Notes on my trip to Cuba - 29th October - 9th November

This report is going to differ from my previous ones in that it is not
going to be a blow by blow commentary of what I got up to, but rather
notes on what I found out during my recent trip.

I was in Cuba previously almost four weeks to the day, and the
difference was incredible - I would never believe that a country could
change so much in such a short period of time.

Playas del Este

The beaches are now patrolled by the police. They appeared to be
keeping local girls and tourists separate much like Varadero. No
problem in getting down to the beach but at about 1.30 pm the police
would set up road blocks on every exit from the beaches and check every
car, girls had to produce identification etc.

Discos

By the time I arrived, the discos had closed. Some which were basically
bars were still open, such as the Barge. Other discos which were in
hotels such as the Turquino in the Habana Libre Hotel were open but were
only catering for guests. Entry prices had increased. For example, the
Turquino was now charging $25 entry instead of $15 previously. The
Disco opposite the Habana Libre was still open but that is a dive and
tends to be frequented mostly by black girls. Johnnys disco was
apparently one of the last to close and it was rumoured that it had
reopened before I left Cuba, but unfortunately I was unable to check
out whether that was true.

Bars

The bars seemed to be unaffected by the clampdown and even those
frequented by the chicas seemed to be doing business as usual. Apart
from those I have mentioned, the Monserrate near La Floridita was a
opular place. Girls are not allowed in there unaccompanied, but you can
sit near the street and watch many girls walk by. Some will stop by the
entrance and if you indicate to the doorman he will let them in as long
as they sit with you. There is also another smaller bar opposite called
El Castillo de Fardes which is a good meeting place for girls. By the
way, Monserrate's food is very good. Fried chicken and chips will knock
you back $2!

Where to find the girls

This is probably the main reason you are reading this report. Well, now
that the police crackdown has resulted in a large number of the non
local girls being repatriated, you have to be a bit more selective over
where you go to find them. Many girls can be found in the bars I have
mentioned. The other main areas are:
1. In the Havana Libre Cafeteria
2. Waiting to be escorted into the Habana Libre
3. On La Rampa, but in much smaller numbers than before
4. Around the side streets of old Habana. As an example, if you walk
down the side street alongside the Monserrate, you will find many girls
in the open doorways of the houses and a smile or a wave to them will
get the usual response. Driving around the streets of Old Havana nearly
every girl I waved to would reciprocate. Don't think that just because
they aren't wearing high heels or evening dress that they are not
available - they all are!
5. Many were available at the Trade Fair I attended - but that does not
help you guys as the Fair is now over. I did get a number of phone
numbers and addresses it was surprising that many came from Marinao
which is on the outskirts of Havana, so it may be worth checking out the
bars etc in that area.
6. During the daytime the girls are in shorter supply than we Cuban pros
have grown accustomed to. But after nightfall, on the busy roads such
as Linea or 23, you will see reasonable numbers on the pretext of after
a lift, but it is apparent from the eye contact that they are looking
for more than getting from A to B
7. Forget the area around Riviera and Cohiba Hotels - there is just
nothing going on there now and there is a heavy police presence
8. The central reservation on the Prado is a good area still as is the
park alongside El Capitolo

Non-Local Girls

Most of the girls if they do not have a Havana address on their carne
seem to be petrified of the police. My sweetie who I met towards the
end of my stay was from Camaguey and it was necessary for the taxi to
stop right outside the bar and drop us off right outside the casa. The
routine had to be repeated in the morning! It appears that the police
are now stopping any girl in high heels who is automatically deemed to
be a jinitera!

Where to take the Girls

Apart from the casa (obviously!). The main places of entertainment
obviously have to be ones where there is not a high police presence. I
would therefore suggest:
1. The bars. One popular bar I found was the Café de Paris wehere they
have live Cuban groups playing most of the time and the girls love it.
It is near to Plaza de Armas in Old Havana
2. Hotels. The police will not go inside the tourist hotels and if the
girls are accompanied by you there is no problem. I and my friend
Sancho met a couple of non local girls and took the to El Patio Bar
inside the Havana Libre which has satellite TV - so they could watch
American movies which again they loved - I think they had the Firth
Element on when we were in there
3. Theatre. While I was on there they had a festival of ballet but
there are frequent Opera and Ballet if you like that sort of thing - the
girls would normally die to see the ballet. Tickets for the Teatro
Grande will only cost about $10 for the best seats.
4. Paladares. A new paladar has opened next to the French Embassy in
Vedado called the Union Francesa. Food is not bad and they have a
cabaret on a Saturday night from 10 pm. Entrance is $3 for the Cabaret.

Well guys, I am going to stop here - if you have any further questions,
email me - don't post on TSM as you may well not get a response. For
those of you going to Cuba in the near future, as you can see from this
report, it is by no means doom and gloom, there are still loads of girls
around - I could have had 20 a day with no trouble if I was up to itSS.
A knowledge of Spanish is obviously a help and one noticeable thing was
that the numbers of Italians in Havana were also down, so something good
has come out of the clampdown!

Bulldog

Re: Cuba Crackdown/You can still have a GREAT vacation..

Posted By: Terry F <terryfabbri@rocketmail.com>
Date: 1/17/99 10:57

In Response To: Re: Cuba Crackdown Worsens (Lucky)

I was in Havana over the new "crackdown", but I still had a great time and want to pass on my experience.

First, I wouldn't advise Cuba at this moment for any guy looking for a out-of-sight girls on a stale beer budget. The non-Havana girls left Havana by Sunday 10 Jan, after the Fidel address with the re-new'd crackdown thge non-Havana girsl are truly "illigal" again, and the police and all types of Havana people are looking to give them a hard time (or scam them for dollars). These girls usually team up with other girls from the same city and rent a room/apt/etc together on a daily basis..and all of them were getting their stuff ripped off left and right over last weekend because they couldn't report it.

There are plenty of Havana girls left, however even knowing what they are doing they are taking a rick with tourists. The "prices" go up with rick, normally $40 girls are now justifiably looking for $80.

The clubs are a little "dry" at this moment. Too many police around, too risky. However, well-connected Havana girls or Havan girls w/chulo's (pimps) still risk the deal. Weekends, especially Fri or Sat are best..Forget Johnny's for the moment, try the IngelTerra disco in the basement of the hotel.

If you have a good cash budget, you can still have one hell-of-a-time in Havana, especially if it is your 2nd trip and you already have the general Havana attitude.

1st, rent a car, yuo can pre-book thru DiverMex or a good Havana "tour guide" should be able to get one for you. Rentals appear expensive, but the rates always include FULL insurance w/no deductable just make sure you get a unlimited kilometer rate. A subcompact is about $70-$80, a compact is about $100-$120. They take a cash deposit of $500 for a 2-day rental, and refund the balance back to you (no hassles) after you return the car. Remember, gas is expensive so it's about $30-$40 to fill thre tank. With the car you can have a Havana "buddy" spin you around Havana at Mach 8, get everywhere in 1/5th the time...parking charges (actually for a street lookout) are .50-$1 per location. With a car, you can pick up girls everywhere in Havana, and have your "guide" go get your girl from her house, or go visit the girls he suggests at there homw block too. It's worth every penny of it, especially if you bring another American guy with you to split the expense. Note, pre-booking is best..there are not enuf rental cars in Cuba so getting a smaller car is difficult..you can get up to a mini-van (real trick a Pontiac) for about $160.

2nd, get a casa in a residential section like MiraMar..get away from the Vedado near the hotels, and I personally don't feel comfortable in Central or Old Havana. Miramar for me is great, the police there are basically traffic cops..not the kind who hassle girls...A room in MiraMar is about $40 to $60 a note depepending on accomadations. With a car, a Havana "buddy" can swing you by about 10 places in 2hrs to check out.

If you are a 1st timer, the way I would do it. Pre-book a 3-nite stay at the Capri thru DiverMex (approx $100), and that's gets you a voucher and no hassle at inbound immigration. I would pre-book a car for pickup Vedado the 1st mroning of your stay (since rentals are 24hrs you can return it at the airport when you split). The 1st nite in Havana (and before you get your car) walk accross from the Capri, and sit down in the sidewalk cafe (you open a little gate), that section of Havana is too hot with police, but ask around for a English speaking "guide", ask for "Luis" if he is in town. Use the cafe as a start to find a English speaking "guide" who has a license...and by the 1st full day (the next morning) you will be rolling...

I hope I haven't been too lengthy, if you have the cash, you can live in Havana like a King...even with the new crackdown.

P/S: On cigars, all the street stuff is 1000% non-authentic but some of them are really good cosmetic fakes and smoke OK too..A TON of cigar boys operate in the open market next to the Old Havana square near El Bodega, just walk the market stalls and they find you. Police can't catch them there, because they mix with the crowd. Street cigars are all roughly $40 a box, but box/wrapper and also tobacco quality varies a lot, so search for what is good for you. Remember, if you are transiting back to the US thru Mexico..Mexico only allows entry of 1 box of cigars (even if you are passing thru). If you want 1000% authentic buy from a legitimate/authorized cigar store, and I recommend the best buys are in corona or medium size #2/#3 cigars, try Palacio de Tobacco just off the Prado. Some other stores overcharge set price by 10%-20% to give commission back to tour guides and tour companies, Palacio is straight set price w/no upcharge. Bolivar or Romeo's in medium sizes incl robusto's are under $90 a box...forget Cohiba Esplendido's, the authentic's are way overpriced anywhere in my opinion at set $280-300. Romeo Churchhill's are about $220 set. A particular tasty Havan brand is Fluor de Cano, and legitimately set prices are $47 for a box of coronas, they are a spicy/stronger cigar than some other brands but a great legitimate smoke (and no guys, not machine made but handrolled) just not exported a lot..If you do link up with my friend Luis, with a 1-day notice he can get authentic thru his friend who manage's a authorized store in Miramar at 50% off the legal price, I have seen these cigar's actually come out the back door of the shop, and they are the only 1000% legit cigars at a steal I've seen (no flamer's please, I do know what I am talking about for me, and I really don;t care about your opinion for you).

Paradise Lost in CUBA: Police Presence Way Up; Chica Quantity & Quality Down

Posted By: Rough Ryder <neilrogers@hotmail.com>
Date: 1/21/99

OVERVIEW - Police presence and law enforcement have increased dramatically in the first few weeks of 1999. On January 5th El Comandante Fidel made a five-hour speech at a ceremony celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Revolution. This speech was televised to the nation the following evening. Castro unveiled a new initiative against rising crime in Cuba, particularly prostitution and pimping, drug abuse and trafficking, robbery and human smuggling. Penalties of from 20 years to life in prison were announced. This has been supported very visibly with a police presence on literally every street corner in highly trafficked tourist areas.

The girls are justifiably terrified and most have disappeared from noticeable activity. With such a program in place and with a tyrannical dictator with absolute power calling the shots, the wonder is not that there are so few girls plying their wares, the wonder is that there are any at all.

The TSMers paradise that existed in the pre-crackdown period of early October that I experienced has truly been lost Ö and I fear for quite some time to come. With the exception of some TSMers in special categories, I think that all plans to travel to Cuba should be carefully reconsidered. My recommendation would be to put your plans on hold while carefully monitoring new developments. For many of you the right decision will be to cancel your Cuba plans in favor of other TSM destinations.

SOME PERSPECTIVE ON WHERE I'M COMING FROM - I am not a member of the "Asian camp" or some Cuban or Latin bashing faction with an axe to grind. I am someone who experienced Cuba in its pre-crackdown heyday, which was as recent as 3 to 3 O months ago. After my first visit there I experienced the same phenomenon as many other TSMers who have visited. I was in awe of the quality and quantity of chicas in Cuba and amazed at the ease with which one could secure the company of a lady legitimately rating an 8 or 9. After my return I was virtually obsessed with Cuba, absorbing as much news of the country as possible. I immediately began planning a return visit which I just completed in mid-January, 1999.

What I have to report here I say, therefore, with great regret and with a real sense of loss of what once existed. It is important, however, to pass along this information so that prospective visitors to Cuba can formulate realistic expectations and make an informed decision on whether or not to go to the country.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS - Castro's address which was mentioned earlier in this report was a major speech to the entire nation. Penalties were announced as follows: 20 years in prison for prostitution, 30 years for pimping and some types of robbery and life in prison for trafficking in drugs. There are different interpretations of his comments, so it is not entirely clear whether these penalties kick in for the first, second or third offense. Since due process is nonexistent and since Fidel has assembled a highly visible and imposing police presence throughout Havana, suffice it to say that his speech has had a major deterrent effect.

Those who said in the past month or two that Cuba could not possibly get worse were wrong. Cuba is now at an all-time low point (at least considering a time frame of the last few years) for TSM type activities. Those who said the crackdown was temporary or a minor blip also appear to have been wrong. Castro's speech renders the effort to control prostitution not just a phase or momentary show of force, but a major state initiative that could be high on the government's list of priorities for several years.

The crackdown has not been centered on a single event as others have suggested, such as the November trade fair, the December year-end holidays or the upcoming March visit from the King of Spain. It is a reaction against both internal problems and increasingly negative world opinion viewing Cuba as a den of prostitution and an increasingly unsafe place to visit due to rising crime and drug abuse. Tourism is Cuba's #1 industry and planned to grow at a rapid rate for years to come. Castro is determined to eliminate threats to this necessary and much desired influx of capital to his country. The crackdown is the result.

CONSEQUENCES AND IMPLICATIONS FOR TSM - Specific actions that have been taken to control prostitution and minimize interaction between chicas and tourists are as follows:
(1) The closing or conversion of the most "active" discos so that the easiest and best known opportunities for tourist-chica interaction have been drastically reduced;
(2) The stationing of police outside the remaining venues with efforts directed at both removing the girls obviously working (judged mainly by overly provocative dress) and intercepting girls who are obviously leaving with tourists;
(3) The raising of prices at the remaining venues to make the process of trying to make a connection more expensive for everyone;
(4) The maintenance of an extremely heavy and visible police presence in all heavily trafficked tourist areas which were formerly chica hangouts (such as the Havana Libre/La Rampa area and the Malecon);
(5) The arrest of chicas obviously working. This is centered on the tourist areas and is conducted based on chica dress and behavior;
(6) The conducting of raids inside public meeting places in the provincial cities. For example, in Cienfuegos the El Rapido and the disco Casa Caribena, the two most popular meeting spots, both were raided with a number of girls removed (almost at random) from the premises.

Not surprisingly, as a result of all the above there is a tremendous fear factor among the working girls in Cuba. Few to no girls from the provincial cities remain in Havana. Most of the Havana residents have retreated at least from obvious activities in the heavily patrolled areas. A higher percentage of the remaining ones working are likely to have a more professional attitude (read somewhat detached and more likely to want to get the business at hand completed as quickly as possible).

The rules of the TSM game have dramatically changed from what they were in Cuba's golden age. Whereas previously a homerun (at least in terms of looks) could be virtually assured with every swing of the bat, now you will have to work a lot harder and will find that your batting average will go down.

Visiting Cuba used to be a no-brainer. Now it must be a carefully weighed decision with a full understanding of the obstacles and inconveniences you will encounter. It is no longer for everybody.

UPDATE ON THE CLUBS - Here is a brief update on many of the major clubs that used to be hotspots for meeting chicas. My comments reflect the situation as it existed during the first half of January, 1999 and subsequent to Castro's get-tough-on-crime speech.

S Habana Club at Hotel Comodoro - Previously a disco noted for the most beautiful (but expensive) women in Cuba, it has now been converted to a cabaret with an espectaculo (show). No unaccompanied chicas allowed in. No longer a meeting spot. Avoid.

S Ipanema Disco at the Hotel Copacabana - Same conversion as Comodoro's Habana Club. Avoid.

S Papa's at Marina Hemingway - Reportedly open, but I could not verify this nor could I ascertain what the prospects would be like there.

S Rio Disco (a.k.a. Johnny) - This is one of the remaining club options for meeting chicas. It is so packed with people that it is difficult to move from one spot to another. There are definitely some attractive chicas there, but you will have to move fast as the M:F ratio is no better than 1:1. It is more likely you will have to make the first move here as compared with other places since fewer chicas seem to be obvious about their intentions. There are no quiet places to retire to, and with the loud music it is almost impossible to have a conversation. If you are not a good Spanish speaker you have no chance of communicating given the noise level. Still, you can always resort to the non-verbal communication of dancing. Watch out for police as you exit with your chica, and be prepared with a plan to exit separately and meet up in a taxi a short distance from the club. $10 entrance fee.

S 1830 Club - While most of the chicas here enter already spoken for by other male tourists, you will still encounter between 1 and 2 dozen who are obviously on the make. The girls are more aggressive here in making their intentions known via heavy eye contact, standing close to you or initiating conversation. There are a few real lookers, but most are in the 6 to 7 range. The same faces appear from night to night. My impression is that the girls here are mostly hardened pros out to make the quick buck night after night. Screening for attitude, therefore, is especially important here as is making the duration and content of your planned session an explicit part of the deal. The espectaculo show is entertaining and watching the dancers is well worth the price of admission. $10 entrance fee.

S Turquino Disco at the Habana Libre Hotel - This disco is expensive at $15 and seemingly caters to couples rather than singles. Perhaps you might meet someone there, but my recommendation would be to avoid.

S CafÈ Cantante - A great though expensive ($15) spot to bring your chica for excellent and energetic live Cuban music, this is not a place with the odds in your favor for meeting women. On the night I went there were perhaps 6 available chicas with 5 times as many tourists eyeing them. Avoid if on the prowl.

S Bar Monserrate - Only a few chicas milling about during the daytime which is when I stopped by. Might be a better place at night as has been reported by others.

S El Morro Discos - Located across Havana Bay in an old castle, this setting is quite spectacular with beautiful views of the night sky and the Havana skyline. There are 3 separate areas here each with an admission of $4. Stick with the middle venue, which is by far the most active. There is plenty of room for private conversation as you traverse the castle walls. Most girls come accompanied, but there is still a plentiful number available. Overall, my impression is that there are more part-timers here not driven purely by dollars as are most girls at 1830. This may be the best bet right now among the open clubs in Havana.

S Amanecer - This is a disco that I have not seen reported by anyone else. It is located near the intersection of Linea and the Malecon. Small and dark, it has a pool table and long bar up front with a dancing area in the back. It is off the beaten tourist path. I suspect it is a hit-or-miss place, but on the night I was there it was a big hit for me. Here I found a chica who across-the-board met the pre-crackdown standards that I was looking for: looks, attitude, performance and intelligence. She was not the only looker there either. It was absolutely essential to act fast which I did as soon as she walked in the door. While your mileage may vary at this place, I recommend you give it a try.

UPDATE ON THE STREET SCENE - The street scene is not even a pale shadow of its former existence. Again, my comments reflect the situation as it existed during the first half of January, 1999 and subsequent to Castro's get-tough-on-crime speech.

La Rampa / Habana Libre / Capri - You can essentially forget this former chica haven as the police presence here is unbelievable. Every (and I do mean every) street corner along La Rampa (Calle 23) from the Malecon past the Habana Libre and up as far as Avenida de los Presidentes is patrolled by 1 or 2 police officers. Virtually no chicas to be found. The most I saw on several excursions was a group of 3 in the Habana Libre lobby and none of them came close to meeting my standard. The police presence extends over to Calle 21 near the hotels Capri and Nacional. In certain spots it extends over to Calle 25. There may be a few available chicas tucked away in the cafes and restaurants along La Rampa, but you will have to search for them.

The Malecon - Did I miss hearing about a tidal wave crashing over the Malecon wall and washing out to sea all the available chicas stationed there? Even if that didn't happen, the current results are the same as if it did.

Hotels Riviera & Cohiba - Another targeted area, don't waste your time searching for chicas here.

Plaza de la Catedral / El Patio - No problem meeting other tourists here, just don't come expecting to go trolling for chicas. The same is true of the major Habana Vieja thoroughfares.

Playas del Este - Still pleasant to visit but not brimming with available chicas (at least not this time of year). If you do pick up a chica be prepared for a long roundabout exit to avoid the police checkpoints.

ADVICE IF YOU DECIDE TO GO - Here are some things to do to improve your chances of success in finding and keeping the chica of your dreams:

(1) Hook up with a TSMer who is a knowledgeable and seasoned Cuba traveler. Having someone who knows the ropes educate you first hand is perhaps the best step you can take.
(2) Make and utilize local contacts. You will find a number of drivers and other such helpers listed in prior reports. You can also go out in search of your own. The right person can be extremely helpful to you in your pursuits. However, be forewarned that many of these people will place their own short-term interests above yours. Commissions will often drive their recommendations. Hopefully you are a good judge of character in which case you should trust your instincts.
(3) Learn some Spanish. This is much more important now than before. If you haven't mastered at least some basic, survival Spanish things will be much more difficult for you unless a Spanish speaker helps you along.
(4) Get off the beaten path. As you have heard, the prior hotspots have all but been eliminated. Explore new neighborhoods; venture into small, local bars, restaurants, stores, etc. Interact frequently with people on the street and see where it leads.
(5) Rent a car, scooter or driver. This has become somewhat more necessary because the sure spots of the past no longer exist. You may have to travel to more places over greater distances, increasing the benefits of having your own ready transportation.
(6) If you go the club route be prepared to act aggressively. In the golden age of Cuba you could pass on an attractive chica secure in the knowledge that another one with equal or better talents was just around the corner. No more! If you see something you like act fast, because if you don't she will be scooped up quickly by another eager tourist and you will be left out in the cold. Remember the M:F ratio has changed dramatically for the worse.
(7) If you are going to one of the clubs go on the early side of prime time. This would not have been my advice in the past, but in the newly competitive environment it's what I recommend. Remember, it's the early worm that gets the bird (did I get that right?)
(8) If you do connect with a chica in a competitive environment, be prepared to either get her out of there quickly or protect your turf. When either you or she go to the bathroom she will be hit on by other tourists. There is more incentive now to get to the deal stage quickly and secure a commitment. Even with such a commitment you may still get trumped if you are not careful.
(9) If you leave one of the high profile clubs (e.g. Club Rio) with a chica, be prepared with a plan to walk out separately and meet in a taxi a short distance from the club. Two taxis should not be necessary, but is an option for the extra cautious. When leaving a club take one of the state-owned taxis and not a taxi particular. The taxi particulares are often stopped, while the tourist taxis seem to be a kind of home base free from police intervention.
(10) When a chica has proven to you that she meets all of your relevant standards, make plans with her again for additional night(s). There is no longer certainty that you will find what you are looking for on subsequent nights.
(11) Consider a trip to one of the provincial cities. With the situation having deteriorated so much in Havana there is little to lose in exploring some new turf. It is important to note, however, that in Cienfuegos, the one provincial city I have visited, police measures have been significantly stepped up there as I will describe below.

CIENFUEGOS UPDATE - Bruce has compiled a fairly glowing review of his December visits to Cienfuegos. I will add just a few comments to expand on what he has already reported.

Cienfuegos is a pretty and tranquil small town about 4 hours by bus from Havana. The horse drawn carriages along the main street coupled with a mix of French and Spanish colonial buildings give the city its Old World charm.

Prices for everything are much less than Havana. The typical casa will cost about $20 and will provide an abundant dinner of basic but fresh and delicious food for between $8 and $10. Accommodations are more basic than in Havana, and water there generally walks not runs. Chicas are always welcome and especially for meals as they bring in extra revenue for the owners. Casas are abundant and easy to find, but I can provide a recommendation for those in need of one.

There are a few sights to see in the town but not much else to do, so you may get bored on an extended visit. However, you can take easy side trips to a number of interesting destinations such as Playa Giron (the Bay of Pigs), Trinidad, Playa Ancon and the Sierra del Escambray Mountains.

Bruce has reported on 2 main places to meet the chicas: El Rapido across from the Malecon and the Casa Caribena disco. El Rapido is an open-air fast food joint but the chicas there are definitely on the young side. It is no longer as Bruce reported a safe area, but is subject to frequent raids by the police, which send the chicas scurrying.

Casa Caribena is an open air disco a short walk from El Rapido. Admission is only $1 and the girls here seem to be of age. There were plenty of chicas, but quality was down in January as compared with my October visit. There was also a higher percentage of black girls during my recent visit. Plenty of girls in the 6 and 7 range, but 8s and 9s were not to be found this time. There are many more male tourists now given that January is the high season. The police actually come into this disco and conduct low profile raids by tapping girls on the shoulder signifying that they must leave. It is not clear how they decide who stays and who goes or what they do with the girls who are asked to leave. It is clear that this activity diminishes the talent pool and worsens an already not-so-great M:F ratio.

La Finca Isabella is another disco option on the road out of town toward Trinidad. At this time of year it is dead, but at other times may be a good place to go. It's a place to inquire about anyway.

Disco El Benny is a brand new club that just opened on Avenida 54, the pedestrian only street called El Boulevard. It is named after Benny More, the legendary Cuban singer. Admission is $3, which is perceived as expensive by some in Cienfuegos. The club is divided into 3 sections, a small bar near the entrance, an open-air restaurant further back, and a glitzy (for Cienfuegos at least) disco off to the left. Since the club has just opened it has not yet established an identity, meaning it is not clear whether it will be a good place to meet chicas. It certainly looks like a fun place to bring a chica you have already hooked up with. However, at the present time police activity has also been reported there, so it may not be a good idea to party there with your chica.

Local TSMer Trevor is a great guy and well worth visiting if you make the trip. I believe he'd appreciate hearing from anyone who makes the trip, as Cienfuegos is pretty isolated from the rest of the world. He did make a satisfactory introduction for me on one night via his wife, but I came away feeling that his inventory of chica contacts was limited.

Cienfuegos does have some very beautiful women. I met several on this trip but the supply was less than I encountered in October. Recent police activity no doubt is the explanation for this.

In summary, Cienfuegos is a recommended side trip from Havana. It is a compact, pretty and relaxing environment a reasonable distance from Havana, and offers housing, food and chicas at substantially reduced prices. Bear in mind, however, that at the present time police activity has made it more difficult to both find the premier chica you are in search of and to go out and have a good time with her once you have made a connection.

A LITTLE TEMPERING OF MY COMMENTS - This has been a pretty dire report thus far. It has concentrated on the recent and substantial changes in Cuba, which have clearly rendered the country a less attractive TSM destination than it has been in the past. It has highlighted the recent actions by the state to diminish tourist-chica interaction and on the consequent reduction in easy opportunities to connect with the girl you are looking for. It would be easy to conclude that Cuba should be avoided at all costs. Not necessarily so! Let me summarize my recent experience.

My recent trip consisted of 11 nights in Cuba, 8 in Havana and 3 in Cienfuegos. My chica activity can be summarized as follows:
- 1 night totally off from chica hunting
- 2 nights opted to pass since nothing rang my bell
- 1 night settled for a 6.5 with good attitude and performance
- 1 night with a 7 in looks who was insatiable in bed
- 1 night with a 7.5 with a poor, get-it-over-with attitude
- 2 nights with 2 different 8s, both sweet and good performers
- 1 night with an 8.5-9 stunner with the whole package: looks, performance, intelligence
- 2 nights with another 8.5-9 stunner again with the whole package plus good English language skills

In October I never passed on any night and I never went home with less than an 8 in looks. You can see that in January my batting average went down as I passed several times and settled (by my standards) on others. Still not a bad performance and probably representative of what someone of average looks and limited Spanish-speaking abilities can achieve. You decide if you'd be content with the same results.

While much has changed in Cuba in terms of enforcement policies and practices, what has not changed is the basic sexuality and sensuality that permeate the culture. Though the expression of such core attitudes can be suppressed at certain times and places given extreme measures, it cannot be extinguished. Put the right chica in the right environment and the expression of these values will burst forth to your pleasure and delight.

Depending on your standards and on the amount of work you are willing to expend on the hunt, it is still fair to state that you can get laid in Cuba every night by at least a decent looking girl and for a relatively inexpensive price. Most nights you will be satisfied by the attitude and performance of your partner. Some nights you will be blown away by the beauty and other attractive qualities of the chica you are with.

WHO SHOULD GO - The following characteristics argue in support of a decision to go to Cuba under the current set of circumstances in the country. The more that are true of you the stronger the case for you going:
(1) you have been before and have a good understanding of the lay of the land;
(2) you are a good to fluent Spanish speaker;
(3) you have an existing girlfriend or chica contacts which are current;
(4) you have other contacts to help you once you arrive;
(5) you revel in the hunt and prefer conquering challenges to feasting on easy pickings;
(6) your reasons for traveling to Cuba are not just TSM-related but also include curiosity about other aspects of the country (political, economic, social, cultural, etc.)
(7) you are comfortable exploring new territory in a foreign land and are not shy about approaching people there;
(8) you are not bothered by the inconveniences you will encounter: multiple flights to get to your destination; potential customs hassles and risks; less than optimal casa living with possible annoyances ranging from insufficient water or privacy to security concerns to lumpy pillows and mattresses without support;
(9) you prefer active rather than passive sex partners;
(10) you just can't live without experiencing for yourself the mind-blowing sex with a Cubana that many have described on this board.

Conversely, the absence of the above characteristics argues for a decision against making the journey.

SOME FINAL THOUGHTS - While Cuba is nowhere near the paradise that it was only a few short months ago, it still remains a destination with promise for those with the right skills set and adventurous attitude. Whether or not to go now needs to be a carefully considered decision where the pros and cons of going to Cuba are weighed against the merits of other TSM destinations.

In the past the inevitable inconveniences and risks of going to Cuba were clearly outweighed by the rewards which awaited one's arrival with certainty. Now the hassle factor has been significantly increased while one has to work harder and longer for less certain rewards. The assessment of risks and benefits, of obstacles to overcome in search of uncertain rewards, no longer points clearly in a single direction. Most of us have limited resources (time, money, semen) and we, therefore, have to make a careful and deliberate decision about whether it is advisable to go to Cuba now or whether another TSM destination is the best use of our assets.

While I have developed a particular fondness for Cuba's land and people (and a concomitant hatred for its intolerant and repressive dictatorship), it is more likely than not that my next adventure will be to some new land. The world's a big place after all with many other destinations laying solid claim to the traveler's time, money and attention.

Bon voyage to you, whether you head for Cuba or another destination.