experience will partly result from your expectations.

If you're expecting the drab, dysfunctional third-world public amenities and commercial services that you'd expect in a communist dictatorship, that's likely what you'll see.

If you're expecting to find nice, friendly people who will love to entertain you in their own homes and take you to see the parts of Cuba that they love and make sure you have a good time, then that's what you will find ....

Lannis

[sturgeon]

We go every year for a week at Christmas. Lovely place, but be prepared for the poverty culture shock if you come from anywhere even remotely affluent.

[oldbike54]

My ex-wife and son went last year as part of a cultural exchange program and found the country and its people very warm and hospitable...He especially loved the vibrant music scene and the vintage Americam cars...He hopes to return if circumstances allow...(I think a certain young lady caught his eye 😎)

 Now there is a novel method of ex wife removal 

 Dusty

[bigbikerrick]

My son is of Cuban descent from my side of the family, and he speaks Spanish fluently, so that will help alot. I came to the USA from Cuba in 1963, I was 6 years old and a US citizen, so I was able to leave.my mother and father got us the heck out of there when they realized how things were headed....
Rick.

[bigbikerrick]

  Dusty, RE: " Now there is a novel method of ex wife removal  "

     Thats Hilarious !!!


   Rick

[timonbik]

Canadians have been vacationing in Cuba for ever.  The people are friendly, but poor.  Water is safe if you use common sense.  Medical care is excellent considering the general poverty.  Food is OK but can be difficult to find.  If you are a foodie or like all you can eat buffets, this is not the place for you.  I have been several times and have even cycled the country and have always felt safe.
Cheers, Tim

[canuck750]

I really enjoyed Cuba, the food was not quite up to the top Mexican resorts but the accommodation was fantastic, beautiful beaches and very friendly people. I was amazed at the general high level of education in the hospitality industry, most people had at least one degree and could speak 3 or 4 languages. Havana was very cool, next time I go I will stay right in Havana. Mostly Canadian, British, French and German tourists.

[LowRyter]

Not to offend.  I do know a fellow from 10 13 years ago or so that went for the rum, women and cigars (not in that order).  He said it was all first class and top shelf for not a lot of $$.  He was a little more descriptive.  He did give me a Cuban Partagas from his adventure for my 50th BDay

Now I personally wouldn't know but that was his story.

[Lannis]

Not to offend.  I do know a fellow from 10 13 years ago or so that went for the rum, women and cigars (not in that order).  He said it was all first class and top shelf for not a lot of $$.  He was a little more descriptive.  He did give me a Cuban Partagas from his adventure for my 50th BDay

Now I personally wouldn't know but that was his story.

A friend of mine that I ride British bikes with had always been very much a social and economic "liberal".   An honest one, who put his money where his mouth was, spent lots of his own personal time and money on the causes in which he believed, and was really committed.   One of the few guys you could actually discuss this stuff with and that I respected his positions.

In 2008, he went and spent somewhere between 3 and 6 months in Cuba, working with one of the organizations he supported.

When he came back, his outlook had completely changed.  We haven't discussed it much, because I knew he was hurting, but his opinions on viable social and economic systems have switched 180 degrees.

Again, I suppose that reality versus expectations have a lot to do with how it affects one ....

Lannis

[geoff in almonte]

Visit the old part of Havana and check out the Buena Vista Social Club for some great Cuban roots music.  Take a flashlite in Havana after dark - power outages are a regular occurance.  Go for a ride in one of the little 'Lemon' taxis (dont forget to negotiate).

The food sucks.  The rum is very good.  The beer (Buccaneros) is also very good.  The beaches are nice.

Take lots of small denomination US dollar bills for bribes, errr, tips.  Be aware of the exchange rate!

Relax & enjoy.

G 

[johnr]

Friend of mine went there and loved it.

Travelling to a land with a different culture requires leaving all expectations at home IMHO.

[Arizona Wayne]

Friend of mine went there and loved it.

Travelling to a land with a different culture requires leaving all expectations at home IMHO.

That's the thing..........when people from the US piss and moan about what it's like here.........until they have been to other countries they then get a reality check of what they take for granted here.   

[oldbike54]

That's the thing..........when people from the US piss and moan about what it's like here.........until they have been to other countries they then get a reality check of what they take for granted here.

 Not sure that is what John was trying to say Wayne .

 Dusty

[Arizona Wayne]

Not sure that is what John was trying to say Wayne .

 Dusty

Not sure you understand what I'm saying , Dusty, other than until a person get's away from the culture they only know they find out other parts of the world have different life styles and qualities of life.  I lived on Okinawa (1946) when I was 3 and still remember what that was like with the help of 8 mm films.

[LowRyter]

ran across this article today

http://www.salon.com/2017/01/15/the-sort-of-rum-diaries-2017-post-castro-cuba-is-a-crumbling-gem-with-touches-of-modernity/

[bigbikerrick]

Very interesting  article, LowRyter. Thank you Sir. for sharing that,
Rick.