Current situation in Cuba, it's grim.

[Simon Bolivar]

For those with FB, here's a couple of pic's & a video clip posted on a cigar site so show just how tough life is on the island for the ordinary folks. Having visited this wonderful land four times I can assure you life has been tough for a long time but economically things were slowly improving, individuals able to rent out rooms or create a B&B or small restaurant. Tourist Euro's were putting money in the larger communities (although Cruise ships do very little for the people, the Government getting berthing fees but not much else).

Now the European tourists have stopped, I believe Canadian's can now visit again but many of them stay in Varadao & their money just goes to the corporations that own those hotels in the resort & the Government.

However, I never saw anyone hungry, no one really fat either! but apart from the near empty state shops, no real queues or agitation. Now the situation looks pretty desperate & is likely to get worse.They haven't got the resources to furlough their workers, they will be totally dependant on the State for everything.


https://www.facebook.com/messenger_m...c8T1zfUH0BAsIn

https://www.facebook.com/jorge.reina...20702259619087

[simwells]

I don't do FB so can't see the photos/video but that does sound awful, Horrendous news and sadly aid is so heavily limited there.

Planning on getting back next year and really hope to not see a dramatically different island but I guess that may be unavoidable.

[Simon Bolivar]

I don't do FB so can't see the photos/video but that does sound awful, Horrendous news and sadly aid is so heavily limited there.

Planning on getting back next year and really hope to not see a dramatically different island but I guess that may be unavoidable.

Indeed, visiting when we can & buying their products is the most practical way we can help. Just to explain for those non FB members, the video shows a large crowd with open plastic barrels, trying to collect water from a mobile water bowser, very unorganised & pretty tense; looks like the local supply has bee cut off. The photos are of people in long queues, waiting for food.

[simwells]

Yes plus stay in Casa's not hotels (which are generally much nicer anyway!)

Not sounding good and I've definitely not seen anything like that myself though admittedly I've not been outside of the more known areas.

[gav_sw20]

Real shame for the locals and they are some of the friendliest (if not 'the' friendliest) people I've ever the pleasure to met.

We are planning on a trip there again next year and will stay local. The country needs the money back in the economy and pretty damn quick.

[trying]

I've been wanting to go out there for a while. Spoke to a uk travel agent that specialise in cuba and got everything planned, A couple of days in Havana, then 3 I think to Pinar del Rio / Vinales then back to Havana for the end of the week. Mrs turned her nose up unfortunately. I still really want to go

[gav_sw20]

I've been wanting to go out there for a while. Spoke to a uk travel agent that specialise in cuba and got everything planned, A couple of days in Havana, then 3 I think to Pinar del Rio / Vinales then back to Havana for the end of the week. Mrs turned her nose up unfortunately. I still really want to go

I loved every minute of Cuba and hadn’t ever smoked a cigar until we went.

It is a magical place and can’t really be described to anyone who hasn’t actually been there.

Highlights for me:
Cost
People
Atmosphere
Live music everywhere and to an exceptional level
General pace of life
Photo opportunity
Architecture
Freedom to walk around and roam
Kids kicking balls around and not glued to their phones
Ditto for adults (minus the footballs)
Cars...oh the cars

It literally is like getting in a time machine at (insert UK airport of choice) and heading back to the 50s. Some fab restaurants but also some real back-street dives that serve great food too.

We’ve been on some amazing long-haul holidays in recent years and Cuba is the one place we always reference when discussing with friends.

My annual works trip to NYC has been pushed from Jan to June next year and we are planning on heading down there for a week via Maimi.

Get some YouTube videos on the go to tempt her.

[Simon Bolivar]

For those interested in what Cuba was like just a few yrs ago, you could check out my blogs on this site! My first trip was 2011 & was well documented, been back x3 since.

[AlexD4]

For those interested in what Cuba was like just a few yrs ago, you could check out my blogs on this site! My first trip was 2011 & was well documented, been back x3 since.

I would but the jealousy would be a burden 😁

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[nev coss]

if you visit you have to get out of the all inclusive hotels, to me it's still 1959 in Cuba, beautiful country

[gav_sw20]

if you visit you have to get out of the all inclusive hotels, to me it's still 1959 in Cuba, beautiful country

Agreed.

We went for 14 days and naively spent spent 10 of those in Varadero. When we return we will spent all of our time in Havana.

Whilst the all inclusive beach part of the trip was lovely and relaxing it isn’t the real Cuba. Although we did spend a couple of days in the town supporting the local bars which was a nice change.

[simwells]

Agreed.

We went for 14 days and naively spent spent 10 of those in Varadero. When we return we will spent all of our time in Havana.

Whilst the all inclusive beach part of the trip was lovely and relaxing it isn’t the real Cuba. Although we did spend a couple of days in the town supporting the local bars which was a nice change.

I would still recommend exploring, 10 days gives you chance to explore the island more than just the capital especially when it’s so cheap to get a taxi out to Vinales or my favourite place Trinidad


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[hemal211]

Recommend to get to Cienfuegos and Trinidad for 2-3 nights.. It's less touristy and a lot to see aroud the area. A lot of the history is there as well

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[trying]

Any recommendations (for or against) for factory tours?

[Haaltert]

Any recommendations (for or against) for factory tours?

I did La Corona and I liked it.
El Laguito is of course probably the dream of all, but you need to be very well connected to be allowed in there


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