If you've been to Cuba, tell me things.

[Deleted]

Of all places... why Cuba?


(not snarky - really just curious)

[Deleted]

Jun 30, 2016 11:36:33 GMT -5 mp said:

Jun 30, 2016 11:32:48 GMT -5 @lazerus24 said:

Of all places... why Cuba?


(not snarky - really just curious)

Since the US has only recently been granted access, it's changing a lot and quickly. I want to go everywhere, frankly, but sooner than later would be interesting in Cuba, before it changes drastically for tourism.

Gotcha. I know nothing but bad things about traveling to Cuba. I don't even really know what the landscape is like. I would imagine it is beautiful.

[Deleted]

Are you going with a tour? My SO has been multiple times (not a U.S. citizen) and loves it and wants us to go. But I know that being a U.S. citizen it seems there are still restrictions and we technically wouldn't be able to go and do our own thing, right? Or did I read about it incorrectly? I want to go and do my own thing dammit!

Anyway, I have no specific advice, but if you have any specific questions I can ask him.

[miso]

I am so jealous!

I want to be young and single and fun (and employed).

Never been and really want to go. I want to hear all about tour trip when you return. Can't wait for your gorgeous photos.

[broadsheet]

I went in 2002 so a LOT has changed. if you need or use any type of electronics, bring it with you (hair dryers, phone chargers, etc.)

Yes to cash - dollars are accepted everywhere. Get a drink at the Hotel Nacional, go visit the Old Havana area for eats/drinks and see Hemingway's farm. I would go back in a heartbeat.

[miso]

Jun 30, 2016 11:32:48 GMT -5 @lazerus24 said:

Of all places... why Cuba?

(not snarky - really just curious)

Cigars. Duh.

[Deleted]

Jun 30, 2016 11:39:13 GMT -5 mp said:

Jun 30, 2016 11:37:48 GMT -5 @lazerus24 said:

Gotcha. I know nothing but bad things about traveling to Cuba. I don't even really know what the landscape is like. I would imagine it is beautiful.

ha, well I already booked. :-P 

I know a lot of people who have been in the last 2 years and have had a wonderful experience.

I believe you! 

I know nothing. LOL. 

[lilafowler]

I know we're cool with Cuba now but I feel like we should be whispering about it and using code words. lol
HI NSA

[Deleted]

Jun 30, 2016 11:40:11 GMT -5 mp said:

Jun 30, 2016 11:39:01 GMT -5 @wandering said:

Are you going with a tour? My SO has been multiple times (not a U.S. citizen) and loves it and wants us to go. But I know that being a U.S. citizen it seems there are still restrictions and we technically wouldn't be able to go and do our own thing, right? Or did I read about it incorrectly? I want to go and do my own thing dammit!

Anyway, I have no specific advice, but if you have any specific questions I can ask him.

It's all self identified. So basically, you can be like "yeah I'm totes here for education" and that's enough.

That being said, given my nonprofit + photography, I can claim a reason legitimately (professional research + journalism).

Ok that's what I thought at first and then I was researching and I got confused because I read about having to do a tour and have a host, etc. My SO does want to go down there for music research again, so I could be his "assistant." Sorry for not being helpful, I'll pick your brain more when you get back I'm thinking this might go to the top of the list for my early 2017 trip now. 

[Deleted]

Also, this is really random, but I just came back from a solo trip to Cartagena Colombia. Not sure if you've ever been or researched it, but I think you'd really like it!

[Deleted]

Jun 30, 2016 11:47:47 GMT -5 freedom said:

I've been several times but I don't think our experience will be the same, lol. I go to visit family that lives in Oriente. It's a beautiful house on a huge farm in the most amazing countryside I have ever seen. I had no internet or phone access. The only downside is the outhouse although my aunt built a bathroom so when I go next month I'll get to use it. I just have to bring her a toilet seat.

Mangos are delicious right now. Find a river with a waterfall and pick the mangos off the tree. I have never seen such natural beauty compared to other countries I have visited.

This sounds amazing

[sassycat]

I went in 2014 ( I am Canadian) and had a fabulous time. I stayed in Vardero and it was fabulous. You don't go to Cuba for the food though. It was very safe and I had noproblem leaving the resort to go into town. The people are so nice and accomodating. I didn't get to go to Halgeon*sp. but a few of our resort friends went on the tour it was amazing.

I did the catamaran trip to swim with dolphins and snorkeling. They took you out did the dolphins and snorkeling in the middle of the ocean ( AFUCKINMAZING) and then also take you to a deserted island for a great chicken or lobster lunch.

Hope that helps a little. I would go back in a heartbeat! Have a fabulous time.

[lilac05]

I went in college. I'm sure many things have changed, and I don't really remember enough to make recommendations. It was a fabulous experience & a beautiful country. Lots of fantastic food, music, and people! I looked into going again recently, but wasn't able to make it work. Have a great time!

[RoxMonster]

I'm so jealous. I want to go to Cuba so badly. DH's aunt and uncle just got back from there. They did go with a tour but they loved it there. They said it was amazingly gorgeous and the trip of a lifetime for them.

So I have no good advice but have an awesome time!

[lilac05]

Jun 30, 2016 12:19:19 GMT -5 jamaicam said:

Go to the museums. Yes, they are 'propaganda' but it is interesting to see history from a completely different perspective.

This is what I really love about traveling!  Seeing things that look to be propaganda to Americans passed off as history in another country opened my eyes to the way that WE are taught history, and how it looks to other countries.  And the importance of remembering that there are two sides to EVERY story.

[milosh]

I went in 2007 (Canadian). The resort was awesome but the food was terrible, and they often didn't have the basics. Probably a bit better now that the US is back in the picture.

[missmaddie]

We went to Santiago de Cuba almost 10 years ago and really enjoyed it. I'd love to go back.

If I recall correctly it used to be *the* city/a capital before Havana, so there was lots of history and such to see. We felt safe and comfortable walking around off resort (and our resort was one of only a few in town, vs some of the bigger tourist cities). Much safer then walking around in other countries off resort, actually. And people approached us to chat about Canada (saw DH's team Canada hockey hat) and their family there, not to just have you buy stuff like in other countries.

[Nonny]

I have no advice, but I am looking forward to your pictures when you get back.

[Dezi]

We take a family vacation in Cuba every couple of years. The food is very bland. My H always packs hot sauce, ketchup and salt and pepper. It's a great place to visit and absolutely beautiful. Many people take gifts to give as tips, dollar store items like pens, notepads, toothbrushes etc.

[mrssandro]

Our Canada family travels all the time to Cuba. They say it's amazing.

It's on our bucket list.

[formerlyak]

Anthony Bourdain did a "Parts Unknown" episode recently that had a lot of good info. There is a link to it here www.cnn.com/shows/anthony-bourdain-parts-unknown

[Aloe Vera]

I have a friend (US citizen) who went this year with her family.
She hasn't mentioned any problems. Loved her trip and wants to go back

[Que?]

I've been travelling regularly to Cuba since I was a teenager. I went for the first time with my Dad when I was 14, and we went on our honeymoon. I've been all over the country, it's one my favorite places.
I don't know how to even give advice because all access in Cuba was previously accessed via underground methods and I'm not sure I would even know how to travel there now. Like, can you just get in a car and drive, you don't need a driver and tinted windows and 6 bottles of rum bribes in the trunk? Not even sure lol.

[sonrisa]

Jun 30, 2016 11:44:25 GMT -5 lilafowler said:

I know we're cool with Cuba now but I feel like we should be whispering about it and using code words. lol
HI NSA

Eh. It's not like we are talking about or Yemen or North Korea. 




Oops!

[sonrisa]

Jun 30, 2016 14:11:40 GMT -5 mp said:

I do have to laugh that people are talking to the Celiac about boring food. Guys, I pack protein shakes + granola bars and eat those half the time when I travel, anyway. haha.

You might want to check what their import restrictions are. (I don't know of anything specific, but if you plan to bring most of the food you eat, I'd hate for it to get confiscated.)

[Que?]

Jun 30, 2016 14:11:40 GMT -5 mp said:

I do have to laugh that people are talking to the Celiac about boring food. Guys, I pack protein shakes + granola bars and eat those half the time when I travel, anyway. haha.

The food isn't boring, lol. It just isn't 'American'. Obviously if you only ever eat at the all inclusive, you're not even judging actual Cuban food. You will have no problems with celiac there at all.

[formerlyak]

There is a lot of Cuban food that is celiac-friendly. You shouldn't have a problem.

As for salsa, there are many great studios here in LA where you can take a few lessons before you go. It's actually not hard to learn a few basic steps. I'm not talking turns, dips and lifts, but the basic footwork can be learned pretty easily.

[cinderbella]

SO jealous!

[Que?]

Jun 30, 2016 14:34:31 GMT -5 mp said:

Jun 30, 2016 14:32:37 GMT -5 Que? said:

The food isn't boring, lol. It just isn't 'American'. Obviously if you only ever eat at the all inclusive, you're not even judging actual Cuban food. You will have no problems with celiac there at all.

I can eat the hell out of fried plantains, which is pretty exciting at least! 

Yum.
Cubans love Canadians obviously, but they also just really love people. They love entertaining, and I imagine, or what I truly hope is that with the new tourism climate there, there is an opportunity for them to show off their culture and have it be embraced. They LOVE to sing and dance and feed you and get you drunk. They want people to love it there. I hope that continues, and I just hope it doesn't become obscured by mindless tourism and overdevelopment for $$ only.

[dreamcrisp1]

Cuba is amazing and stunning. You're gonna have so much fun and take so many great pics. And the food is delicious.