Today we look at Cuba and some of the things you can expect to see.
A flavour of how your neighbours live.
And maybe you’ll want to visit Cuba before this “bubble” of 1950s memorabilia disappears .
With several days to spend in Porto, Jonathan L explores several aspects of local culture
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This iconic tree along The 17 Mile Drive is always a beautiful picture.
Of all the grand features of Paris’s Grands Magasins, Paul Heymont’s favorite is the stained glass dome at Printemps
DrFumblefinger shares images of a Lewis and Clark statue he spotted on the Boise State Capitol grounds.
GarryRF reminds us that everyplace we travel has more to it than we’re likely to know without going!
Garry visits his local beach to see the wildlife.
There are many American US citizens who visit Cuba. They’ve been visiting Cuba for as long as I can remember.
Of course they travel through Canada to do it. But they return to the US with no proof of having been there. No Passport stamps and no visa. Many American men have wives there and children.
In the 20 years I’ve been a traveller to Cuba the people have had a tremendous uplift in their lifestyles. TV’s, Computers, Cell phones and the day to day stuff. Better homes with AC, Electricity, Fridges, Education and universal Heath care.
Subsidised food and free electricity.
I despise my own Government for lying to me – and taking funds from public taxes without due cause. Commonly known as “cheating on your expenses” and how some like Tony Blair have suddenly acquired millions of pounds from unknown sources after taking the UK into a war with Iraq looking for WMD.
The main industry of Cuba – when I first went – was around Sugar Cane production.
Harvested by hand by workers with hand held Machete’s.
Workers would wear heavy leather coats to work under the blistering heat of a summer sun. Without a coat men would receive terrible injuries from the leaves of the Sugar Cane. Hitting your body like a thousand razors.
Cruel, inhuman work that Castro has almost halted for men – replacing them with machinery.
Work has been replaced with a new way forward by the Cuban Government.
Tourism has replaced sugar.
Cuba has been in debt to other countries for a long time – like most of the free world.
Hospitals are desperate for life saving drugs which they cant produce in Cuba.
Every tourist Dollar will give a woman pain relief during child birth.
Another Dollar will give a baby vaccinations to ensure it grows into a healthy adult.
Another Dollar will give a baby antibiotics to cure infections.
If that’s an example of charity – then yes – I’m proud to have helped.
I don’t justify my visits to Cuba or any other poor country.
Without employment people go hungry.
Folks who have never been to Cuba rely on media hysteria to educate them.
Example: In a recent American Newspaper I read that the cost of a carton of milk in Cuba was the same as a days wage. True.
Cubans only use powdered milk because the weathers too hot.
Only tourists buy fresh milk.
So what was the point of the Newspaper article ?
Do you think its better to avoid Countries with corrupt Governments ?
Tell me where it isn’t corrupt – and I’ll book it tomorrow!
I’ve discussed the travel issues with many American visitors.
They all seem to be singing from the same page.
“When I sing ‘The land of the free’ I mean it. No one tells me where I cant go”
Its the US Treasury that says you cant support the Cuban economy.
So if I paid for TravelRob then he could go.
Same as you as a Canadian could pay for your wife.
No where does it say “You cant go to Cuba”
Most Cubans don’t own a Computer.
Remember this is a socialist country.
Community centres are plentiful. The Government supply the Computers.
Same as the schools.
You don’t need to “own” it.
Remember that draw you have with old cell phones in it – maybe 15 years worth ?
Well visitors have given them all to Cuban friends.
I’ve probably given away 6 old Nokia phones that are working – but worthless.
The AC comes with the apartment and works off the community AC on the roof.
No charge for the electric.
I’m disappointed you have concluded that there’s a “massive underground economy” that accounts for a lot of this.
I’ve seen so many US TV and Newspaper reports that “Demonize” Cuba that I no longer trust them.
But I would not let that reflect on my opinion of Cuban people.
I don’t look for reasons to dislike people.
I understand your points and sentiments, Garry, and to a large degree agree with your views.
I don’t condone violating the laws of your country to travel somewhere, no matter how people rationalize it. Just because Americans could go to the US via Canada, doesn’t mean they should have. There’s lots of places to visit in the world.
I don’t understand how people making $1 a day can afford computers and cell phones and air conditioning and the like, but suspect there is a massive underground economy that accounts for a lot of this.
There’s corruption, then there’s CORRUPTION, and there’s repression and REPRESSION. Moral equivalency between countries does not work well here. For example, there is no equivalency between how corrupt the UK government is and the Cuban government for example, or how individual freedoms in the UK compare with those in Cuba. Last time I checked, the UK does not imprison, torture and execute it’s political enemies.
But I’m glad things are improving for folks in Cuba. As I’ve said many times, I’ve nothing but fondness for all the Cubans I’ve met over the years.
Ay caramba!! I just love them coches señor!! A great series Gary, really appreciate the insight.
Very interesting. I don’t know too much about Cuba as I have not been there but I am going very soon. Perhaps next month or perhaps not until November. I will decide next week. I wont be spending my time at a fancy beach resort as almost all Canadians do. I will spend three weeks in the City of Havana that most people tour in about three hours and get back to their resort for supper. I want to learn about the people, the culture and the economy so I will be able to make a good report on this when I return. I have heard that computers are available at community centres as stated above but cost about $5.00 per hour. I don’t think many Cubans can afford that. Álso the government controls what websites you can see and the speed is not fast enough to upload many photos. Just good for a quick check of your email. Have also heard that most people cannot repair their houses as they cannot afford paint and other necessary items. Anyways, this is just information that I have read on the internet. I intent to check all this for myself when I get there to see what is true and what is not.
Sounds like you’ll be arriving with an open mind Tom.
You need to get out into the country to get a balanced view of the Cuban people.
Like English tourists who visit New York and then reckon they know all about America.
Computer speeds were very slow but WiFi is moving in slowly.
DrF.
China has a far worse record of “Human Rights” and escapes criticism.
Tibetans were killed for their religious beliefs.
The Tiananmen Square massacre. Just 25 years ago.
No one asks you to justify going there.
Same as Saudi Arabia.
Where the courts have condemned women to be stoned to death for adultery.
No complaints there either.
But China and Saudi Arabia both keep Trillions of Dollars in US Banks.
Does the American media not bite the hand that feeds you – maybe ?
Thanks for this fascinating three part look at Cuba, Garry! I’ve enjoyed it and learned many handy tips from you and @MAD travel diaries (whose pieces approached Cuba from a different perspective).
Those great 50s cars are absolutely beautiful — obviously lovingly maintained and a big part of why lots of folks like to travel there. I’ve not been to Cuba, although with my Canadian passport I could have gone (although my American wife would not have been allowed to accompany me until now). I love the Cuban people but despise their government and how it has lied to them and so terribly repressed them. It bothers me greatly knowing most of the “profits” from a visit go not to the Cuban people but to Government officials and their croonies.
I’m curious about your take on this. How could an average world citizen go to Cuba to be helpful to the people, without making them seem like charity cases? How have you handled this in your frequent travels to the islands?
You convinced me. I will go this year. Tom