Cuba Faq & Trip Reports

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but here is the bad news :-)

This is not going to be one of those long lustful Tsm reports we are known for. Iíll call this more of a show and tell report -- we are all curious what really goes on here and pictures donít lie. First let me say even if Cuba didnít have the most beautiful and hottest girls in the world it still is a must see. The capital oozes with history from its mythical architecture and decaying buildings (although mush is being restored now, love that Nacional Hotel) to its crumbling sea wall. Walking the Malecon and the old city is a wonderful and amazing experience -- traveling back in time through a portal. It is so easy to stop and admire what really was here (and happening) before Castro took over -- WOW! Havana could have been one of the ten wonders of the world and in my book (even today) one of the top cities of the globe to explore and enjoy.

Watching the old American cars break down on the streets (lack of parts for 40 year old cars) or observing the Cubans waiting a hour in line (95 degree heat) for a ice cream cone makes you again realize how crazy the world really is.

A real plus is the ability to stay in a casa particular with the Cuban people. This is like a living (talking) text book -- you learn their trials and tribulations first hand. You hear their dreams and sorrows and you finally understand how lucky we are to live in a free and uncencored world. They have no internet and are dying to learn -- but to no avail (average salary is $7.00 a month and a coke costs $2.00). Yes, we are the fortunate ones and here are some general observations and tips:

1. Havana has no traffic, smog, beggars or trash to speak of -- what a pleasure.
2. Everyone has the highest regards for Americans (I was surprised) and blame us for nada.
3. As Bogey said, ìthis is the first successful invasion for Italy since the time of Roman ages.î Most girls can hardly wait to be with Americans. These men do the shack up thing (we are more butterflies) and hotels (Riveria, Cocacabana etc.) are full of Italien men and their new weekly girlfreinds. Guess just a different view of things or afraid to stay with the locals (casa particulars), not sure.
4. Food is shit, but you can eat at private house (good and fairly cheap) and bring you own snacks -- there are no 7-11ís or anything close!
5. Bring lots of small bills -- no-one can break 50ís or 100 dollar bills and carry money and valuables in separate areas of your body and luggage. One Tsm member had his wallet stolen in the local disco -- caution prevails and when out partying never bring more than needed. Keep $$ in your front pocket (I never carried more than $75.00 at night). Make copies of all important papers and keep them separate!
6. Fly AeroCarribe (Mexicana) not Cubana -- it costs $50.00 more but itís money well spent!
7. Saw no difference between a private car and a Mercedes taxi in prices. Mercedes are parked in front of Melia 24 hrs a day (OK taxi). The group hired a Mercedes for 4 hrs to Cojimar (we tried to talk to Hemingway's " Old Man," Gregorio Fuentes, but he was sick) and then to Playa del Este, cost $75.00 including tip. Yes, attacked in Playa del Este, but what a way to fly! Airport is $15.00 and around town is less than $5.00 on average.
8. Most casa particulars are nice, what separates them is location, location, location.
9. Walk, walk, walk -- the place is amazing and if you look closely youíll be transported back in time. Youíll always meet someone or something interesting (on theMalecon at any time). My favorite walk was from Park Central, down the Paseo (tree lined Blvd.) to the Malecon, turn right to old town. Of course, walking the Malecon (at any hour) is a guarantee of meeting a lady!
10. If you speak Spanish, donít use it!! Why?? Tourists (non-Spanish speaking) are kings here (twice local girls I was just chatting with were actually questioned by the police for IDís, when they looked at me and I spoke English they just smiled and walked away) and use your Spanish to listen to the girls chat and gossip about you (that cheap charlie or he is really cute). Once youíve found the special one, then turn on the heat with your Espanol! I have a Calif tan and was identified as Cuban until I opened my mouth :-)
11. There is no internet access in Cuba for the locals. Some people call outside (Canada, Dominican Republic) to connect, bet very expensive. Some five star hotels (Melia etc) carry CNN but there are no papers! I was able to listen to an all news station (610) on the am dial from Miami -- thatís it for staying in touch.

Okay, now to the local scenery and we start at the best place, the Malecon around the Melia and Riveria hotel.

Now some shots as Iím sitting in Park Central observing the sites, see a beauty and off I go. I stop her (sheís on the way to the beach, Playa del Este, but says sheíll make a detour if requested -- it is just to easy in Havana to pick up) and chat a little bit. Too early and view the local transportation. Then, as I walk to old town this is the scenery in front of me (Central_park) :-). Yes, Iím proposition on the spot but decline -- choices, choices, choices!

Here are some ladies I meet on my trip. A salsa dancer from Santiago (lady1) who I meet my last night in El Patio, then Odelysis (having dinner first, then to Marina disco to teach me the salsa) who spoke three languages and a PR major on vacation (Odelysis) -- she was my girlfriend for two nights. I meet her in Cafe Havana while my friends had dates I just looked around, found a cutie smiling and that was that -- my lucky night!

On my first night I meet Jenny, she stayed two nights until she had a fight with her girlfriend and went back home (Holuguin) to shorten her college vacation. Meet her on the steps of the Melia hotel, but had spotted her before inside the Cafe Havana. Her friend stayed and become a regular in our group and Martins girlfriend -- extremely intelligent and wild (so Iím told) in bed! Martin and I hope to visit Holuguin and resume were we left off. Last told theyíre friends again!

Here is a lady offered to our group with a carriage tour (old_town_girl) during a old town stroll and was station next to the Ambos Mundos hotel. Now here is a real smile and more -- we all meet here at a bar in Playa del Este an she was happy to bend over to pose. Problem was she was under 18, and according to the Tsm Golden Rules ìno way Joseî but as far as I know nothing is illegal about taking a photo :-)

Okay, what was my most unforgettable moment?? Well, late at night I was worn out and decided this was thenight to get to sleep early (before 2.00 A.M) and alone. As I walked home to my casa I was approached on the Malecon by two girls and did the usual take me home routine, ìyou wonít be disappointed.î I said no, but the tall one said $20.00 and gave me a great grin. Well, I still said no but teasingly said ìdose por $20.00î both girls just smiled and said ìSIî and off we went -- what could I do? In the room they were great, fun and very, very naughty. I gave each a $10.00 tip, best deal of the year. I took turns with each girl and each helped the other and thank you LORD for my Viagra!

Of course, the most beautiful and sexiest ladies can be found at the local discos. Ipanema Disco ($6 cover charge), Johnny's Disco, Marinas, and Comodoro Disco ($10.00 cover charge) are the best. The girls wait outside for you to bring them in (don't pay for them, they'll try and latch on to you before you can intelligently pick) and there are 100's more inside to choose from.

Some discos have floor shows, but watching the hot girls do the salsa is enough for me. Hey, you might even find a piece of real art :-)

Iím planing to return in the next few month to explore the surrounding area! I know, I'm repeating myself, but Cuba is the place. Safe, clean, fascinating, close, and loaded with available women -- what else could you want?? Okay, the government sucks and the people get nada, but this is a rare opportunity to bring gifts (medical and stuffed animals is what I saw the girls crave) and actually help the situation!

Asia guys, stay in Asia, just more for me :-)

Interesting notes:

Yes Irene, there is now internet access in Havana for laptops!

Need a Spanish speaking gringo guide, look here (recommended)

Need the low down -- is it better to leave from Canada or Mexico for U.S, citizens??

Low down on phone connections

Reports from Tsm Memebrs who were on this trip & more reports!

Martin	Stoney	Bogey	Gawge
Other cities	Tsm Casa Particulars	Culture	Jag
Try East Cuba, less police and more fun :-)	Airline tickets and Hotel vouchers ask for Mike, tell him your Tsm and he'll work with you ... Cuba 2000 -- Badboy returns!		Casa Particular full list
Petey	Bulldog New Photos	Popper	Miami-Dave
Worried about the crackdown on girls, learn where the girls are and how to beat it Not so bad after all :-) (1,2) Going to Santiago, read first and where to stay (with map)