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Related: About this forumIs The Imagine Most Americans Have Of Cuba The Result Of Conservative Propaganda?
Thom returns to the United States after staying in Cuba and what he saw is vastly different than the impoverished authoritarian police state the media seems to think Cuba is...
fierywoman
(7,641 posts)because I played in a Mexican Orchestra that went to Cuba to play. I found it to be vastly different than how it was portrayed in the media I read at the time ( in those years, mostly the NYT.)
In Mexico, I could always get comp tickets to the concerts. In Cuba, I was told (by the Mexican who usually gave me the tickets) that he couldn't do that for me because the concerts were by invitation only. I found it interesting to look out at the audience those nights -- they all looked like they'd flown in from Madrid, and they didn't look like the (incredibly beautiful, passionate and vivacious) mixed race people I saw on the streets of Havana.
As I said, it was 1979 -- perhaps things have changed in Cuba since then ...
Doitnow
(1,103 posts)happening there---not like the right wing likes to portray. You'd think the United States is the only country that has indoor plumbing the way they talk.
sinkingfeeling
(51,281 posts)my Cuban educational visa today.
Hulk
(6,699 posts)We flew in and out of Mexico City on Internet Airlines.
Everyone sees something different when you visit Cuba. We planned to spend four nights in Havana and four nights in Vinales (up in the tobacco hills 3+ hrs west of Havana). We were surprised by how cool it was in the hills...maybe 65 F with the wind blowing rather steadily. We werent prepared for that. We had NO sweaters or jackets, and I caught a nasty cold the first day; so we picked up some cold tablets at the local pharmacy for a couple dollars, and we headed back to Havana for the last three nights.
There are some downers we noticed. They are marvelously resilient people; but they are not all satisfied with the communist government that has stifled entrepreneurship. Our driver that showed us around Havana the first day was clearly upset with his future. Im sure he was not alone in that feeling. A professional, such as a doctor or teacher earns a meager monthly salary of under $100....$69 was the figure I was told. Food was very good if you have enough money to buy it. Many dont. Many of the restaurants are for tourist ONLY. the buildings are crumbling. Many in the city are being taken down because they havent had money for upkeep for 50 years now. (They are working on the capital building ...the French...and they have been for about a decade.)
There are thousands of old cars...1948-1959. They look great, but most are nowhere near perfect. Almost all are missing chrome pieces and other basic trim and parts, and most have reworked poorly remodeled upholstery. The paint may look good, but several coats of paint and rust underneath is the norm. A ride may cost you $10-15 cucks (tourist currency equivalent to the US dollar) but if you want a ride in the fancy convertibles, you are looking at $25+ for a ride. Thats all fair, but just so you know. Many of the cars now have Mitsubishi motors, and/or smoke like a chimney.
Now the good points: The people are great. Crime is nearly non existent. Panhandling and hustling the tourists is an art there...in Havana and Vinales and maybe other touristy cities. But we were generous with giving. You cant give all the time to everyone, but we brought some cans of pork, chicken, beef, toothpaste, tablets of notebook paper, pens, and even unused sandals, sports clothes that a friend had, and even a bottle of Herdedura tequila to give away. We tried to give them to people we met that felt they needed....and many were emotionally grateful.
The people are good and happy with life. They do NOT hate the US. We saw people wearing US flag clothing occasionally. Im sure Fidel may not have permitted that, but maybe he didnt mind?
We watched NUMEROUS videos on YouTube before we went. I talked to numerous gringos in Mexico who had gone before us, and everyone had good advice, and everyone had misinformation. Life in Cuba is changing everyday. One special video we watched was a documentary from an American film director. He traveled to Cuba after the revolution and even met with Fidel a few times in his documentary. He returned about every 10 years and met with the same family on a farm and a few different people in the city. Terribly interesting to see how Cuba has evolved. They saw some real belt tightening when the Soviet Union broke up and left them high and dry in the early 1990s. Worthwhile watching. It gave a glimpse at the real Fidel; not the ugly picture painted by our government and the Cuban Americans.
Finally...I went with NO conditions. I met a young couple in the early 30s perhaps, with their two little adorable children of probably 4 and 6 years. They flew from Miami, also with NO conditions.
Do what you must, but you are able to go and visit as a tourist only if you want to risk it. I did. Many of my friends have. Cuba will open up eventually, and Im in to my 70s now...so time is not on my side. But if you really desire to go....do it! Airbnb is a safe and a comfortable way to stay in a home or other setting. They have what is called Casas Familiares which are probably more economical; but the Airbnb can be arranged before you go. Hotels would be my last preference for lodging. Expensive and reclusive.
You will see Cuba more different than I did. I want to return, but next time to Santiago de Cuba, by Guantanamo Bay, and other smaller cities in the interior. The mojitos are great, and the Cuban rum...Havana Club 3, 7, etc...are wonderful! My friend brought home a bottle of Santiago Rum, and I came home with a bottle of Havana Club 7 and a fistful of Romeo & Juliet cigars for friends and family. Memories Ill cherish always. Friends I made that warm my heart just reflecting on them.