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Explorer8939
05-13-02, 04:02
The Bush Administration is conducting a 'top down' review of Cuba policy at the current time. The plan is to crack down on illegal tourism by Americans in Cuba. This will probably mean that they will pick a few guys at random and put them in jail.
Explorer8939
05-14-02, 23:20
A few days ago, I posted about the AIDS problem in Cuba, mostly due to the 80,000 or so Haitian boat people. Today, Jimmy Carter is visiting an AIDS clinic in Havana:
http://www.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/americas/05/14/carter.cuba/index.html
So, I guess not even Cuba is immune to this epidemic.
Has anyone used cubalinda to fly into cuba? The guy who used to work in the CIA owns it. That part makes me slightly nervous.
John Dough
06-11-02, 02:40
Went to Cuba this spring and noticed they didn't stamp my passport. The only things stamped were the certificate for the $20 airport exit fee, and the visitor visa.
CalienteDelNort
06-11-02, 06:20
For all of you asking what is really going on about travel restrictions on Cuba you should read this.
I am in touch with many fellow travelers and do belive this is still acurate to this day. (June 11, 2002)
Unedited article bellow including reference.
Regards
Caliente del Norte
Don't panic if Cuba trip is discovered
By David Whitney --
Published 2:15 a.m. PST Sunday, March 31, 2002
Sacramento Bee Web sites
http://www.sacbee.com/content/travel/story/2010394p-2231270c.html
WASHINGTON -- Despite federal laws designed to discourage U.S. citizens from traveling to Cuba, thousands of Americans do so every month and most encounter no problems upon their return.
But "most" may not include you, if you happen to be the one unlucky American on your tour who, upon your return into the United States, is discovered by a U.S. Customs agent to have been in Cuba.
While it is not a crime to go to Cuba, you can be fined for spending money there unless you have special permission or a "license" to travel there. Exempted from this law are journalists and persons attending professional meetings. Specific licenses can be obtained from the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control for Cuba for travel related to religious activities, humanitarian donations and educational projects.
However, tens of thousands of Americans travel to Cuba each year without licenses. Typically they fly into Cuba from Canada or Mexico, which maintain economic and diplomatic relations with the Cuban government. As long as your passport is not stamped upon entry or exit from Cuba -- and airport officials know this drill well -- your little secret probably won't be discovered.
Even if is, however, there is no reason to panic. You won't be hauled off to jail. Except for an inconvenient series of questions, you shouldn't be held up for long at the border. What might happen, however, is that some months later you will receive a letter from the Treasury Department notifying you of a fine, typically $7,500, for breaching the prohibition on spending money in Cuba.
The well-known secret your government won't tell you is that you can appeal a fine -- although there has never been a procedure set up for hearing these challenges. Barring some change to this policy, demanding a hearing is regarded as the practical equivalent to putting your case permanently on hold.
Finding a company offering bicycle tours in Cuba is as easy as doing an Internet search.
One West Coast company with a variety of special-interest trips to Cuba is San Francisco-based Global Exchange (www.globalexchange.org), through which you can travel worry-free, because the company obtains a license for its tours.
Bicycle Africa, out of Seattle, offers cycling programs in cooperation with a Cuba-based tour operator. For information, go to www.ibike.org/bikeafrica and follow the links to "schedule overview"
There's a great range in bicycle tours, so be sure to find one that fits your inclinations. A tour for cyclists of average ability will cover about 40 miles a day, while ones for experienced cyclists in top physical shape will cover twice that distance or more. Tours typically involve buses that carry gear for the group and pick up those too sore to go another mile.
The most appealing time to travel to Cuba is in the winter months, November through May -- Cuba's coolest and driest period. Even so, temperatures can break 100 degrees, and periods of rain are not uncommon.
There are many resources for planning a trip to Cuba. The guidebooks published by Moon Handbooks and Lonely Planet are especially useful (although at 800 pages, the Moon guide is a bit heavy to lug around). Lonely Planet just came out with Cycling Cuba ($21.99), a guide dedicated entirely to discovering the island on two wheels.
LittleDickPride
06-15-02, 00:14
Why this hype about Cuba?
Qué onda amigos?
I really do not understand why some guys venture to Cuba whereas there is the Dominican Republic next door. Indeed, while I recognize that the Cuban chicas are hot and good-looking, the problem is that there is not really much to do with their politico-economic system which actually prevents tourists from mingling with locals and you cannot live the real life. Everytime I go to Cuba -on my way to Central America- I have this feeling. On the other hand, the DR chicas are as hot and bonitas and you can take advantage of near all facilities available in the US.
If anyone disagrees with my statement, could he argue why? I would appreciate.
Hasta luego.
Explorer8939
06-29-02, 05:47
Concerning AIDS in Cuba:
http://www.msnbc.com/news/773024.asp?0si=-
Hi Folks...
http://www.ageofconsent.com/comments/sextourism.htm
this link will show WHY so many mongers go down to Cuba;-)
Cheap,Nice wheather and pretty babes,and save (certainly compared to other SA destinations) Wadde ye want more????
hell...we be doing all those poor chicas a goddamn FAVOR!!! If all those "bad sextourists" didn't showed up...I guess Cuba was starving to death!!
I am off to Colombia in february...but I don't know were I will be next summer!!!!;-)
Happy hunting you mongers.
Johan.
PolyOrchid
11-04-02, 03:43
Went to Havana in 1998 and had my backpack, a camera, and a few shirts ripped off from my casa.
Silly me, I was in a locked compound [main house and a couple outer apartments] and I left my little single bedroom to walk to the main house to talk to the landlady. I didn't lock the door. I returned 10 minutes later to find the above items had been lifted.
Worst part of it all was that my US passport was in the backpack. Needless to say, I had overlooked talking to the Treasury folks so was technically spending money illegally in Cuba.
Since I had no option but to report it to the US authorities if I wanted to get out of Cuba, I went to our provisional consular office in the Swiss embassy. Was met by a stern State Department type who told me I was in a LOT OF TROUBLE. Thank God she broke a smile and told me it was no big deal. Within three hours, she had me a replacement passport. The funny part is that I now have a passport which shows its place of issue as Havana, Cuba. In this reign of King George II, I will likely replace that one with one more innocuous in these paranoid times.
All in all, I say Viva Cuba!
EZE_Amante
11-08-02, 10:30
I need to find flight info from Windsor, London, or Toronto to Heavanna. Any advice would be appreciated. I contacted one of the travel agencies, but they are very slow in responding. Maybe someone could recommend a legitimate travel agency for flying from Canada. I'm not interested in package tours, only flight schedules and prices.
Thanks,
EZE :)
El Colorado
11-08-02, 21:59
Air Canada has flights from Toronto. I believe Cubana does also. Check their websites. You can make a reservation by calling Canada and paying for the ticket when you arrive in Toronto.
One Great Man
11-09-02, 04:35
EZE:
I'm posting a message that I gave to another Canadian guy who would be visiting Cuba, and was blown away by airfares.
On www.priceline.com, you offer a price and dates. They choose the airline and departure/return times (you have the option of red-eye flights, which give more flexibility in their acceptance).
Their "international" minimum bid for RT is $400.
I used this service on a flight to Guatemala ($400 RT) and didn't even give the option for a red-eye flight.
I don't know whether they serve Canada, but I don't know why not. You can get more details on their site.
Hope this helps! Good hunting.
hello. i hope this message doesn’t end up being too long. however, i do have a number of questions i hope you experienced “hobbyists” can answer for me.
my friend and i have been fans of this site for quite some time. although we have never engaged in the hobby, reading about your exploits has been quite entertaining. so, after much consideration we have decided cuba will be the country where we’ll unleash the knowledge learned in here. we’re going for a week in december. we want to be able to enjoy the beach and all the [CodeWord118] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord118). so, we narrowed our choice to varadero and jibacoa. jibacoa is a city half way between havana and varadero. so, here are our questions.
are the best places for us to find non pros, outside of the major cities? if we do go outside of the major cities, can we get by with little or no spanish? what should we be expecting to pay for non pros? i’ve read previous posts discussing the value of soap in the mid 90’s. how far will a couple bars of soap get me now-a-days? what types of gifts should i bring to make me the king of cuba in the eyes of the ladies?
will we have any trouble taking a video camera in and out of cuba? do you recommend any vaccinations? how much should we expect to pay for taxis? i know that’s a pretty general question. but any insight you can provide is appreciated. thanks in advance for all your help!
A good website for last minute packages out of Toronto is http://twtravel.com/landvacations.cfm
Prices are listed in both $US and $CAN. You can also call them about flight only deals.
AlLostInSpace13
11-19-02, 12:33
Pro Playa,
I've never heard of Jibacoa before, but then I'm not an expert in Cuban travel. Soap can't get you laid any more. Try lipstick or perfume. I saw a lot of people w/ camcorders, so I suppose it's no problem. I don't remember seeing metered taxis in Veradero, so haggle like hell. I was speaking to a gentleman from Finland in Havana, and he recommended only giving $5-10 to non-pros as a gift. Good luck!
Organicgrowth
11-23-02, 01:22
pro playa,
if you are going mainly for the diving and other [CodeWord118] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord118) jibacoa is indeed excellent. however are you aware that it is a club resort? thus may have mongering limitation, much like the resorts in cienfuegos & varadero (and unlike these very same cities…).
i love diving (water & chica flesh!) and i was told that access to “regular” cubans is limited here, so i dropped it form my list. the people you see will be tourist-trained and the prime directive for this sort is parting you from your dollars. i do know that the resort has a deal with the hotel nacional de cuba, and thus the tropicana night club. they do a number of excursions into havana depending on how long you want to stay…
if you are going mainly for regular / pro chicas then i would say head straight for havana, get settled in and then explore both jibacoa, and marina hemmingway for [CodeWord118] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord118). staying in a casa particular in havana will allow you the freedom of enjoying all aspects of diving!
regards,
havanaman
Well... so much for Cuba in January...
I guess I'll have to wait 2 or 3 years until Fidel ends his new crackdown. Why couldn't The Prick wait a few months so I could check out Cuba for the first time?. In hindsight we all should have seen the signs pointing to this latest purge.
For those of you who've travelled to other places: Where's the best place for a newbie to the sport go? (without getting robbed blind or drunk and married).
Good luck to your New Years trip Havanaman... hopefully you'll get one last good week of mongering in.
Can you please copy this to your site as I do not have posting privilages. I know it is not directly about prostitution but it will effect all of us Cuba travellers.
Cuban Apartheid Protest
The Cuban government has recently started increasing restrictions on interaction between Cubans and foreigners to a level that is nothing short of apartheid. I have personally witnessed people being taken off the street at night and placed in prison for 3 days simply for talking to a foreigner. These new policies would be unacceptable in any free country and should be brought to the attention of all businesses and foreign governments who openly do business with Cuba.
I will explain how the new measures are taking place in a moment. But first I would like to clarify a little about myself. I know that whenever someone if critical of the Cuban government that they are immediately labeled as an exile from Miami who is simply telling fictitious stories in order to discredit the Cuban government. Accordingly, I want to make it clear that I am not associated in anyway with the Cuban exile community or anyone who has a political interest in Cuba. I am a Canadian citizen by birth and I only started travelling to Cuba a few years ago. If anyone doubts what I have to say here I will provide whatever evidence is requested to prove my statements. In fact, if any newspaper wants to report these disturbing trends but requires further proof, I am willing to personally escort a reporter to Cuba so they can witness firsthand people being taken out of their house at night and placed in jail for only being in the company of a foreigner. I will pay my own expense for travel as well. All I want is attention and awareness brought to this new practice that would never be tolerated in a democratic country. I can be contacted at joecuba123@hotmail.com
There are two specific actions that are taking place right now that are unacceptable. First, the arrest and detainment of Cuban citizens who are simply found to be in the presence of a foreigner. This can happen by the police coming to a house where a tourists is living, and if a Cuban is found in the house, the Cuban is arrested. Normally, this happens at nighttime when few people are awake to bear witness. Secondly, the Cuban government has decided to close all rental houses that normally provide bed and breakfast services to tourists. The government has not stated their intention to close these houses but there is a clear pattern of harassment towards these enterprises to illustrate that they are no longer desirable. The reason of closing these houses is to further restrict interaction between foreigners and Cubans in order to complete the goal of segregation.
Some things I have personally witnessed in the city of Cienfuegos are as follows:
A Cuban woman who is engaged to a man from Italy was arrested at 2:00am in the rental house she shared with him. She was registered with immigration to be in the house but this was irrelevant to the police. In fact, they had been together for over 2 years and she was always registered with immigration to be in a tourist house with him. She was taken by the police to the central station in Cienfuegos and kept for 3 days in jail for processing. During that time she was forced to give a blood sample in order to be tested for drugs and AIDS. She was then advised that she would be sent to prison for up to 4 years if she were ever found in the company of a different tourist.
Cuban females who are seen in cars driven by tourists are now stopped and arrested on the spot. The charge is prostitution although there is no evidence that sex is even taken place since the female is simply a passenger in a car. The same process of 3 days in prison as mentioned above occurs when this happens.
Cubans are now being taken out of discos discretely by the secret police and arrested even though they may not even be in the company of a foreigner. The police seem to think that simply being in a place where a tourist might be is sufficient to be arrested for prostitution. I personally witnessed 2 Cuban woman sitting at a table in a nightclub when they were approached by an undercover police agent and asked to come outside. To the uninformed observer this would look as though they were merely leaving with the male Cuban. However, once they were outside they were placed in a police car and taken to the central station in Cienfuegos. Of course, they were also placed in jail for 3 days and subjected to the above mentioned conditions.
Police stopped a Cuban male who was giving directions to a friend of mine. He was charged with harassing a tourist and given a 30-peso fine. Another Cuban male was sitting in a restaurant with a friend from Canada eating a sandwich. After the Canadian left he to was ticketed for harassing a tourist. It is worth noting the far greater discrimination against females than males. The females go directly to jail and are detained without access to a lawyer while the males only get a ticket. I thought socialism was suppose to treat all people equally?
Again, if anyone has any doubts that these things are occurring I would be happy to take a media representative to Cuba so they can witness everything firsthand. However, if you happen to be in Cienfuegos you can see all this yourself. Simply go to the main central police station at 1:00 in the morning. Sit outside the gate and watch the police bringing people in. You will notice carloads of female Cubans being brought through the gates. On a typical night they are arresting 20 to 30 people for being in the clubs, walking down the street with a tourist or from raiding houses. None have access to a lawyer and will remain in the station for 3 days. As you sit outside the gates you will often see the foreigners arriving to plead with the police to release them. But the police never release them until the 3 days has past. In the past the police would usually let them go if you went to the station to protest but that was before this new policy came into effect.
The rental houses are facing a fate almost as bad. For those that have never been to Cuba, rental houses (called casa particulars) are private owned houses that are allowed to rent to tourists under a special license. They are very similar to bed and breakfasts in other countries. They must pay a tax of around $140 a month which is significant when you consider the average Cuban salary is around $10 a month. Tourist who enjoy travelling around the island and meeting real Cuban people rent these houses as an alternative to the hotel packages. Further, foreigners who have personal relationships with Cubans must stay in a casa particular because Cubans are not allowed in the tourist hotels.
The Cuban government has decided they no longer want the rental houses and are slowly harassing them in the hopes that most will shut their doors voluntarily. Recently, mostly in provinces outside of Havana, the police have been raiding these houses at night harassing guests who are staying in them. They always say they are doing this to offset prostitution but this is clearly untrue when you consider many of the people who end up in jail have permanent long-term relationships with their foreign companion.
In Cienfuegos last month the police closed about a dozen houses for reasons that are not explained. All these owners had invested all their time and money bringing these houses up to standards that tourists would expect only to have their license seized in the end. Other house owners have been arrested under the claim that they were allowing prostitutes in their house.
Finally, in January the final blow will come into effect. Starting in January all tourists in rental houses must be married to their guest if their guest is Cuban. This rule will without doubt destroy the entire rental house industry. Over 90% of the people who stay in rental houses are there visiting their Cuban boyfriend or girlfriend. After all, since Cubans cannot stay in hotels with tourists there is no other alternative but to stay in a rental house. (Further it has always been illegal for foreigners to stay in a private Cuban house that was not licensed by the government.) This will also be bad for tourists who do not have personal relations with a Cuban but enjoy staying in the more affordable private houses. Surely, with 90% of the customers lost the houses will quickly go out of business for everyone since the house owners still must pay the same tax.
To make the situation even more disturbing the Cuban government charges over $700.00 USD for a foreigner to marry a Cuban. In comparison it is less than the equivalent of $1.00 for a Cuban to marry another Cuba. This is nothing short of extortion. It seems very contradictory that the Cuban government on one hand is saying it must stop prostitution at all costs and then charging an exuberant amount of money for a foreigner to marry a Cuban.
When all that I have written is taken into consideration it is clear that the Cuban government has a goal to create total apartheid between the Cuban people and tourists. Arresting people for no clear reason, not allowing them access to a lawyer and imprisoning them is surely a violation of human rights by any standard. Cuba’s claim to be opening up to free enterprise is now seen to be false as the most popular businesses are being squeezed out.
Overall I find these practices to be outrages. I believe that we should all express our outrage to the Cuban government and say that they must change these practices immediately. Or course, they seldom listen. But if we all make it clear we WILL NOT BE RETURNING TO CUBA IF THIS DOES NOT CHANGE they may have no choice but to listen.
Here is what needs to happen immediately:
THE CUBAN GOVERNMENT MUST STOP ARRESTING CUBAN CITIZENS FOR SIMPLY BEING IN THE COMPANY OF A TOURIST. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE AND A HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION.
THE CUBAN GOVERNEMNT MUST CONTINUE TO ALLOW PRIVATE HOUSES TO RENT WITHOUT HARASSMENT. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE TO CREATE APARTHEID BETWEEN THE CUBAN PEOPLE AND TOURISTS. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE TO REQUIRE A CUBAN TO MARRY A TOURIST SIMPLY TO BE IN A RENTAL HOUSE WITH THAT PERSON.
If you agree with this position, please help me by spreading the word. There are many things you can do to help get this message to the Cuban government. Here are some suggestions:
Please copy this protest to every message board and mailing list on the Internet that deals with people traveling to Cuba. Copy it to all your friends who travel to Cuba. Fax it to your travel agent and tell them you are not interested in going to Cuba anymore and they should be aware of these new rules. Copy or fax it to the Canadian government or your MP and ask them why they are doing business with a country that violates their own citizens rights? Or if you are from another country copy it to your own government if they deal with Cuba. Copy or fax it to any company you know that does business with Cuba and ask them if they think this is acceptable treatment of people? Copy it to any web site you can, I do not copyright this document.
Copy this petition everywhere so that the Cuban government find out that we do not want to return to their country if they are treating their own people like this. We want to meet the Cuban people and we want to stay in the rental houses without harassment.
Finally, copy it to them. Here are some addresses to send this to:
Fax for Cuban embassy in Canada: (613) 563-0068
Cuba@ embacuba.ca Webmaster@one.gov.cu root@epol.cipcc.inf.cu comercial@granmai.cip.cu redac2@granmai.cip.cu editor_impreso@granmai.cip.cu root@aduana.islagrande.cu webmaster@infomed.sld.cu
Make sure you tell everyone that you to are unhappy with the current policies in Cuba and will not be returning until this changes.
Thanks to all who help! Please spread this to everyone!
Thanks for the tips AlLostInSpace13 and Havanaman! I'll post a detailed report when I get back towards the end of December.
I have been in Cuba in 98-99 and I tell you that crack down that started never ended since. Before 1999 it was free for all. Tonns of non pros especially on summer vacation. But now there are better places to go.
As for prices it was 20.00 gift to non pros. And they DON"T ask for it:) I love them:) Pros in Habana can ask for $60-100
Usually sex is not that great. They hot but rarely give good BJ. Since it is prolly not a usual thing in their sexlifes.
On couple of ocasions I had to talk them into BBBJ and was not impressed. Chicks are beautifull though and warm. But so all Latin American chickas :P
To sum it up avoid Cuba for now to much hassle from Police and very little non pro action.Now that they are all afraid of frequent
police raids.
Merry christmas, happy new year and happy hunting to everybody here on this board.
Unfortunately I can't spend new years eve in Cuba, but I'll sure be back as soon as I can.
Let there be plenty of fresh peaches in 2003
scorpio
New_in_Cuba
12-21-02, 17:02
Hello Guys.
I am mining on the internet but unfortunately have not found any good photoshoots of Cuban beautys. Is there anything online?
I found only this page - http://www.havanacubaconnection.com/age171.htm
Can you please suggest me some sites to see the real(i mean real photos from ohter xxx-tourists) cuba sexy chicas
thank you in advance
http://www.cubacentral.com/petition/
Sign it so we can all go!!!
can't say anything about cienfuego. i have visited quantanomo, santiago de cuba, las tunas and camaguey. don’t see or have any problems as email mentioned. i was even stopped by a police for speeding. check out my rental car papers and give me a warning. there was 4 girls with me in the car.
dutchman
Guys,
Cuba has GREAT women...and is a great Island.
BUT.....it is a MERE Policestate.
Lets all hope Fidel gets it real soon and there will be a (democratic) upraising to end this MADNESS.
Like Email said in his very long and informative post: Cuba right now isn't worth the hassle.
It's a pitty,but it's the truth.
There are other (similar) countries to enjoy oneself:
DR,Brasil to name some.
Johan.
Dear friends,
Finally, some good news for a change: two Senators have introduced a bill to
end the embargo on Cuba! And more good news: You can make four
quick-and-easy POSITIVE phone calls today that will help move the U.S.
toward normalized relations with Cuba:
· Call to THANK Senators Max Baucus and Chuck Hagel for taking the lead on
Cuba policy by sponsoring “win-win” legislation that is good for American
farmers, businesses, and travelers, and good for Cuban citizens.
Senator Hagel (R-Nebraska): 202-224-4224 or 308-236-7602
Senator Baucus (D-Montana): 202-224-2651 or 406-657-6790
· Call your OWN Senators and ask them to co-sponsor the “United States-Cuba
Trade Act of 2003.” You can reach your Senators through the Capitol
Switchboard: 202-224-3121. Ask them to contact Timothy Punke (224-4677) with
Senator Baucus or Dayna Cade (224-5804) with Senator Hagel.
· Take a look at the attached “Dear Colleague” letter from Senators Hagel
and Baucus. You can also read the actual bill at www.cubacentral.com.
Thank you!
cubacentral.com
SUPPORT AMERICAN EXPORTS TO CUBA - AND HELP AMERICAN FARMERS, WORKERS, AND
COMPANIES
Dear Colleague:
Senators Baucus and Hagel will soon introduce the "United States-Cuba Trade
Act of 2003." This legislation creates a "win-win" for American farmers and
business and for Cuban citizens by:
· lifting the trade embargo on Cuba;
· removing Cuba from Jackson-Vanik treatment and providing Cuba with normal
trade relations status on a permanent basis; and
· repealing travel restrictions to Cuba.
Trading with and traveling to Cuba does not represent an endorsement of the
Castro regime. To the contrary, it helps ensure that children in Cuba will
be afforded more opportunity than their parents to have lives that are more
full, free and just by opening Cuban society to democratic ideals.
The unilateral sanctions that we have had in place since 1962 have been
ineffective in bringing about change in Cuba. Since other countries,
including Canada, Mexico, Japan, the EU, and all countries in South and
Central America currently trade with Cuba, U.S. policy puts our farmers,
workers and companies at a competitive disadvantage. By some estimates, we
are missing out on an export market of nearly $1 billion per year.
For 40 years, we have denied U.S. citizens and businesses the ability to
make inroads into Cuba - inroads that are vital if we are ever to work with
the Cuban people to bring about real and lasting reform. We should seek to
influence change from within this repressive society by developing a
relationship with the Cuban people - one that we expect over time will
encourage the peaceful transition to democracy and a market-oriented economy
in the post-Castro era. Using trade, engagement and economic incentives to
affect change are tried and true pillars of U.S. foreign policy, as we are
doing with China and Vietnam. Now is the time to do the same with our
neighbors to the south.
Please contact Timothy Punke (4.4677) with Senator Baucus or Dayna Cade
(4.5804) with Senator Hagel if you are interested in co-sponsoring this
legislation.
Max Baucus Chuck Hagel
I'm going to Cuba for the first time in February. 2 weeks is a lot of time to spend in one place, and I think I'll probably stay in Havana for 5 days, then hit up another town before returning to Havana for 2-3 more days at the end of my trip.
Cuba veterans, where would you go if you were in my position? Top 2 or 3 cities/towns for a newcomer to Cuba?? Thanks!
ciscokid:
The only place to go is Isla de la Juventud. Read the recent trip reports. Spend maybe a week there. I have heard things are good in Cienfuegos, but that was not my experience. best of luck.
interesting article from the london guardian. looks like bush & co are taking a stronger line.
us fines veteran cyclist £5,000 for taking holiday in cuba
duncan campbell in los angeles
wednesday february 26, 2003
the guardian
joan slote, who went on a cycling holiday to cuba, was fined nearly $8,000 (£5,000) for breaking the us embargo of the island. her case is one of a growing number in which the us treasury department is actively pursuing americans who have visited the island or who are suspected of encouraging others to do so.
the numbers of american visitors sought for breaking the embargo has quadrupled since the bush administration took office. the treasury department now warns that those who visit without permission may face fines of up to $55,000. the moves come despite a growing campaign in the us among farmers, entrepreneurs and politicians, many of them republicans, to end the embargo. currently, americans are banned from visiting cuba unless they have a licence to do so on religious, humanitarian, educational or journalistic grounds.
mrs slote, 74, from san diego, is a gold medal-winning cyclist at the senior olympics. she booked a cycling holiday three years ago through a toronto-based company which told her she did not require a licence if she entered cuba via canada. her holiday was a success but on her return to the us from toronto, she was asked by us customs if she had visited any countries apart from canada. she told them about cuba and said she had bought token souvenirs, each worth about $1, as presents.
months later, she received a letter from the treasury saying she had been fined $7,500 and an additional $130 for the souvenirs. as her monthly income is $1,200, she is unable to pay. the treasury demands are now increasing, adding 6% interest to every claim.
"the whole thing has been a nightmare," said mrs slote. the treasury has now indicated they may subtract the money from her social security.
it is not only people who travel to cuba who are being investigated. tom warner of the seattle/cuba friendship committee was told by the treasury that he now faced thousands of dollars in fines because his website listed details of holidays in cuba. they said he was seeking "to organise and promote" in breach of the embargo.
"they told me i had 20 days to respond or face a $20,000 fine," said mr warner yesterday. he believed he had "the dubious honour" of being the first to face a penalty just for posting such information on a website.
mr warner said he believed the treasury's action was unconstitutional. "i am concerned that this assault on the freedom of speech and expression - especially through the internet - be staunched before it chills people's free expression and their ability to respond to objectionable behaviour by the government," he said.
global exchange, a san francisco-based organisation which organises educational trips to cuba and other countries, said the harassment of american travellers to the island had increased significantly over the past year. malia everette of global exchange said that although the us allowed visits to china and vietnam, "powerful lobby groups" opposed loosening restrictions to cuba.
around 19,000 travel licences were granted in 2001 but there is no record of how many americans entered without notifying the government. the treasury is investigating 697 people for breaking the embargo in 2001, compared with 188 the previous year.
the main pressure for maintaining the embargo comes from the conservative wing of the cuban american community in florida which played a key part in the election of president bush and his brother, jeb, as the state's governor.
more than 160 countries have called, through the un, for an end to the embargo, which was launched in 1962 and intensified by president reagan in 1982.
I was wondering if any of you have filmed girls in CUBA. How easy is it to convince them? Just a question.
GreenLantern
03-17-03, 09:10
Cayo Coco, anyone has any info on chikas at Cayo coco pleeeaasse respond.
GreenLantern
03-17-03, 09:12
Npaul, you seem to have the most experience in Cuba.
I am going to Cayo Coco in one week, any ideas on where to find chikas? Any idea where I can go to get info?
Thanks in advance, really enjoyed your posts.
GL
Originally posted by npaul
ciscokid:
The only place to go is Isla de la Juventud. Read the recent trip reports. Spend maybe a week there. I have heard things are good in Cienfuegos, but that was not my experience. best of luck.
Member #4366
03-18-03, 22:17
GreenLantern, your chances of finding available chicas on Cayo Coco are slim. I've never been there, but it is a typical 'holiday resort' place. In Cuba this means: no Cubans allowed, except for hotel staff etc. I think that it is worse than Varadero (which I did visit), as it is more isolated. My favourite is Santiago: lots of choice in both chicas and non-chica related activities. I found Nueva Gerona (a favourite of some other WSG members) rather boring, although it is a great place to get laid.
sorry, never been there. If it is the island east of isla de la juventud, it only has 4-5 hotels. no real city. alot of the girls from isla work there for 10 days, then are flown back home for 4 days, then 10 again, etc.
Well im leaving to CUBA tomorrow so I'm ask all the experienced travelers for some last minute tips and advice on what cities to visit and where to go. I would really appreciate it if someone will give me the info on a good CASA that wont be shared and ok with girls. Pool would be nice, any last minute info is more than appreciated. Thanks for all the advice, Ill be BACK!
bone535@hotmail.com
The best place to stay is Havana. Nothing more to say about that. There is the life and the most beautiful girls of Cuba.
For Casas look here:
http://errue.proboards17.com/
Only register and you will find links to over 60 casas, all with adresses and contact infos.
Houses with pool you will find probably in Miramar.
Rick
In Habana, there is a good casa particular at Avenida L and Calle 23 on the corner. This is catty corner across the street from the Hotel Colina and about 2 blocks from the Habana Libre.
It is a white 3 story apartment building on the corner. Go inside to apartment 310. Daisy Hernandez is the owner. She will accept $20 a night but likes $25. Girl friendly. Your own bedroom and the bath is shared. Breakfast is about $2.
If the one room is occupied, sometimes she will rent out her room and sleep in the living room on a couch. They need the money.
During the day you can go to the Habana Libre and swim at the pool for free. Ask for a towel, but you must give a room number and a $10 deposit because you don't have your key. The room number I always give is 1105. It works also if you want to get into the disco Turquino for free and avoid the $12-15 cover charge. Tell them you are staying in room 1105. Turquina is what latin Cuban dancing is ALL about!!! But most girls will ask for $100 there, so try Johnies (El Rio) for $40-60 range girls.
Have fun. You can usually share a taxi from the airport. A full taxi is $12 but they will ask for $15. Remind them it is $12. If 2 or 3 share a ride to the Habana Libre you can split the cab fare several ways.
Cheers!
most of the persons investigated for travel to Cuba, I have read, are persons who take a private boat from Key West to Marina Hemingway. On the way back to Key West the US Coast Guard requires paperwork upon re-entry. The boat occupants then must prove they did not spend any money. Hard to do if you were there for more than a few nights. Often the boat gets searched for cigars and other souvenirs and names and addresses are taken down for a letter from the US Treasury Dept.
Us Canadians have it alot easier!
AlLostInSpace13
03-21-03, 15:11
All Cuba threads are very dead these days! Economic downturn + Fidel's crackdown + fightings in Iraq... Sadly airfares are the cheapest right now, but I can't take advantage of it.
John Dough
03-25-03, 02:34
Do you need to show your passport at a Casa, or can you leave it in your hotel safe while on an "excursion"?
CalienteDelNort
03-29-03, 05:25
John Dough
Casas owners will ask to see your passport.
They need it for their income report.
The rest of the time you should keep it under lock.
Carry a photocopy just in case.
Please note if you plan to get a cash advance on a credit card, exchange travelers checks, change $50 or $100 bills you will need it.
Hasta luego!
Caliente
Alliwantislove
04-05-03, 17:49
How do Americans make purchases in Cuba without carrying a lot of US dollars? I am told that our credit cards will not work there. I saw a post here saying that AMEX travellers checks will work, but I called AMEX to verify and they said that sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. I even researched if I could get a credit card on a Canadian bank but that doesn't seem to be possible. Will Thomas Cook travellers checks purchased in the US work? Where do you get them? I've been to the Thomas Cook web site and it does not mention travellers checks.
Thanks, Bob
El Colorado
04-07-03, 05:22
All of us carry cash. I unually don't bring anything larger than a $20, and always some $10's, fives and singles. It's bulky, but It's the only way I know. Besides, only government places take credit cards. Paladars, casa particulars, drivers and chicas don't.
So... what's the deal with Cuba?
I've been reading the forums for a while and they talk about Fidel's crackdown, and then, suddenly, if nothing had happened.
Is this still a problem? Does one just have to be more careful? Are girls less available?
And what time of year is best to visit Cuba, anyways?
T
CaptainNemo
04-07-03, 21:00
It was my first trip to Cuba. There were plenty of cops on the street of Havana. Here are some snap shots I experienced. Make your own judgment.
1. I was with a black Cuban guy (I need a Street Hustler do the work for me since I don’t speak Spanish) cruising for chicks. One cop stepped him to check his ID. The cop did not bother me. I just waited aside until the cop finished his checking.
2. I was hit on by two 17 years old on Saturday. I don’t think they are pro. I walked around Havana by handling one girl’s hand for 2-3 hours( I look alike a college student, so it is not as perverted as it sounds). It was the middle of day. They were obvious fewer cops on the street. I even made out with her for half hour under the status of Antonio Maceo. I have the sunburn on my neck to prove it.
3. I was with 3 Cuban guys and a blonde they found for me in an open-air bar. There was a cop 10 feet away, outside bar looking at us. The girl was obviously shaken and scared. After I decided that the girl is hot, one guy left with the girl first. When the cop saw the girl left, he walked away. I met the girl in a taxi a block away. $20 of drinks is a small price to pay for these Cuban’s service and select the right girl, especially when I don’t speak Spanish.
4. When the cop was looking at other directions, even he was 10 feet away; I saw plenty of tourist approach girls on the street.
5. I did not see cops in the bar or disco. I guess you can do anything you want there. However, I had a girl who would not kiss me because she was afraid of police. In the meaning time, other girls were aggressively dancing with other tourists.
Alliwantislove
04-10-03, 15:39
Thank you El Colorado. What is the problem with bills larger than $20s?
My research indicates that not all casas have safes or lockboxes. What do you do with your wad of cash when you are showering or sleeping?
Thanks, Bob
Originally posted by El Colorado
All of us carry cash. I unually don't bring anything larger than a $20, and always some $10's, fives and singles. It's bulky, but It's the only way I know. Besides, only government places take credit cards. Paladars, casa particulars, drivers and chicas don't.
Alliwantislove
04-10-03, 15:44
Recommended Gifts for Girls
What are some small, and light, gifts I can take for the girls which will guarantee that they fall in love with me? (I know about cash of course. But us ugly, old guys need all the help we can get.)
Thanks, Bob
El Colorado
04-11-03, 06:48
AllIWantIsLove - With $50's & hundreds, you must have your passport number recorded by the establishment where you are spending the bill. The same is true for the Cubans, who must show their carnet (ID card). Naturally, they don't want to be asked questions as to why they are cashing in bills of these denominations. Accordingly, they prefer smaller bills. Also, don't bring any torn or mutilated money. They won't accept it.
I always make a few trips to the local flea markets for gifts. Underware and longerie can be folded into your clothes. Cheap makeup can be stowed in your shaving kit. Cheap perfume samplers are great and much appreciated by the chicas. If Cuban customs catches you with these items, they will charge you a tax of 100%.
Alliwantislove
04-11-03, 19:18
Originally posted by El Colorado
AllIWantIsLove - ... I always make a few trips to the local flea markets for gifts. Underware and longerie can be folded into your clothes. Cheap makeup can be stowed in your shaving kit. Cheap perfume samplers are great and much appreciated by the chicas. If Cuban customs catches you with these items, they will charge you a tax of 100%. Thanks for info El Colorado. Re gifts, if the gift has a price on it do they use that price or do they make one up?
I wonder if I could claim that I'm a TV and the stuff is for personal use? Do I have the guts to wear nail polish and lipstick through customs? I don't think so. Maybe a female on the plane would help me out. I assume that a female could claim that a limited amount of perfumes etc. was for personal use and thus no tax, right?
Anyway, thanks again for info.
Bob
Originally posted by AllIWantisLove
My research indicates that not all casas have safes or lockboxes. What do you do with your wad of cash when you are showering or sleeping?
Bring about $500 in 20's or 50's. Put them inside each of your shoes beween the sole and insole. No one looks there. Better than leaving in your suitcase.
Alliwantislove
04-12-03, 15:24
Two URLs for Americans
These are of interest if you are afraid of being caught (or have been caught) ...
http://www.ccr-ny.org/v2/legal/cuba/cuba.asp
http://www.cubalinda.com/English/General_Info/G_InfoSpecialInfoUScitizen.asp
Alliwantislove
04-12-03, 16:55
Gifts and Customs, Sharing the Confusion
For reasons which go beyond gifts, and which I will not get into here, I have wanted to understand Cuban customs. MAYBE the situation is not as dire as El Colorado indicated. (However, his input is based on experience and therefore has great credibility.)
The "TimeOut Guide, Havana & the best of Cuba" says " ... visitors ... are permitted to bring the following items into Cuba: personal effects; gifts worth up to $100; ... "
Note that this does not say up to $100 worth of gifts DUTY FREE, but that is the inference I draw.
A web page of the Cuban government (http://www.aduana.islagrande.cu/agr3.htm) says "Tourists are also entitled to definitively import - apart from their personal belongings - new or used articles with an overall value of $250.00 (two hundred and fifty) Pesos. Up to an amount of $ 50.00 (fifty) Pesos, the said items shall not be subject to the payment of Customs taxes. The remaining value - up to the stablished limit of $250.00 (two hundred and fifty) - shall be subject to the payment of Customs taxes equal to 100% (one hundred percent) of their value." HOWEVER, I have been unable to determine what kind of pesos they are talking about. It turns out that there are two kinds of pesos in Cuba. From the cubalinda web site: "There are three kinds of legal tender in Cuba: Domestic Cuban Pesos (Moneda Nacional), Convertible Cuban Pesos (Moneda Libremente Convertible) and United States Dollars.
Convertible Cuban Pesos are equivalent to US while in Cuba, and both are valid at practically all sale points on the island
Although most visitors will never need any Domestic Cuban Pesos, it is noteworthy to mention that they can be freely exchanged for Convertible Pesos or US at any CADECA currency exchange booth. Cubans and foreigners alike may make exchanges, and the current rate is around 21 Cuban Pesos per 1 US." (The cubalinda web site seems like a pretty good resource by the way: http://www.cubalinda.com/)
So ... 50 pesos worth of gifts doesn't seem so bad if that's 50 CONVERTIBLE pesos. Otherwise it's downright nasty.
Bottom line ... I am totally fucking confused. El Colorado's input, based on experience, has great credibility. But there seems to be reason to hope that it's not quite that bad.
Bob
Hi Bob,
just send an email to the cuban customs webmaster to get more answers to your specific questions.
(wwwadm@agr.aduana.cu)
They speak English and I mailed them last October before traveling to Cuba. I was taking my laptop-computer with me and wanted to make sure they wouldn't charge me any custom duties for it.
I've got the following answer a couple of days later:
If you travel as tourist, you may temporarily import your laptop as part of your personnel belongings free of duties, but you must declare the laptop at the customs and reexport it when you leave the country.
Oscar Morales
Web Manager Aduana General de la República
(537) 81-0605
I actually never declared my laptop when I arrived in Havana because nobody made attempts to look inside my luggage and they just waved me through after I greated them in Spanish (...Hola, buenas noches...)
But it seems that they intensively prescreen the checked luggage after the airplane is unloaded and before they put it onto the luggage claim belts. (I waited over an hour for mine)
Cheers, scorpio
(You should carry some domestic cuban pesos if you want to buy fresh fruit on the market without being ripped off)
Alliwantislove
04-13-03, 17:50
Americans and Money (alternatives to cash)
I have put a lot of time into researching this. For what's it worth here is what I have learned ...
I've called American Express and an agency which carries Thomas Cooke and neither would assure me that their travelers checks would be accepted in Cuba. But I have seen/heard reports of travelers checks purchased in the US being accepted. (See specifically http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Shores/5902/mon_lang.htm)
Thomas Cooke, by the way, keeps a very low profile in the US. If you are interested in trying to purchase Thomas Cooke travelers checks in the US you can begin by calling 1-800-223-7373. Good Luck!
A very interesting option is something called Transcard https://www.transcardinter.com/index.html. As I understand it, it works like a debit card. Using a Transcard seems straightforward. But setting one up seems to be a bit complicated. It appears that you have to deal with Transcard to get the card and then Duales http://duales.com/eng/Content/home.asp or Cash2Cuba http://www.cash2cuba.com/ to load money into it. Fees are high. Duales charges 6% and that's considerably less than Cash2Cuba. (I don't think that the Duales web site mentions Transcard but they can transfer your money into a Transcard.) Also, it takes a while to set one up. I have not seen an Internet posting from anyone who has actually used a Transcard.
Hope this helps someone. And thanks to the guys here who have contributed to my research.
Bob
driedup3030
04-24-03, 23:00
I read on cubaamor.com that a guy was offered a job in cuba for 300 cuban pesos a month teaching computer classes.
I want a job in cuba. not for the money but for the permission to stay long term. I don't care if they don't pay me at all. I have my own money.
Any advice? I dream of staying a year at least. jcr33@hotmailcom
any comments would be appreciated.
JamesBond69
04-24-03, 23:13
Originally posted by AllIWantisLove
Americans and Money (alternatives to cash)
I have put a lot of time into researching this. For what's it worth here is what I have learned ...
I've called American Express and an agency which carries Thomas Cooke and neither would assure me that their travelers checks would be accepted in Cuba. But I have seen/heard reports of travelers checks purchased in the US being accepted. [url]
I bought Thomss Cooke travelers checks in New York City and had absolutely no problems with their acceptance in Cuba.
However you should not ask the teller at Thomas Cooke in the States whether they are accepted in Cuba, as he will refuse to issue you the travelers checks. I did this and was refused. I had to go to another Thomas Cooke office to buy the travelers checks.
Also I suggest that you consider bringing dollars. Cuba is probably the safest country in the world (it's a total police state!),
so you don't have to worry about getting robbed.
I have recently returned from about 4 months travelling in Cuba and want to warn prospective visitors about the unprecedented police clampdown that is going on over there. Cuba is not the same place that it was even a year ago, and it is certainly much less fun.
Firstly the number of cities where Cuban girls are not allowed to stay in the same room as a tourist is growing. Las Tunas fell to this new rule recently and many long-term ex-pats moved out. Other towns which definitely do not permit girls with tourists are: Vinales, Varadero, Cayo Coco, Trinidad, Ciego De Avila, Sancti Spiritus, Villa Clara, Camaguey, Las Tunas, Holguin, Baracoa, Guantanamo.
The only cities that I know accept Cuban girls in a Casa Particular are Havana, Santiago and Cienfuegos. Possibly Nueva Gerona too, but I am not positive of this. Havana and Cienfuegos operate a strict 1 girl rule - you will not be able to change your partner.
Furthermore there are very few girls who dare go to your room because they are registered and the police may round them up later and send them to prison. This is growing at an alarming rate. I know many girls who have been given 1 and 2 year sentences for having no more than a handful of boyfriends over a period of several years.
There are possibilities for renting illegal rooms for a few hours if you just want to have sex, but the days of GFE lasting several weeks, living together are largely over. Also thes illegal houses are becoming expensive.
In all areas the probability of a girl being arrested by the police if seen with a tourist in public areas is greatly increased. There was a time when the police would not hassle girls that were with tourists, preferring to hassle those that were looking. This is over !
In Cienfuegos here are now more or less weekly police sweeps of the discotheques and bars. Unaccompanied Cuban girls are being rounded up by the police just for being in these places.
In Havana the majority of the discotheques have been closed. The only one that remains open to my knowledge is the Rosalia de Castro (it is full of expensive professional hookers). The Conejito is still open and is also full of expensive professionals.
Most of the bars now have some means of discouraging Cubans from entering such as 3-5 dollar entry fees (mostly reclaimable against drinks). Bars which used to be lively and packed with people know are empty bar a few Italians who are being forced to talk to EACH OTHER because there are no girls.
All told Cuba is a very less attractive destination now, relative to other destinations. I was intending to go back for another 6 months but I don't think I will bother. If anyone knows of areas where the clampdown has not bitten or has relaxed I would love to know about them.
BootyLover
05-19-03, 13:32
I'm thinking about ways to circumvent the clampdown.
A- How do they spot tourists on the streets:
1- skin color
2- dressing style
3- spending habits
4- language
B- Do you think a middle class dominican would face the same problems to find girls there?
C- What about the student loophole? instead of being tourist to have student status?
D- What about getting invited by a cuban family, therefore bypassing the tourist scheme? Why don't go there and be a godfather of some children, then you'd be family related to many cuban houses and be allowed to stay there
E- Is it prohibited for local to have girls or only tourists? How to appear local then?
Just thinking about the situation cause I haven't nailed my cuban girl yet, but I will definitely do one day.
Originally posted by Bootylover
I'm thinking about ways to circumvent the clampdown.
A- How do they spot tourists on the streets:
1- skin color
2- dressing style
3- spending habits
4- languageIf you look Cuban you might be ok in the street with a Cuban girl, but it will not help you get a girl back to a casa particular. This is prohibited in most cuban cities now (but not Havana,Santiago,Cienfuegos). It is being enforced by the house owners very effectively. You can go to unlicenced houses for a few hours but it will cost you and you will not not be able to live together with a regular girlfriend.
B- Do you think a middle class dominican would face the same problems to find girls there?Yes. Finding girls is still possible. The hassle starts when you need somewhere to take them.
C- What about the student loophole? instead of being tourist to have student status?I spoke to a couple of foreign students in Las Tunas. They advised me never to try the student route. The Cuban government is ripping them off bigtime. They are forced to stay in a hotel where they are watched (not allowed to stay in casa particular). They are allowed to buy a car and the government promised to give back a large percentage of the money when they sell it back. Then the government changed it's mind and is refusing to give back money.
D- What about getting invited by a cuban family, therefore bypassing the tourist scheme? Why don't go there and be a godfather of some children, then you'd be family related to many cuban houses and be allowed to stay there.A family visa allows you to stay in an unlicenced house. It might give you more freedom provided that you are not caught. If you are the cuban family would incur a large fine or lose the house. The government is accusing householders of 'prosineta' or pimping whenever they allow multiple girls back to the house (because they are said to be profiting form prostitution). There are also lengthy jailterms. Castro is the biggest pimp on the planet if this argument is taken to its logical end - it costs over $700 to get married there, $350 to take a girl to your own country etc.
E- Is it prohibited for local to have girls or only tourists? How to appear local then?No cubans can shag any other cubans. They can go to a cuban hotel without being married. They can do many things tourists cannot.
Just thinking about the situation cause I haven't nailed my cuban girl yet, but I will definitely do one day.I'd give up on Cuba and look to Brazil if I were you :)
This talk of dollars and convertible pesos being taken as 1:1--Can I assume these are Canadian dollars? So if we are talking about a box of smokes being 350 dollars, its Canadian and not US?
Hi Umgman,
ONE "Peso Convertible" is equal to ONE US-Dollar.
If Cubans are talking about Dollars it is always about US-Dollars.
scorpio
OK--despite all the doomsayers advice to the contrary, I am making a trip to Havana next week.
I have some very specific questions, and yes, I did peruse the previous posts--seemed a bit ambiguous, so---
1) Can anyone give contact info for a very nice private apt IN HAVANA that has private entrance, private bath, AC, and is CHICA FRIENDLY
2) Are there any hotels at all in HAVANA that allow chicas with tourists?
3)I have read that one can still rent casas in Havana, although not necessarily in other cities. True? Oops, I see this was addressed a couple posts down. Mea culpa.
4) If any one will be around Havana next week and wants a buddy to smoke some stogies, guzzle some Cristal, and indulge in some Cuban 'tang, drop a note, although I'm not sure how to contact each other on this board.
All info greatly appreciated.
By the way, does anyone have experience with the Amigo travel card?
Originally posted by CalienteDelNort
John Dough
Casas owners will ask to see your passport.
They need it for their income report.
The rest of the time you should keep it under lock.
Carry a photocopy just in case.
Caliente
I disagree.
I can only recommend NOT to carry just a copy, especially, when possibly in company of a local girl. I had the misfortune some years ago, that 3 of them jumped into my car instead of the one I actally chose. Of course, we got held up. It took an eternity and 50$ bribe (the police wouldn´t take nicely to my idea "I can pay the fine now and in cash..." - mainly because he didn´t understand english, and the bills waived in his face didn´t help but of course because of the onlookers. My god, was I p***ed with these 3 beauties in front of everybody - normally I am not exceeding my limits in this way).
Anyway a "bystander" was helpful in manoevering the $ to the cop, so I was released.
All in all, a very unpleasant experience until that particular point in time, afterwards it got better :-)
The chicks are still laughing anyway. Probably as much as the one I had in my car when a tyre blew on av. 5 and I went to ask police for a tool (because it seemed to be the best way to be straightforward, than just to wait for him to get suspicious).
Ok, here´s my 2c worth: Take your passport with you. All cubans have to have their carnet on them anytime, and nobody understands if you don´t have your identification on you.
snark
I am planning my first trip to Havana. I purchased my RT Cancun ticket today. My question is - do I need to wait until I arrive at CUN and go to the counter to purchase my RT to HAV? I thought I could just do it online at Mexicana's website - no can do. Can I pay for the ticket with my US credit card, or do I need to pay for that in cash? Do I need to ask that customs does not stamp my passport, or will they just know not to as soon as they see my US passport? Also, my spanish is awful, are there a few phrases anyone can reccomend that would help me out?
Thanks in advance for reply.
El Colorado
07-06-03, 18:52
Tickalor - You can purchase your ticket to Havana in Cancun. You should make a reservation by calling either Aero Caribe or Cubana in Cancun. Their phone numbers are in their websites. You can use your credit card in Mexico to pay for the ticket.
Upon landing in Havana ask the immigration official not to stamp your passport - por favor, no estampa mi passaporte. They will not take a bribe. I recommend that you make the same request upon your return to Mexico, so that your passport doesn't show that you arrived in Mexico the same day you returned to the US. Mexican immigration officials will gladly comply for $5.
Just a few details in addition to El Colorado...
"No sello por favor" is correct for please do not stamp (my passport).
They will not stamp your passport. El Colorado has a good point. Do not attempt to bribe the Cuban customs agent.
When are you going to Havana? I will be there in August.
In8
Hi all!
Did anybody travel to Cuba by sea (boat or ferry) from Dominican Republic? These two islands are pretty close.
Thanx for suggestions in advance.
El Colorado -
When I 'offer' the US$5 to the Mexican immigration - do I just fold up the bill and put in the first page of my passport? Do I do this both when I depart and arrive from Cancun?
Thanks to everyone who's posted such great info - it really does help the first timmers to Cuba!
You don't need to give those fuckers a god damn penny.
Jackson
My $.02
Exactly!
Place the $5 in the page of your passport which the agent would normally stamp, and say "no sello por favor"
Only on you rway home, they do not stamp on the way out of the country.
In8
Micro,
No I have not travelled to Cuba by boat, only plane. Time is so valuable and money is not in such short supply, that if I were in D.R. I would still fly to Cuba just for the extra time saved that could be spent with chicas.
Now 8 years ago I when I had mucho tiempo (much time) on my hands and little money, a boat would have been apealing.
In8
I've landed by boat in Havana, Marina Acua (Hemingway), and Marina Naranjo at Guardalavaca, 3 seperate trips, and have NEVER had a problem with them wanting to stamp my passport, in fact I'm fairly sure they have instructions not to stamp US passports.
Difference in time spent should not be that much! Considering going to airport, waiting there an hour or so, than flight itself, formalities, trip from airport, cab and so on. Boat trip from the Nothern part of DR to Cuba should be not longer than 3-4 hours. And you arrive not to Havana with all the stupid things of the capital and turist center but to a non-spoiled by tourists coastal area. If anybody is willing to take a little risk and to make a company I would try. In September. I speak some Spanish.
Originally posted by In8
Micro,
No I have not travelled to Cuba by boat, only plane. Time is so valuable and money is not in such short supply, that if I were in D.R. I would still fly to Cuba just for the extra time saved that could be spent with chicas.
Now 8 years ago I when I had mucho tiempo (much time) on my hands and little money, a boat would have been apealing.
In8
In8,
I will be in Havana August 5 to the 19. I got my tickets today.
Why don't you send me your email and we can make arrangements to party together.
I am in the process of looking for an English speaking driver and negotiating with a few casa particular owners. The posts on WSG have been invaluable. I look forward to a fun time.
I speak very little Spanish...but it didn't seem to be much of an obstacle while visiting Puerta Vallarta. Mexico recently and Costa Rica a few years back.
Also, a tip of the hat to Jackson. You are "da man".
Anyone going to Cuba the remainder of this year? I've been to LOS and CR and would like a trip buddy to show me the ropes. I speak a little Spanish & my schedule is flexible. Will be flying out of TJ. Any recommendations / suggestions will be appreciated
miko_999@yahoo.com
Ok, looks like we'll have one weekend in common. Where do I send my email to. I don't have an anonym. address so if you could post yours it would be helpful.
Regards,
In8
good news in8..... i'm happy to hear we will have a weekend of mongering together. i'll be sure to take notes
by the way...i would like to thank captainnemo, jose marcia , in8, conoroc, scorpio, peterman, nicholas ,and email for their very informative and useful posts on this wsg cuba site.
but the best is el colorado . sir.........your posts are without peer, in my opinion.
i plan to post at least one indepth report upon my return.
in the meantime gentlemen......happy mongering.
in8 and el colorado please email me at havanarick@hotmail.com
El Colorado
07-10-03, 03:10
Tickalor - In8 is correct. I do it the same way as him. Another method is to present your birth certificate and drivers license upon re-entry to Mexico. Then there's nothing to stanp or pay.
Yeah, great point El Colorado,
I used to bring both an original or "certified" (one with a raised or embossed seal) birth cert. and my drivers license just in case my passport was stamped by customs in CanCun (on my way back into mexico). My plan was then to just present those items, and not my passport to U.S. customs to re-enter home.
I am more confident and don't even bother now, but it is a good back up plan. I probably should still have it just in case.
In8
Sorry guys, looks like I need a bit more help.
I fly out in 4 days for my first trip to Havana, and although an adventure is what I'm looking for, I am having a very hard time getting reservations from here in the States for a flight from CUN to HAV as well as trying to make a reservation for my first night in HAV.
I called Mexicana (the # on the website is 800.531.7921) and tried to make a reservation twice - both times they told me I had to call 202.797.8609. It appears to be an automated menu - but all in Spanish, which I don't speak. Is there something I missed along the way? I'd rather not wait until I arrive in CUN to make this reseravation, but if no one has any ideas, that's what I'll do.
I have sent a lot of emails to casa p.'s trying to book a few days - all of which have had nothing available and the places they ref. me to did not appeal at all. So, I try to find a Hotel to book my first night so I have something to give to a cab driver and to immigration when I arrive - no luck there either.
Could someone suggest a Hotel in Havana, under $100, and tell me how I can book it? Like what # to call or what website will let me make a reservation on such short notice.
Christ! I'm looking for a completely different kind of adventure, not trying to struggle with making some solid reservations.
Tickalor--
Try the Netssa.com site. There is a link to an online agent who took good care of me recently. I stayed at the Hotel Santander Armaderos (I think that's how you say it) the first two nights. !00$ per night, includes breakfast. In that time, believe me, you will find someone with knowledge of a casa. In fact, every four steps you take on the street will be punctuated by offers. And if you ask, the guards will hook you up at this hotel, although the stories of two shifts of guard to bribe are unfortunately true if you care to go this route.
And for your adventure, try the Rosalio de Castro, a disco in Havana. You'll be fine. The Rio Club is also a good bet, but takeout costs a bit more there.
El Colorado
07-18-03, 01:59
Tickalor - Cubana's number in Cancun is 52-98-877-210 or 52-98-877-017 or 52-98-877-373. If their flight doesn't work out with your schedule, ask them for Aerocaribe's number - it's only a few counters over. Most of the personnel there speak English. They have a flight over around 2:00 PM or so. Someone is generally at the counter from about noon to 3:00 PM.
You could also try Nash Travel out of Toronto, Canada. They have a website. Also www.sancristobaltravel.com.
For a beautiful casa particular, contact Marta Vitorte at
martavitorte@hotmail.com or by phone at 53-7-326-475. If one of her four places doesn't have a vacancy, she always knows someone who has a place available.
I will be in Havana August 5 to the 19th. I am considering visiting Isla de la Juvenad for a few days also. Although El Colorado posted that there was a heavy police presence during his visit in early June.
It would be especially interesting to hear from fellow mongers the present police status on the Isla de la Juvenad.
Any mongers who will be in Havana during my stay please feel free to email me .
havanarick@hotmail.com
Alliwantislove
07-25-03, 13:58
My Spanish is pretty poor, but I can read my reference books and I think that it should be "No selle por favor" (i.e. selle and not sello). To be a bit more precise you could go for "No lo selle por favor" (don't stamp it please) or "No selle mi pasporte por favor" (don't stamp my passport please). ALSO, you might want to write this on a slip of paper and show it to the agent. I found that many Cubans could not understand my poor Spanish, although I generally seem to be understood in Costa Rica and Mexico.
About the grammar ... a negative command in the third person (usted) requires the present subjunctive, and for the verb sellar (to stamp) that would be selle - according to my understanding of what I find in my books.
Bob
Originally posted by In8
Just a few details in addition to El Colorado...
"No sello por favor" is correct for please do not stamp (my passport).
They will not stamp your passport. El Colorado has a good point. Do not attempt to bribe the Cuban customs agent.
When are you going to Havana? I will be there in August.
In8
I have been conversing with a fellow monger from California who has been to Cuba 8 times. Just got back recently.He was clear....that Isla de las Junvenad is crawling with police . The scene there being bad.
So.......that means a 2 week stay in Havana for me.
I plan to scuba dive, salt water fish and fresh water fish while in Havana..
I would be very interested in anyones recent experience .
Yossarian 99
07-26-03, 07:07
Originally posted by Rickster
I have been conversing with a fellow monger from California who has been to Cuba 8 times. Just got back recently. He was clear that Isla de las Junvenad is crawling with police. The scene there being bad.
So that means a 2 week stay in Havana for me.
I plan to scuba dive, salt water fish and fresh water fish while in Havana.
I would be very interested in anyones recent experience.Rickster,
Thanks for your post. I'll be heading over to the forbidden island tommorow (second time) and was thinking about heading to Isla Juventad for a couple days. But I think I'll NOT do it now, thanks to the recent posts, including yours, regarding Juventad.
I plan to stay in Havana until 8/5, too late to post for your benefit. But I shall post something when I return.
Yosssarian99
Just a quick word on general situation:
Las Tunas is as dead as ditch water. Now illegal to take girls to Casa Particulares and they have closed the discobar (Ensueno). Hardly any tourists left there.
Havana has the most freedom right now, althought prices have shot up and numbers of girls are down. The police are even hassling girls who are with tourists now. I was walking down the street hand-inhand with one (this used to offer protection !). She got dragged off to the police station by three cops.
As for the rest of the country, forget Isla. The second best place is Santiago, although the hoses are registering the girls and many don't want to go to your house for obvious reasons.
Manguito
Maybe a silly question but, on a 1-10 scale, what are the chances of finding a chica who does not smoke, or at least will limit if for the "right price?"
Also, anyone know about this "$100 letter" which will allow you to (I guess) register one chica as your g/f and you won't get hassled by the Policia??
Thanks.
David
Has anyone gone to Cuba via Jamaica? Is that better than Cancun? Suggestions for first week in December?
Thanks.
David
El Colorado
09-18-03, 03:35
Talosian - I went that way a couple of times. There's a prop flight most afternoons that takes 2 hours to get to Havana. It runs out of Kingston. Hand luggage is severly limited and usually must be checked, which means it will be x-rayed upon arrival in Havana. If they see anything interesting in you bag, you will be searched. Remember that gifts are taxed @ 100%.
I prefer going through Mexico which has three one hour jet flights daily and plenty of room for hand baggage.
El Colorado: Thanks. I have opted to go thru CUN but darn, the flights from where I am don't make a good connection. Hate to spend a night in the airport in CUN or have to get an overpriced casa for a few hours. I'm still checking info.
For others: I communicated with an attorney in Cuba about the touted "$100 letter" which is aimed to help you have your one chica be free to accompany you. He checked this out and said there is nothing "official" but a sworn statement (in Spanish) can be "sealed" by an attorney and he thinks will look impressive enough that the policia will not hassle the chica who is identified in the letter.
Of course I can see both the upside and downside of the letter. Upside is being able to go where/when you want and probably have slight if any encounters with the policia. Downside could be if you your chica of choice turns out not to be the one you want to spend the entire time with.
Ia nayone wants, I have the email address of the attorney in Habana.
Thanks.
Now for a really important question (for me).
By way of preface here. I have a very limited knowledge of Spanish. I'm going to bring a computer translator (speaking type) to help me. OK, no "Nurd" comments please :)
The Spanish I do know I learned in the Army (no help here) and the rest I learned when I communicate with the local Spanish or Mexican speaking workers from the corner work force (remember, I'm in So. California).
Other than having some R&R with the chica(s), what is there to do? I won't be scuba diving and I don't drink alcohol (Boring!). I know a couple of places to see (Bay of Pigs, etc.), and I do enjoy people watching, but would appreciate some specific suggestions.
If I want to stay longer or come back sooner, is there a change fee on the airlines?
Time flys.
Thanks.
David
El Colorado
09-18-03, 19:56
Talsian - I always bring sever good books to read. There are pools to go to (with or without chicas), the beach and several interesting museums. I particularly liked the Museam of the Revolution, Museaum of the Interior ( in Miramar) and the Air Museum (near Siboney). My favorite pool is Macumba, but I also enjoy Marina Hemmingway's pool and channel area, Bosce (spelling?), Hotel National (they have a masseur also) and Hotel Presidente. I always take naps in the afternoon (not alone).
There's not much to see at the Bay of Pigs, unless you like bone fishing.
Hey Talosian and all,
I highly recommend Christopher Baker's book, Mi Moto Fidel, as a fun, well-written introduction to Cuba and the Cuban people. It's a lively chronicle of Baker's (he also wrote the Moon guides) cross-Cuba motorcycle trip, complete with well-drawn accounts of his various encounters with Cuba's incredible women.
ConorOC
Fidel Castro Watch. I just found one on eBay and wonder if that would make a good (or bad) present to a Chica (or her brother). I actually don't know how popular Uncle Fidel is with the people there.
See it at:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3627176486&category=4107
Thoughts?
David
In 100 words or less (or more), how can I tell a chica from a hard-core pro? I read about "hard eyes" but I don't understand the term?
Merci Dudes.
David
Bad news from Havana. A new law is going into effect that will ban casas in which the owner does not reside. I.e. independent, private apartments will be illegal. Casa owners must live on the premises. Of course there are semi-independent casas that should be able to stay in business. The new law also includes higher taxes on casa owners. All of this will make the casa situation a bit more difficult to manage. I've been told that one of my favorite casa is now out of business.
Wonder why Uncle "C" did that? There probably will still be enough casas to go around since I think most of the touristas go for the major hotels and not the casas. So long as they don't regulate/tax chicas we're still in business.
I searched the Archives and couldn't find the answer to this one since it probably doesn't apply to most mongers here.
Do most married Cuban women wear wedding rings?
I ask this of course since I may want to get into a conversation with a Cuban lady outside of the 18-24 year-old range and I don't want to make a move on a married woman, especially knowing the alleged hot-blooded temper of latin men.
Any experiences/thoughts?
David
Organicgrowth
10-13-03, 10:09
Talosian,
There is no need to worry about such things in Cuba. Yes the general macho latin-man mentality exists but in a more relaxed way. Also the choice of whether a chica responds to your "moves" is hers and hers alone. The wearing of rings is an indicator but never an absolute, so you are better off asking. I recall that the majority of women I saw did not have rings on the so call wedding finger, but then that's not saying much is it. Maybe married, maybe not: I still had my way and we parted company each having had the pleasure of the other.
If it really bothers you then, you know what they say: "just ask" (Are you married = ¿Le casan? / Do you have a husband / boyfriend = ¿tiene un marido / novio?) I would say that you are over planning your trip. Sorry my friend, no offence, but your questions lead me to this conclusion. Just go and have fun. You will enjoy it. Leave your inhibitions at the airport: approach ANY chica that catches your eye, smile, ask the right conversational questions, be a fun host over dinner and give her a night to remember you by for your next visit / encounter. Simple.
Regards, Havanaman
El Cubanito
10-13-03, 14:18
Talosian,
Is this your first trip to Cuba? It sounds like it is then I can tell you a couple things from having gone to Cuba 2 a year for the last 5 years.
Chicas are everywhere and if you do strike a conversation with them they will with you. You might have a little problem since your are 'Spanish Challenge'. If you want a 'Tour Guide' to help you with the action down there, I can recomend one who speaks English and can help you with the Chicas.
Talosian, Havanaman is correct leave your Leave your inhibitions at the airport. Just have fun. Cuba is nothing like the United State or Canada (I do not know where you reside) as far as Chick action goes.
When are you going and how long are you going to be there?
I personally will be ariving November 3 and will return on November 26. I can not wait to start the fun. If you are American like myself you are going to be suprise as to the numbers of Americans in Havana Cuba.
Let me know if you have further questions.
El Cubanito
Havanaman and others:
You're probably right about some "overplanning" on my part however, remember this is my first (of possibly many) trip to Cuba and the first where I have affirmatively planned to seek intimate company. I'm sure in every situation, be it with a SW, Escort or Chica, there is an etiquette and I want to get the saged advice of those who have gone before me.
And I will attempt to leave my inhibitions at the airport remembering though I have had over six decades to entrench them. But I do believe, "When in Rome - - -"
There is one thing I am trying now which I will report on here before I leave, and that is I gambled $9 for an address of a woman in Cuba whose ad on another Board essentially said "I know lots of Chicas so let me help you." If I get the address, I'll write and get her info, and, and, and, etc. I figure it's worth the $9 gamble and if it works out, it might be a very good investment, especially since I'm looking for a Chica in the more mature age range (35 - 40+).
I'm also looking for direction as to any cultural events where I could (try to) take a Chica such as ballet, orchestra, etc. Any input here is appreciated.
Thanks.
Spock
______
David
El Cubanito. Yes, I would like a contact for an English speaking driver. I'm told US$25 per day plus fuel only (and food/drink) is a fair price for a full-day of driving.
Yes, my first trip and I know the American and other cultures and will try to just go with the flow and as you say, leave inhibitions (most) at the airport.
We won't be there the same time sorry to say.
Due to my age (64) I'm not looking for a 20-25 year old, my preference is to the 35+ and while I'm not looking for marriage, if I end up with a GFE, I am not going to be adverse to coming back and trying to make her life a little better.
I'm working on a few words in Spanish and maybe even some "flash cards" with appropriate sentences on them.
I think one other "disadvantage" I will have is that I'm not into dancing, smoking, drinking or very loud music (not a religious thing, just me). So I won't be hanging out in the bars much though my travel friend (33 years old) will be doing enough of that for both of us.
Finally, once I get organized and have the chica, it is going to be a very personal problem for me to not be able to have a close association with the chica outside of the Casa. (on the streets). No sightseeing or museums or such. Bummer.
Thanks.
Spock
El Cubanito
10-15-03, 15:54
Talosian,
Here is the email address of the English guide that can help you in Havana. The email address is: cesaron@web.correosdecuba.cu. He speaks English and has access to excellent cars, plus he knows where all of the chicas are in Havana. Even a 30+ chica like the one you are looking for.
GenCuster, please email Cesar in havana and he will be able to help you out.
Talosian, if you hooked up with 30+ chica, you will be able to take her anywhere you want. Cesar will help you and the chica in case there is nay trouble with local police with your chica. I doubt they will bother you since Cesar knows all of the local police in Vedado Havana.
Talosian, I also want to add that the Chicas between Santo Spiritus and Camaguey are more pure and wholesome then some of the chicas in Havana. I want to add Talosian, from what you are saying that you are looking for: 30+ chicas. I think is best if you can get to these providence. If you want more info as to where to stay and where to go let me know. How long are you staying for?
EL Cubanito
EL Cubanito.
Please send me a Private Message via the forum so I can communicate directly since I don't want to clutter the forum with personal notes.
Thanks.
David
AlLostInSpace13
10-16-03, 00:47
Hey Tolosian, a good place to go to enjoy Cubans singing the blues is the upstairs Dos Gardenia bar in Miramar. About $4 cab ride from downtown Havana and $5 to get in. Older crowd but good ambience. Soft music. My favorite place to go. I think they're open every night from 11-1.
Paranoid Question:
I want to send a letter to Cuba. It's to a lady whose address I bought and who says she can make "introductions" to chicas (remeber, I'm lookinf for 35+). It contains no $$, negotiable instrument and nothing prohibited or of any monitary value It's a personal letter of one page.
Has anyone here had any experience with sending a letter to Cuba and it arrived appearing it was opened first? I'm talking a simple letter, not a box, package, thick letter, card, etc. A simple #10 legal sized envelope.
And is there anyone here who thinks my paranoia is NOT justified? Remember, Homeland Security Act (which I support) allows the Government to act like a Proctologist and look up each of our arses without permission. We can only complain after the fact.
Spock (being very logical).
El Cubanito
10-19-03, 15:54
Hey Talosian,
How is your planning going? I know of the woman you are talking about. You found this women in the http://www.havanacubaconnection.com website? If you did most of the women here are looking to put out and some of them are very good and some are not.
Talosian you can send me the letter you want to send via the WSG Forum's Private messaging system. I will send the letter via escriba.com. To send the leter it will cost me only $1.00 and $ 1.00 will not make me or break me. Just trying to help a folower Monger. Listen if you are really interested in a good looking 35+ age chica, let me know when you send me the email and I will send you a couple of photos of chicas which I think you will like.
El Cubanito
Organicgrowth
10-19-03, 22:45
Talosian,
Please refer to my post in the Havana section (10-08-03 10:18) about letters. If you get this letter through it will be a small miracle. Sorry old chap, but that’s what my own experience has been, but then lady luck has never been kind to me! Beware of scams. This is the only comment I can give you about this letter idea. Be vigilant and don’t give your home address.
Can I suggest that you go to the Inglaterra on a Wednesday or Sunday evening and have a bite to eat or a drink in their main bar / dining hall. On these two days, there is a very beautiful, very elegant lady who plays the background piano music. She is between 35 – 40 years old, has a daughter 7 years old. She is single. I was taken by her musical ability and her general elegance, rather than sex appeal: which for me at that time was non-existent. I got chatting to her and found her to be intelligent, witty and a good general companion. I'm guessing now, and if I was forced to play cupid, I would say “she is right up your street” as the English would say. If you do approach her, you can say that you have a mutual friend. She will remember me making paper-animals for her daughter (and one for her using a $5 bill ~ tip). Much to my shame I forget her name. I will meet her again in November, just to say hello: nothing more...
Brother, forget the paranoia, excessive investigation and leave some caution to the wind. You WILL enjoy it, and you WILL meet some really nice people. After all your posts, if we hook up: I will go out of my way to ensure you get a good compañera, that’s a promise!
Regards, Havanaman
the washington post sunday travel section for october 19, 2003, p. p1 had a front page blurb on prostitution in cuba. it was in reference to bush's recent speech on the sex trade in cuba. the author of the piece said that he (or she) had not seen any evidence of an open sex trade in cuba.
any comments?
Havanaman:
Not to worry about me giving out any address or any other information.
I know this can be a scam but the cost is about the price of a couple of drinks (which I don't do) so no loss if it doesn't happen. But I will not put any real $$ out front and If I do try to get scammed, I will notify the site operator who will do nothing. Again, a gamble.
Where are you located?
You hit more than a responsive cord with the mention of a lady piano player. My first musical love is piano (especially classical) and put that together with a lady in the age range you mention and that could be a recipe for enjoyment for us both. I'm thinking she doesn't speak English? I will absolutely make this a priority.
I'm paranoid of my Government but I WON'T let it stop me when I feel I am morally (and actually legally) in the right. I won't throw it to the wind but will use common sense in what I do.
Your input is appreciated. I'm still looking at about 7 weeks before I leave and have a lot of things I'm taking simply because to some slight degree, I feel responsible for the plight of the Cuban people. It is my Government which cas caused their dire situation for no good reason. The reason ceased in 1963 when the Russian missles were removed, not it's just "we" don't like Castro as "we" didn't like Saddam. Enough Rhetoric.
Thanks.
Spock/David
In America there is a presumption of innocence of a person of any crime until the contrary is proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
In the law which says Americans can go to Cuba but not spend money and if they do, they have committed a crime, there is a presumption that if they go, money was spent there. True, the presumption is rebuttable but still, it shifts the burdon to the "accused."
This seems to be a presumption of guilt which is contrary to our Constitution.. Anyone every think there is a legal challenge here?
Spock
Havanaman: Does the piano player speak (any) English?
Thanks.
Spock.
Organicgrowth
10-21-03, 20:39
Talosian,
She speaks good English. Slow, as I remember. However when I communicate with any non-English speaker I concentrate on every word they say and often am able to predict not only the word that they are struggling on but also then the general topic of conversation. Unfortunately for me this clouds my ability to be able to accurately tell you how good someone is at English. Top line, she speaks enough for you have a conversation.
In reply to your question: I live in Europe.
It would seem that we will miss each other if you are travelling to Havana in December; I'm going to be in BA in December.
One thing I can do for you though, is to set the scene --if you like? Get her name, tell her I told a friend of mine about her music, he appreciates piano music, he is a nice man, get her email (if she has one / help her set one up). You know the sort of thing. In a previous report did I think I mentioned about using MSN’s advanced search facility (people & chat) to locate e-pals by age / location. Have you seen it / given it a go? It works! I have made numerous contact using it.
Regards, Havanaman
Havanaman:
Many thanks for the info. This really sounds too good to be true however stranger things have happened.
And of course, anything you may do to pave the way will be appreciated 10-fold. And actually, I am a nice guy :) I am principled, stand up for what I believe and respect the right of others to disagree with me.
As it happens, I found a place where I will probably be staying which the landlady says is a few minutes from the Hotel Inglatera. She emails me in very decent English so I asked her if should could check and confirm if the lady is still there and any other information. I explained my situation and my love of piano music.
Thanks.
David
Lap Dancer
10-24-03, 23:05
Talosian, I think you owe the fellas a very detailed review of your adventures in Cuba. You certainly are going down there well informed!
It is great to see the Cuba board picking up - and such literary and educated contributions as well!! I was wondering what everyone thought of holding a WSG event in Havana sometime next year like the guys do in Buenos Aires.
Cigars, rum, soca, chicas, beach etc. - Could be lots of fun.
Organicgrowth
10-26-03, 21:41
Gentlemen,
I just got an email form a friend in Havana right now. Nothing really special to report other than he had his money belt stolen by a chica from his room, while he washed. There is a lesson here for all of us. Luck was on his side and he still has his wallet, and thus c-cards; he can get cash at the Nacional (you need your passport if you want to do this, and the CC must be NON-USA...). I asked him if she was worth it? Reply: yes but not $325 !!
I have also read about the theft of an MP3-palyer by a previous reporter here. Gentlemen, invest in a hard-shell suit case, the kind with combination locks & snaps with keys. You can keep all your stuff safe. From previously hiding my cash in the room and in fact once under the bath behind the panel (!) I now use this hard-case method for all my travels. I still carry a hundred on me (different pockets), and always leave a couple of C-notes folded under the leg of the bed (just my personal paranoia in case my case gets lifted).
Regards, Havanaman
Question/Suggestions:
I'm laying some groundwork to meet a lady (mature) in Haban. Believing "better safe than sorry," I would like to have her checked for HIV/VDRL. I read that there is only one hospital in Habana which does that. Anyone have any *first hand* information with details?
I saw the prior post about having a chica steal a money belt. I have two suggestions. Use a real money *belt* which is a regular looking belt with a zipper on the back side. Good enough to hold several bills. Also, use a "decoy" wallet. This is an old wallet with some old I.D. and put in a few pesos with a $5 on either side of the pesos. Usually someone who is going to lift a wallet will either take it and leave immediately or put it in a purse (assuming a chica) and then leave quickly before you find it's missing. Also, if the bathroom door has a lock, take you $$ w/you and if not, you can buy a portable door lock you can take w/you, they are cheap and simple.
Just my thoughts.
Spock
Yossarian 99
10-28-03, 04:22
Lap Dancer,
Could definitely count me in for a WSG convention in Habana next year. March or April time frame is good for me.
Nothing beats the feeling of sitting in the couryard at the Hotel Nacional, mojito in hand, cohiba in mouth, Cuban jazz in background, and a gorgeous girl with smiles only for you.
Also would like to see reports from anyone who has travelled through Mexico post "crackdown."
Any notable changes in enforcement?
Yoss
Organicgrowth
11-03-03, 00:00
Talosian, Gentlemen,
I just discovered this site:
http://groove.gmxhome.de/cuba.htm
Exceptional is a good description. It brought back excellent memories, a few laughs and many sighs! Gosh, I’m so looking forward to being in Havana again. Just a few short days to go.
This author, Roman Virdi, (not a monger) has put together a sort of non-travel guide travel guide (you will know what I mean when you read it). It is his account of his trip, good and bad, along with some excellent photographs. See the chica on the havana university page? Classic picture, muy verdad. In term time these steps are teeming with chicas age range 19 – 23.
For first time visitors it would be worth looking at the picture section as a lot of what is described in our reports can be readily identified along with his narrative (with the exception of the mongers view…). Enjoy.
Regards, Havanaman
Organicgrowth
11-27-03, 01:55
if anyone has anymore input into this thread please post: it’s a big issue for sure, and i thank this1greatman for bringing it up.
allostinspace13, this1greatman, gentlemen,
we live and learn. thanks allostinspace13, much appreciated. in europe we use a number of references for le (bluecoat, finest, officer, patrolman, patrolwoman, peace officer, police, policeman, policewoman, cop, copper, law, bulls, copper, flatfoot, fuzz, gendarme, heat, man , bobby, constable, peeler, pig…, and others even less savoury). le not being one of them in regular parlance. enough already!
so, returning to your question this1greatman: i have also heard the same, i.e. the police are really cracking down all over. not only in numbers but also undercover (a new one on me, but so say my friends in havana…). i think this is indirectly connected to mongering.
the incidence of prostitution has rocketed over the last 10 years. the direct approach would kill tourism in cuba, so they (see above list!) go for the soft option: the chicas. and some of the lesser pimps. i have no doubt that there will be mongers who get “taken down” but very few will get any form of punishment ~ read if any.
i got stopped a few years back (my taxi was pulled over by le in a car) and i offered to pay the 2 ‘peelers’ (lol) my fine directly to them and walk away. cost me $30. the chica and i walked. talk about fear; the whole evening was shattered and i couldn’t get it up that night. lesson learned. i in no way encourage the bribery of any flatfoot (!), in a place like cuba, if “done wrong” you are going to be looking at handcuffs: of this i have no doubt. especially now that the majority of constables (!) are not native to havana.
to be direct with you, i no longer venture into isolated spots alone. a couple of guys, sure. alone, no. i believe we are seeing the last of the really free days (if one can use such an expression) for cuba. time and circumstances have meant that risk-taking in cuba (by the criminal element) is at an all time high. many of these elements have mucho dinero. the police know this and so make “hits” at the lower end to score some greenbacks, maintain their arrest quotas. i also think that taking some of the chicas away is a ply to get the pimps to pay up. that being said, i also think there will be a strong nationalistic feel to the police job (couple this with jealousy, envy… call it what you will against the tourist) and you know you are at risk.
so what is the answer? be safe, stay in the light, stay where there are people. don’t carry too much cash. leave your rolex / tag at home: use a timex…
this subject is too important a subject to leave. information here is vital to monger safety and possible continuity...
regards, havanaman
First time to Havana. Will be in Cancun early Jan. Want to make 4 day trip to Havana. Do I buy Air Ticket in Cancun? What Airline? Cash so USA does not know? Price? Girl friendly moderatly priced hotel in Havana? Cost? Price of girls?
Any help or steer me in right direction for info would be appreciated. My mongering has mostly been SE Asia till now.
Organicgrowth
12-07-03, 10:33
Monger22,
Cash is the best option. You can haggle in Cancun, even for your ticket if you show the colour of your money. I did this once, got a few $$$ off from a local “air-ticket bucket shop” (I’m from Europe, I don’t know what these are called in America). I used Mexicana.
Best thing for a place to stay is a casa-particular. Hotels are not chica-friendly: in fact if you look at ALL the reports you will note that Cubans are not allowed into the hotels, other than to conduct business (and I don’t me mean pay & play!).
From the taxi stand at the airport, speak to a driver, tell him what you need. He will give you a tour of a few casas and you take your pick. He gets a kick-back for doing this, so other than a couple of dollars tip for this help, don’t pay any more. Expect to pay $15 - $30 per night for a casa. the upper range is my prefered price as it affords a better place to stay.
Price of chicas: read the board! Negotiate to the bone.
Enjoy.
Regards, Havanaman
Here are some very helpful websites that have ticket prices and time schedules, gateway cities, car rental information and prices, FAQ and other helpful information.
http://www.nashtravel.com/gateways.asp
http://www.cubatravelusa.com
http://www.amigotravelcard.com
http://www.aduana.islagrande.cu/agr3.htm
http://www.state.gov/www/regions/wha/cuba/travel.html
http://www.cubalinda.com
http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com/categories.cfm?catid=14
http://www.geocities.com/vedadohabana/list.html
http://duales.com/eng/Content/home.asp
Good luck!
Saint
First time.
I am new to this site, wow what have I been missing!
I have just been reading all the reports of Cuba as I am going there on my first trip in four weeks time, any tips, do's and don't do's?
I have a preference for the more mature lady, 30-40, have I less chance in that age group ? Plus I just luv black women, are there many in Cuba?
Sorry for all the questions, but I would really appreciate help from all you 'regulars' to Cuba.
Many thanks.
Skin two
Thai Diesel
01-01-04, 10:26
Skin Two
I'm looking into going to Cuba too and it will be my first time as well. Do you want to coordinate the trip? If you do PM me with the dates and where you'll be traveling from.
Thai Diesel
MY first trip is next week Jan 11. Help guys, only there for 3 nights
Organicgrowth
01-04-04, 02:19
Monger22,
See my reply to your PM. Have a good trip & report back to share...
Regards, Havanaman
I've done some homework on this board and I'd appreciate it someone can give me their thoughts on my plan.
I live in NY so I'll drive to Montreal, take an Air Canada flight to Cuba. I figure that if they stamp my passport in Cuba, it wont matter because I dont need to show it on my drive back over the border from Canada. I could always say I lost it and get a new one.
Would the Canadian authorities ever alert the US as to my travels? Thanks for the info. MAXX
Maxx,
Considered the same scenario with transit to and from Detroit/Windsor. However, was advised against it because, yes, the US and Canada; as well as Mexico were coordinating efforts to close these departure points to Americans.
Only my experience - do not let this deter you!
Ez
They don't stamp your passport in Cuba but Canadian immigration does stamp your passport on your return. Last time I went through all my luggage thoroughly. If you tell them that you have no passport and they find one in your luggage, you may be screwed.
Hey Max,
Thats exactly what you want to do. Just keep it quiet that you are an American and everything will be smooth sailing. They give you a temporary Visa when you arrive and they stamp that. The customs official will ask you for your passport but will be happy to see your an American. No worries bro. Its too bad that there are no flights from the U.S. This is totaly the best place in the Carribean, hands down!
Il Cubanito Canadese!
EDITOR's NOTE: Posting of this report was delayed pending revisions to remove the multiple periods throughout the text. To avoid delays in future reports, please consider using a comma to separate the phrases in your sentences and a single period at the end of each sentence. Thanks!
Organicgrowth
02-12-04, 20:01
Maxx,
At least 85% of my WSG friends going to Cuba are from the States. The advice you are being given here is excellent, have no fear your passport will not be stamped. If you want to be doubly sure, just smile and be friendly with the immigration officer; ask him / her not to stamp it. They will oblige you when you tell them that your are from the states and the administration does not “understand”. One of my great buddies from NY has been travelling for many years, in fact multiple times a year and has never had his passport stamped; he always asks them not to and they don’t.
Best wishes on your trip, and report back so latest information.
Regards, Havanaman
EarlBrowder
02-16-04, 00:02
Anybody been to Playa del Este within the past six months or so? I was wondering what the scene is like there after intensive cop crackdown over the past couple of years.
Thanks
AlLostInSpace13
02-19-04, 06:23
I was there in November 2003 for one week. On at least two occassions, I saw chicas stopped by policia on the stretch of road leading to the beach. But! by some miracles, there were a few (not many 3 or 4) local chicas still hanging around at the beach. Obviously these chicas are like lightening rods and attract the attention of male tourists.
El Cubanito
02-21-04, 14:21
Cubanito, where are you from? and where are you going to Cuba again?
El Cubanito
Merlin Magician
02-21-04, 21:21
My friend who used to go to Havana all the time via Cancun and Nassau told me that the Cubans will stamp an extra sheet of paper in your passport, but not the passport itself. So, you can take the paper out of the pasport and do with it as you please. You may want to keep it around in a travel scrapbook to show and impress your friends.
I never have gone there because I'm wary of Cubana Air aircraft. I don't think any of those pieces of Russian junk would pass FAA inspection regs standards.
Van Fenchel
02-23-04, 07:16
Gentlemen,
This is my first post. But I’m not really a Newbie. I have visited this forum for some years, getting helpful Info and following discussions which often contained interesting points and also sometimes not too much bullshit. Now I will try to give some info and points of view back in future. Please apologize for my poor vocabulary as English is not my mother-language. I’m from central Europe.
First of all I would like to give my compliments and admiration to the creator of this site, which I find is very practical and good maintained. Also it is free of charge and even free of commercials what really strikes me (created in the US of A). The site has appropriate rules and it seems to attract mongerers of a certain ethical level and intelligence….
Thank you very much Jackson
As we are here on the Cuban board I have first to admit that this country is one of the most wonderful places I have visited on this planet. The board, specially the Havana section contains a lot of info and advice for Mongerers and I can’t really add substantial news to it. But what worries me is to read occasionally some unreflected criticism on Fidel, even from respected Senior Members like Saint or our Professor (Havanaman). To reflect these critics, I’d like you to consider following sight of view, which may be somehow polemic but nevertheless contain some truth:
Note:
Fidel stands here as a short-term for: The Socialist system in Cuba “Socialismo Tropical” created and established after Revolution in the 60ties; and includes of course all power maintaining nasty actions and measures of the Cuban Government to keep the system surviving until today.
AA) What are the reasons you guys go to Cuba instead of having a good time in Miami or in Santo Domingo?
It is not the landscape nor the beaches! It is the truly founded and maintained Culture, the Music, the Santeria, the Openheartedness of the Chicas (GFE) and their dedicated BJ techniques. It is the general high education and the good sound faith most of the chicas in Cuba have, because they don’t have to watch all the horror movies and other - from our free Industry created - crap and learn all the evil, hate and fear in their youth. They are not raised in an environment where everybody and everything is being commercialized and therefore they are still somehow innocent in that respect. That’s what attracts you folks. Now what is responsible for all this?
Fidel
BB) I know, there are many difficult and unpleasant circumstances and situations for the Cubans due to the power-maintaining measures of the Government, but many of them are caused because this country lives in a unfriendly environment, is attacked diplomatically and economically by The Big Big Neighbor in the North (TBBNitN) since decades. It is actually a unique island-museum, middle in the Capitalist-Ocean. And there are definitely some good points in the Cuban Socialism left (e.g. affordable Health and Education for everybody) and there is very little Crime in Cuba.
I also admit, that there is little freedom and an absence of democracy in Cuba (at least you can join the PCC and get elected even without being wealthy). But:
May I ask you where the Freedom is in the US for Non-wealthy people, for jobless people, for the Natives left, for Non-CEOs or generally for Non-winners?
May I ask you if you really call it Democracy what is happening now until November. Does the “American People” really have a choice to choose an appropriate Government, which is acting in the interest of the “American People” and not just filling their pockets and paying back into their buddies’ pockets within the next 4 years?
What I mean is: Do you know a convincing alternative for the Cuban People? I hear that George W. does, but why should the American system of “Freedom and Democracy” naturally be the best system for all Nations on this planet?
CC) What happens if Fidel disappears?
I think TBBNitN will take the opportunity and intervene somehow. A US-friendly Government will open all doors and all the Miami-bandits, which had to leave forty years ago, will move in and claim their pieces of the cake back. The managers, producers and creators will move in and tell the Cuban musicians what and how to play, how to dress and what to say to the music-press, in order to fulfill the needs of the Market. Spanish speaking pimps, trained in Miami, will move in; and all other horny guys, who obeyed the embargo before, will come and stand in line with you guys. But don’t worry, the pimps will organize and manage this and tell you the price according the market economical laws…
Do you really want that???
If not, then support Fidel. Enjoy Cuba as long as he is there.
Schang van Fenchel
support fidel? you must not have spent much time in cuba or you are smoking crack! with all due respect, those things you mention that make cuba precious are there in spite of, not because of fidel. the cuban spirit existed and persisted long before him and through him. cubans are the most wonderful people on earth, and among the most miserable. they would gladly trade some of their safety (which, if you talk enough to cubans, you will find it is overstated) for a breath of freedom. fidel has lied to and cheated those people, and a public hanging would be too good for him (and most cubans will privately agree with that statement).
do i think the u.s. has the solution for cuba? no, and i agree with you totally there. there is less freedom of speech in miami than there is in cuba, and despite their common heritage those right-wing terrorists in miami are worlds apart ideologically from their brethren across the straits.
there is no perfect solution, but i'd, and i believe most cubans, would opt for a dose of freedom, in spite of the bad that inevitably comes with it.
just my humble opinion, based on my experience.
Not to get political however - - - -
Castro is no worse than others the U.S. has supported over the years and is doing today.
Also, many Cubans don't compare their life with that in the U.S. but with other Caribbean countries.
Yes, Cuba is a police state with many restrictions on freeedom. But look at what "we" are doing in Iraq. Sometimes killing innocent civilians who happen to be in harm's way. It's called "coolateral damage" and we are inflicting it more than the other side. But we don't want to mention this.
Yes, Fidel has done some things which could be considered inhumane, such as shooting down an unarmed private plane. But, would Cuba be better off without Fidel? We don't know. Right now most everyone is poor (notice I say "most") but if/when democracy comes, who is to say there won't be a large number of Cubans who are in worse shape than they are now and some who suddenly jump to the upper class?
History will judge Castro in context just as it will the U.S. So until that judgment comes in, let's just have our own people-to-people program and infuse some $$ to the people of Cuba by our visits. Yes, it ultimately supports the Government which "we" don't like but before it gets to their coffers, it benefits the individuals we give it to. And we know that what we spend doesn't make or break Fidel. If it hasn't in the last 40 years, it won't in the next 40 months.
So much for my political rambling.
Spock.
Yeah, I think the most important thing is to compare Cuba with other Caribbean countries, not with the US. The whole IMF-free trade movement of the last 20 years has decimated the home-grown economies of all the other Caribbean countries and made them nothing but branches of US TransNationalCorporations, paying them a buck a day to pick bananas, and when people try and rebel against this, the CIA sends in the Contras. It's great for the Bush-funding CEOs of Chiquita etc, and for a tiny number of Caribbean nationals who are connected with them (which is what the Miami Batista Cubans will try to make themselves when Castro dies), but is the average Caribbean citizen any better off than the average Cuban?
In economic terms they're probably similar, and in terms of lack of freedom ditto (the Cubans kept in line by Castro, the others by the CIA-Contras, etc), but at least the Cubans have the slight satisfaction of knowing that they're being exploited by their own government, their own countrymen, and the fruits of their labour are staying in their own country and benefitting it, as opposed to being sucked out by George Bush's golfing buddies.
And look at the DR forum - the peso is at 50 to the dollar, the economy's virtually collapsing and there are riots in the streets. And what about Haiti?! At least all Cubans have a job, a house, food and an education.
EarlBrowder
02-24-04, 02:58
Here's my two cents:
Cubans in general (in my experience) are more ambivalent about the Revolution than many of you all posting here. Cubans routinely differentiate between the Revolution and Castro; i.e. even those Cubans who dislike Castro extremely are ready to enthusiastically and proudly point to their country's post-Revolution achievements in literacy, health care, etc. IMHO, what the Cubans really want is more freedom - - to express themselves, to read what they want, to travel, etc - - but are not at the same time ready to surrender certain fundamental benefits of the Revolution. In my trips to the Island, I have noted an increasing amount of frustration and bitterness among the more educated, "professional" folks - - even over just the past year or year and a half. They feel - - those who express their frustration - - a tremendous gap between their educational and professional aspirations and a social structure that will not allow them to put these aspirations into practice.
Finally, what I find most amazing about Castro is his oddly syncopated sense of flexibility and reform. Take the dual currency situation - - probably a necessary evil to jump start the Special Period economy, but now a real problem in fostering inequality, hustling, corruption etc.
Okay, let's get back to business.
Organicgrowth
02-24-04, 17:29
Gentlemen,
I have no intention of fuelling the flames of this thread, so I will just say that we all have our own political opinions. As a matter of fact I would agree with a number of reporters regarding Snr. Castro. Ego is a dangerous thing at best, but when allowed to have free reign it can obliterate democracy. Sadly this has been the case with this particular leader (one amongst many on the planet!), and we see the results as soon as we land at HAV.
The people of Cuba are amongst the best I have ever had the pleasure of knowing (yes, as friends as well as lovers). They are unique. The resilience and flexibility is outstanding in the face of some real hardship. However, there are also some seriously wealth people who live in Cuba.
Post Castro? I’m not trained enough in socio-economic theory to even begin to speculate. I’m told by a number of respected reporters on this board as well as elsewhere, that the criminal element may make a bid to rule in some way. Be it indirectly via a “puppet regime” or directly by financing whomever takes the leadership (…don’t we see this in our democracy?). I also do not ignore the various secret service (SS ?? interesting...) institutions, which will make a run across the straits as soon as the bearded ones last breath is drawn (...and word gets out...).
I was also told that Snr. Raul Castro (of serious sadistic fame…) is in the running when the bearded one meets his maker. If this happens, we can expect a Haiti type situation. Again I agree with a number of reporters; it makes for fertile ground for “vote-making” back home in the USA. Will G.W.B pass up the opportunity to “free” Cuba and gain the “Latin-vote” in Miami? Not in this lifetime…
Brothers of the board, we can not hope to resolve the situation. We can however make things a little better for those we meet and interact with. So lets do just that. Maybe increase the number of old cloths we take; maybe take more basic medicines when we go over; maybe give a couple of $$ more where it is needed through known, established, recognised people we trust. This is the only answer I can come up with.
Regards, Havanaman
OttoGraham
02-27-04, 16:18
I just ran across this new story on the web, thought I should share it with all of you:
U.S. Tightens Rules on Cuban Travel
President Bush tightened U.S. travel restrictions against Cuba on Thursday, a move likely to strengthen his election-year standing in politically important Florida and heighten tensions with Fidel Castro's communist regime.
Bush's order, less than two weeks before Florida's presidential primary, said Castro's government had used sometimes deadly force against American and Cuban citizens over the past decade and might do so again. Such an incident "could threaten a disturbance of international relations," Bush said.
Bush's action expands the government's authority to prevent the unauthorized departure of Cuban-bound ships from U.S. waters. U.S. authorities would be empowered to inspect any vessel in U.S. territorial waters, place guards on ships and take possession under certain circumstances.
Castro's most ardent Cuban-American opponents represent a vital voting bloc in Florida, the state whose contested election results in 2000 gave the presidency to Bush. Since taking office, Bush has traveled 19 times to Florida, where his brother, Jeb, is governor.
The United States has enforced a trade embargo against Cuba for more than more than four decades, and relations have been deteriorating over the last year.
The State Department's recently canceled talks on migration issues, which normally are held every six months. U.S. officials said Cuba has not been cooperating in achieving the goal of safe, orderly and legal immigration.
The Bush administration has accused Cuba of meddling in Latin America, sometimes in collaboration with the country's main South American ally, Venezuela.
The tightening of Cuban restrictions came on the same day that Bush rescinded a travel ban on Libya. The United States moved toward better relations with Tripoli in December after Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi renounced terrorism and development of weapons of mass destruction.
On another front in the turbulent politics of the Caribbean, Secretary of State Colin Powell on Thursday openly questioned whether President Jean-Bertrand Aristide can continue to serve effectively as Haiti's leader. It was the closest Powell has come to suggesting that Aristide bow out as president before his elected term ends in February 2006.
Bush has pledged to turn back any Haitian refugees who attempt to reach U.S. shores. The Coast Guard said it has intercepted about a dozen small vessels within 50 miles of the Haitian coast during the past three to four days.
The action against Cuba was hailed by Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., a leading anti-Castro lawmaker. He said it was "another clear sign of President Bush's commitment to enforcement of the law and his support for democracy in Cuba."
In Havana on Thursday, Castro's government confirmed that most Cuban-born people living outside the island can visit the country without a visa starting June 1 if they have a valid Cuban passport.
In his order, Bush said Cuba "has over the course of its 45-year existence repeatedly used violence and the threat of violence to undermine U.S. policy interests. This same regime continues in power today, and has since 1959 maintained a pattern of hostile actions contrary to U.S. policy interests."
Bush said that over the past year, Cuba has taken a series of steps to destabilize relations with the United States, such as threatening to rescind migration accords and to close the U.S. interests section in Havana. Further, he said top Cuban officials have said repeatedly that the United States intended to invade Cuba, despite explicit denials from the United States.
The president noted that the United States had warned Cuba last May 8 that any political moves that resulted in a mass migration would be viewed as a hostile act.
Bush directed Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge to develop new rules to keep "unauthorized U.S. vessels" out of Cuban territorial waters.
The president said the passage of American boats into Cuban waters could bring injury or death to anyone on the vessels, "due to the potential use of excessive force, including deadly force, against them by the Cuban military." Crossing into Cuban territorial waters is already against U.S. law for unauthorized vessels, he said.
Moreover, such boats and ships bring money and commerce into Cuba, which runs contrary to U.S. policy aiming to "deny resources to the repressive Cuban government," Bush said. Castro's government may use such cash to support terrorist activities, he said.
Scores, perhaps even hundreds, of yachts sail to Cuba from the United States without permission annually, most of them docking at the Marina Hemingway in western Havana. On any given day, usually a few American-based yacht can be seen docked the marina. Not a single vessel flying a U.S. flag was spotted late Thursday afternoon.
Bush cited long-standing U.S. grievances against Cuba, calling it a state-sponsor of terrorism and saying that it has demonstrated "a ready and reckless willingness to use excessive force" against U.S. and Cuban citizens. He pointed to incidents in the 1990s, including the shooting down of two unarmed U.S.-registered civilian aircraft, the use of force against U.S.-registered vessels and the sinking of an unarmed Cuban vessel that resulted in the deaths of 41 Cuban citizens in 1994.
The new rules governing American boats' movement to Cuba expand restrictions that have been in place for years. Those rules covered vessels originating in Miami, while Ridge's new rules will apply to boats leaving from anywhere in the United States, White House and congressional officials said.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/text/2004/feb/26/022604696.html
This president is dreaming in his sleep with regards to the threat that Castro has had on the US, along with the other presidents that have sustained this embargo--from Kennedy onward.
How come we don't here anything about Cuban security problems vis a vis the European countries and Canada? Because it does not exist.
Another election year rhetoric from George W.
OttoGraham
02-27-04, 16:37
Sun Devil,
I offered the article as information that may affect U.S. mongers who want to travel to Cuba.
Discussion of politics (religion too!) are probably best addressed on boards other than this one. Discussing politics or other controversial topics simply is not healthy for a board like this.
Cheers,
Uncle Otto
Thanks for the information. Sorry, I got carried away. No more politics from this guy.
Just goes to show that restrictions on freedom are on both sides of the straits. I am curious about Cuba's alleged sponsorship of terrorism. Give me an f-n break! Ok, no more politics. I'll keep going there, until the embargo does end and Havana becomes another Miami Beach.
Organicgrowth
02-28-04, 16:49
Gentlemen,
Me too! With you all the way. Lets get back to what’s important to us all: mongering information.
Having said the above, I stand by my last post’s final paragraph:
“Brothers of the board, we can not hope to resolve the situation. We can however make things a little better for those we meet and interact with. So lets do just that. Maybe increase the number of old cloths we take; maybe take more basic medicines when we go over; maybe give a couple of $$ more where it is needed through known, established, recognised people we trust. This is the only answer I can come up with.”
I’m in Havana for a few days in April; my packing is already done as far as “charity stuff” is concerned. If you can, when you go over to Cuba please do the same; such little help all adds up to giving something back to these people.
Regards, Havanaman
Revolution Doc
03-09-04, 10:29
First of all, thank god for this forum.
Well, I'm going to Cuba for the first time in July. I was asking myself a few things :
Somewhere I've read that there are lot of south american ladies that do anal. While i know I stand better chances at finding this with the pro's, I think I would prefer a chica in Cuba.
I'm pretty good looking, had relations here with girls that were models so i don't think I will have much difficulties finding a beautiful chica in Cuba(I know : it's about the money and the presents. But i believe appearance counts too).
Anyway, while I love the thought of convincing a chica to do anal with me (not on the first night, of course) i'd like to know how high my chances are.
I also would like to experiment at bit, notably with threesomes as I have never done this before. But I haven't read anything about it on the cuba part of the forum.
In the casas particulars where you can bring a chica, can you bring 2 chicas too ? How would the owners react ? How will the chica's react? Or should I go directly to the pro's for this?
If anyone will be in Cuba in the second half of July, please let me know. I'm looking for a male partner to do a threesome too. Don't worry, I'm not gay and I don't expect you to be neither.
I also read recent alarming reports about the changing situation in Cuba, especially outside of Havana?
Does anyone have a more recent update?
Thank you very much.
Revolutiondoc
Montrealer
04-24-04, 23:04
Is it true that some chicas accept hosiery and in return bone you all night!
Hi everyone!
Finally my account is activated and I can post: )
First id like to say thank you for all the wonderful stories and info as well great photos! I was pleasure to read them and dream: )
Now id like to ask you all for a favour: ) I'm not a monger. As a matter of fact I haven't gotten laid in 2 years: ). Yeah. And there is nothing wrong with me. Its just I live in Canada in Toronto and the women are repulsive here. I mean, yak. Its grossing me out.
I'll be going to Cuba beginning of June I think for 2 weeks or so (at least a week) to do some diving (got my own equipment). I'd like to know where I should go the best to hook up with some nice chica 18-24. Which town would be the best? And finally I'd like to bring some gifts with me, what in your opinion should I bring? And finally taking pictures and making some movie action. can I do it and upload it to my laptop and take home or will they try to destroy it at the border.
Thanx!
EDITOR's NOTE: Posting of this report was delayed pending revisions to fix dozens of simple writing errors including missing punctuation, peculiar punctuation, missing capitalization, multiple periods throughout the text, etc. To avoid delays in future reports, please proof-read your reports before posting them. Please review the Forum's Posting Guidelines (http://www.wsgforum.com/postingguidelines.html) for further information. Thanks!
Just a question: Is August too hot a time to go to Cuba?
Which gives a better experience: Colombia or Cuba? Which is safer/more hassle free? I am Canadian, so going to Cuba poses no problems.
And now my main question: where is it easier/cheaper to get laid? I'm still young and attractive, so I might have hopes of getting freebies- where is this more likely?
Sorry about the deluge.
Thanks,
Syl
PS Suggestions of a better place are welcome.
Revolution Doc,
I am planning to be in Santiago de Cuba during the month
of July. At this time do not know the exact date, will be there
for the Carnival.
Let me know
Dark Knight
04-29-04, 04:52
Shadow,
While I respect your perspective about the women in Toronto, and why you haven't been laid in TWO YEARS, I'd like to report that I have had different experiences in Toronto.
I went to Toronto last year for an event called Caribana. I saw TONS of gorgeous - particularly ethnic - women. Caribana is a Carnival -type festival and it brings out women from Trinidad, Guyana, Jamaica, Haiti, etc. In fact, I found Toronto to be one of the better cities in North America with regards to diversity - kinda like NYC , DC, or Miami.
Maybe your standards are just INCREDIBLY higher than mine that you haven't found someone 'bone-able' in TWO YEARS. But if your standards are THAT high, I respectfully submit that you probably won't find what you are looking for in Cuba. The bulk of the women in Cuba have the same dark skin, ethnic hair as the Caribbean population in the Toronto area.
Is there a way I'm supposed to ask my question to get someone to answer me with some tips? Or is there a different area a complete newbie to the scene is supposed to post?
EDITOR's NOTE: Posting of this report was delayed pending revisions to add standard capitalization throughout the text. To avoid delays in future reports, please refrain from using the "chat room" style of writing with no capital lettering. Thanks!
No, I dont have too high standards:). It's just I got sick and tired of the Toronto scene, and as for Caribana: while apealing to someone from outside the city to me is nothing else but a place where gangbangers from Scarberia and Area 51 can shoot there arses over some stupid stuff. Every year someone dies and innocent bystanders get injured. Toronto is COLD city, people are COLD and repulsive. There are hundrets of beggars on the streets, hustlers, drug pushers, really horribly looking hookers, gay hookers, cops, wierd people and first and foremost it is NOT SAFE. Trust me im in the line of work where i see all the crap around and then some:).
I just basically want to hook up with someone genuinly nice while in cuba. And have some really good mindblowing sex. With no strings attached. Thats all:). And the choice of not getting laid in 2 years was mostly mine:).
El Cubanito
05-01-04, 14:21
Shadow69,
What are you question? PM me
El Cubanito
El Cubanito
05-01-04, 14:25
Revolution Doc,
Most casa owner will allow you to bring a chica to your house, but they will not let you bring several girls at the same time. Part of the problem is that the chicas themselves once you leave will have them busted if the casa owners do not give them money. The casa owners are terrified of losing there license. So most will not do this. What you will find and I can recommend is finding regular casa that will rent to you for a couple of hours while you are there with 2 chicas. But most casa owners will not alllow you do this.
I hope this helps.
El Cubanito
El Cubanito
05-01-04, 14:26
Revolution Doc
I will aslo be in Santiago in July, when are you going? Carnival time?
El Cubanito
05-01-04, 14:27
Montrealer,
Yes the real ugly one will accept anything. I will not fuck most of these woman even with your dick.
El Cubanito
Montrealer
05-02-04, 04:52
El Cubanito,
2 of my friends told me that when they were in Varadero a few years ago, they had sex with 2 hot chicas that they met in a bar in the town of Varadero. In return, they gave them plenty of pantyhose!
The chicas came back to the hotel room with them, but my friends had to give the doorman a small fee ( i think $5 US).
I will be going to Varadero, and I do want to meet chicas, and bring them to my hotel room.
Any advice El Cubanito?
Montrealer,
You will not meet chicas in Varadero and if you do you will certainly not be bringing them to your hotel room. Read the other posts on Varadero before you go there. There is no action. Go to Havana, or better yet Santiago. And unless you want to be ridiculed do not be bringing pantyhose for Cuban women. They don't use them and with those legs as well as the temperature don't need them! Bring t-shirts, underwear, perfume.
El Cubanito
05-03-04, 21:08
Montrealer
DocBill is 1,000,000 per cent correct!!!! No Cuban woman will go to bed with you in order to get panty hose for reimbursement. The Cubana have gotten much smarter than that. You stand a better chance of getting sex and not paying for it if you have a good game. If you show the girl a good night out. By that I mean a good Dinner at a Good REstaurant (Cecilia in Miramar) and then going to Macumba Disco. Yes, if you do that most Cuban Girls will finish the night by having mind blowing sex with you. I have had that experience a bunch of times.
I hope this gives you a clearer Understanding
El Cubanito
Cubanito,
That is a good report. For once and all, let everyone knows
that those days in which a Cuban lady could go to bed for
a bar of soap or a panty hose are over, this is ever happened.
I have heard of that, but never believe it
Havana Moon
05-05-04, 21:22
Montrealer,
Don´t belive in all you read in this forum.
1) It´s a lot of girls in Varadero. The most of them are really pros and work togehter with the hotelstuff. They wait for you in the hotel lobby in the nights when you come back. Many of them comes from Matanzas and Cardenas. But they can also take your money out of your pockets if you don´t is awake. There is also no problems with the hotel stuff, but you have to pay them at least $10 for a couple of ours (until the morning personal start working). There are also many casa particulars that accept ST visits for the same price.
But it´s absolutely not my favorit place.
2) Cuba chicas love pantyhoses. The reason why the working- and student girls not wear it it´s because the costs. Almost every girl that works in hotels and official offices, where they wear dresses use it, even if it´s 40 degrees in the shadow. Belive me.
Lankan_Lover
05-06-04, 03:15
I just got back after a 11 day trip to Cuba. I spent 4 nights in Havana and 5 nights in Santiago de Cuba. Yes I saw Fidel spoke for 2 hours at Plaza de Revolution for 2 hours. This is my second trip to Cuba. The first one was about six months ago. I had a high expectation of Cuba the first time, so I was naturally disgusted by the economic situation, I saw there. This time, It seems to me that Cubans are little bit better off.
You can still find hot chicas in Havana. The price for all nighter is anywhere between $30 - $50. The really hot ones won't go below $50. What I find missing in Havana this time are the hot and nice girls from other provinces who can give you a real GFE. Their numbers, for some reason has gone down significantly. Any recent busts and sent off to home provinces?
The places I find girls in Havana are the La Chorrea in Vedado and Paraque Central in Old Havana close to Ingraletta.
If you want find Hot and Nice girls, You must go for a hunt between 6 pm and 10 pm. After 10 pm all the nice girls are taken and then you will have to pick from disgusting hard core pros with that disgusting gold plated tooth cover they wear.
If you find a nice girls approach her by yourself. Don't let the male touts get in between. If you do then the girl has to pay him $ 5 or 10. Some of the male touts give you the impression that they are very close with the girl. But infact they don't know them at all.
No problem bringing girls to your Casa. You just have to clear it with the owner before you rent. Before you take the girl make sure that the girl has the identification with her.
Also, Look out for the girls who are out there while they are on their period. You will be disappointed when you bring her to your house and can't send off because it is too late to find another Chicka. You will have to settle for the night long blow jobs. Some girls would say that they have no problem having sex while on period. Don't do it. You will get a real sick feeling when it is done.
I hope some experienced mongers would give me tips to avoid chicas on their period.
I spent 5 days in Santiago. This is really a better place to monger than Havana. There are some real hot chicas here for prices as low as $ 20 - 30 for all nighter. The problem is with the Casa. They only allow one girl for your entire stay in their house. This will be a problem for the guys who would like different chicas for each night. I find a really nice GFE chicka in Santiago and spent most of the time with her. So it has not been a problem for me.
I visited El Cobre, Morro Castle, Playa Siboney and the home town of my chica, La Maya, about 20 km North of Santiago. Don't miss El Cobre and Morro Castle.
Unlike Havana, there is not much problem with the police here in Santiago. You can visit all the tourist attactions with your Chica. Playa Siboney, not as big or nice as Varadero, is with out a single Policia. You can relax one or two day with your girl.
Gotto go. Rest later.
El Cubanito
05-06-04, 18:42
Lankan_Lover
People are beggining to Discover Santiago. If your taste are Dark Girls, then Las Mayas is the place to be, plus there are a alot of little towns around the Mayas that have great, great action.
There is also a town north of the Mayas called Mayari. This town is loaded with alot of Hot Chicks. Please check out a "friend" from the Town of Mayari. 99.99% of the girls in Mayari Looks this girl. Her name is Liana.
Wondering how Americans and other folks are responding to recent changes. Fox News reported some higlights.
Here is the current policy, which is set to change. (well, the old one)
http://travel.state.gov/cuba.html
Apparently, travel to Cuba will be significantly effected. Even to visit relatives will be moved up to every 3 years. Additional pre-screening at Canadian and other foreign airports is also expected. (this is to catch Americans violating restrictions)
http://www.state.gov/p/wha/rls/fs/32275.htm
The restrictions text begins on page 28 and actual steps are on page 31. Reports show that since the document is now approved, it is considered policy and effective immediatly.
http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/32318.pdf
Beansed,
Do not worry about it ... Somehow we should know how to
handled the situation. In fact, just ask El Cubanito, he may
have a idea about the whole situation. Remember, for years
our Government have tried very hard to get rid of Fidel, but
one thing you have to remember about what he said: With
Cuba its going to be a war of 100 years. And, let those
Miamimafia, which included Gloria Estefan that they are not
going to stop us for visiting Cuba. Regardless ... Yes, she
did stop all the musicians, not coming to the US but not
us going to Cuba.
Thats my point of view ...
Perhaps El Cubanito may have something to say ...
By the way, lets not getting in to politics ...
Thanks
Montrealer
05-08-04, 23:44
I don't know who to believe?
OK, I will definitely be in Varadero for one week. I will be staying at a 4-star hotel.
Now, where will i find chicas? at the clubs? at the hotel lobby? BOTH!
Are there any scams that I should be worried about (besides a girl simply robbing you!)
Will a hotel worker approach me if I walk to my room with a chica? if so, what do i do? I pay him one time only? (I don't want to be scammed by him either)
Someone told me that I should pay the bell-boy as soon as I get to my room on Day 1, and that I should ask HIM for chicas (and eventually, he'll bring the chicas to me, apparently some of the women from the hotel/entertainment staff will give private services to us.
Attention Members,
This one just in from CNN Headline News:
Cuba freezes sales in US$, except for food and hygine goods.
Organicgrowth
05-11-04, 13:26
Alboroto,
Please expand on your recent post "Cuba freezes sales in US$, except for food and hygine goods". I have tried to find it on CNN, but failed. I'm keen to hear more.
Thanks. Regards, Havanaman
El Cubanito
05-11-04, 16:12
Montrealer
The Chica Action in Varadero is Dead, finish, stop, crush, does not longer exist.
Did you understand that or would you like for me to write it in Spanish. Everybody who has gone to Varadero will tell you the same thing. Fidel does not want no Prostitution on here. If you want that you do not have to go that far from Varadero, but you will not be able to get it in Vardero.
I will say anything is possible in Cuba and you might get a little action, but it will cost you.
El Cubanito
Organicgrowth
05-11-04, 21:10
Montrealer,
El Cubanito is 100% right.
Just look back at the reports over the years, you will see a real decline in pay for play in Varadero. Yes it is excellent to take the family or GF, but to hunt for regular Cubans: no.
Regards, Havanaman
Montrealer
05-11-04, 23:09
I've met a girl from Havana on-line!!!! From The Virtual Tourist website.
She wants to meet me in Varadero. She has a girlfriend that lives in Varaedro, so she can come and meet me.
She is about 20 years old, and looks nice! She is voluptuous. Not skinny. Girl-next-door look.
I don't know.
Should I assume that she (and her friend) are Jineteras?
Havanaman,
This is from El Cubanito:
I read your Post and post it in Lonely Planet.
Here is a Link:
http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com/index.cfm
El Cubanito
05-12-04, 03:33
Montrealer,
She said she wanted to meet you in varadero? The only locals that are in vardero are the one that live in Varadero. These girls are yes, and you are right very hot body and great looking. But they also want guys with big, big bucks. These girls also worked in the Hotels. I have met my share and they are stunners and they are also great in Bed.
You might have found one Montrealer, but you will not find that many. I am very curious, when are you going. I will be in Cuba from May 27 to June 17. Let see if we can hook up, I think our trip overlap.
El Cubanito
Montrealer
05-12-04, 04:43
So should I assume that she is indeed a jineteras?
Also, should I assume that any young, good-looking hotel worker can potentially give me action for the right money.
Cause if that's the case, I'll just "work" on the hotel babes. I have money to blow.
BTW, I will not be in Cuba during your visit.
Thanks in advance.
Lance Storm
05-13-04, 01:16
Hello fellow Cuban lovers.
I will be in Cuba from May 27-June 5. I will be staying in Habana, Santa Maria , and Varadaro. Are there any resent reports on good casas , places to eat discos ect. I am also wondering what the crack down will do to the monger seen. Do you think prices will jump or go down.
Any one going to be around at the same time , let me know and we can maybe meet for a drink.
Chow LS
El Cubanito
05-16-04, 20:17
LanceStorm,
The following link will give you info to the casa particular and disco that you want.
Here is the link:
www.casaparticular.info
El Cubanito
Havana Moon
05-17-04, 22:27
I've got a letter from una muy bonita y juventud chica from Cienfuegos today. The thing is that she wrote the letter the 19th of April! 28 days to Europe.
Anyone who knows any faster ways of communication exept mail and telephone which is to expensive for her right now.
Havana Moon, try Escriba.com or Mail2Cuba.com.
Havana Moon,
I do not see any other inexpensive way. My girl wrote a letter
to my daughter here in the US and she received the letter
last week, and its dated March 20, 2004.
El Colorado
05-19-04, 18:52
Havana Moon - I always ask girls to give letters to the casa operators. They, in turn give them to foreign guests for mailing in their home countries (frequently the US) when they return. I have performed this service nearly every time I have returned from Cuba. Also, nearly all chicas know someone who has internet access. E-mail works great.
El Cubanito
05-19-04, 19:37
Havana Moon,
Escriba.com or Mail2Cuba.com is not bad, they offer a pretty good service for a minimal price. It cost about a dollar a letter.
El Cubanito
Havana Moon
05-19-04, 21:14
Thank's guys for the advice. I told la chica to try the mailway whith a little help from a friend. Maybe she can manage it. Casa operators is not a bad alternative but a little unshure, I think. I will check Escriba and Mail2Cuba.
I´m going to Cuba in the middle of august for 3- 4 weeks but first I go back back to Bangkok already tomorrow (!) for just two weeks.
Once again thank you.
Regarding the delay in receiving mail. Last summer when I returned to the US I mailed my divemaster a package weighing 2 lb's and costing $40. It took 6 weeks for him to get it. So the sloooooow delivery works both ways.
El Cubanito
05-20-04, 12:23
Does anybody know when all of Bsuh new law for travel to Cuba go in effect?
El Cubanito
Rickster,
You were lucky that at least your friend, did received the
package, even though it was six months latter. Last year,
in January sent my girl letters, post cards and photos and
she never received ...
Hi everyone,
I will be landing in Havana from Toronto at about 11 p.m. on the 30th. Is there any action on a Sunday night? If so, where? Does any one want to link up and run around the city this coming Sunday?
El Cubanito
05-26-04, 20:42
Shango,
Go to the malecon by the Entrace of the Tunnel where or where Prado meets with Malecon. You will find your share of girls ready for action.
El Cubanito
El Cubanito, the new Bush law is not a law, it has only been proposed by the Bushies, not (yet) enacted. I think it's just election year kiss-assing to the Miami Cubans and won't in fact become law. The Cubans of Miami are the biggest violators of the embargo they fight so hard to maintain. Go figure. Anyway they won't support having their travel or ability to send money home further limited, imho.
Doc Bill,
You are correct and do you know who is the leader:
None other than Gloria Estefan ... she did a perfect
job not bringing the Grammy Nominees from Cuba,
they could not get a visa, because Gloria Estefan and
her husband.
Dear Fellow Mongers, read this shit ...
Guys,
One of my brothers that visited Cuba this year shortly thereafter received a letter from the Dept. of the Treasury which directed him to remit a $7500 fine. It seems the Bush administration is stepping up enforcement of the travel ban on Cuba and Mexicana airlines has agreed to share passenger lists.
I guess this seems minor in comparison to the bigger issues, but as you aptly pointed out, this is not a political forum.
Can you believe this shit ...
Cabana Man
06-01-04, 02:11
Am I the only person who is scared of this or what!
I guess the US Government wants us to hunt in the Dominican. I would rather hunt in Cuba where it is much safer ( from a crime perspective) and a little cheaper, but a $7500 fine is a very effective deterent
Why doesn't George W just do Fidel like -- Saddam, and get it over with? Should have done him instead, no one ever went to Baghdad to hobby!!
Macgoo: you are genuinely ignorant and stupid if you think Bush should invade Cuba like he did Iraq. The Cuban people are way too nice to be massacred by cluster bombs and Tomahawk missiles. Besides, what is Cuba's crime besides refusing the yoke of US hegemony?
arecho66
Psst, during mature discourse, there are reasonable ways to disagree. I doubt you have the intellectual authority to make a personal attack on me. Your use of the words "ignorant" and "stupid" may be reflective of your environment, but it is misplaced here.
A careful reading of my statement doesn't suggest a invasion of Cuba, albeit understandable. Reluctantly, and in response to a previous post, I suggested that GW execute one of the many US plans for elimination via assassination. That way, the misery of my people would not hinge on Fidel's natural passing. Your suggestion that I implied "massacred by cluster bombs..." was completely unfounded.
I have taken the liberty of looking back at some of your memorable writings here and found this gem:
"I've come to the conclusion that Cubans are straight-up, across the board fucked in the head. I lived in Bogota for almost four years and even those fucks aren't as degenerate as Cubans."
Now, we are all grateful for your genuine compassion towards Cubans.
Organicgrowth
06-02-04, 07:48
arecho66, Macgoo,
I appreciate that it is difficult to remove “politics” form any debate about Cuba. However this forum is not a political vent, and it certainly is not a forum for personal attacks.
From personal conversations with Jackson, I can tell you that he is not keen on politics to be discussed on his forum. He has gone out of his way to provide us all with this forum and we should endeavour to honour his forum policies.
I personally feel that the politics of Cuba only become pertinent as they effect changes to our mongering environment. As to personal attacks they are wrong, especially when it comes down to personal beliefs.
Misunderstandings happen. Move on and report on the chicas, please don’t continue these personal attacks: life is too short.
Peace.
Havanaman
Havanaman,
I agree with you 110%. We should stay away from politics
as well as personal attacks and religion. The primary reason
why I posted the message I red in another country was to
make our mongers aware when traveling to Cuba. I, myself
have a dual citizenship; therefore, there is not a problem.
Alboroto,
In spite of the personal attack on me, the information you provided is critical. While politics should generally be excluded; unfortunately, in the case of Cuba, geopolitics and mongering are directly related.
The $7,500 "fine" is an excessive price to pay for chicas anywhere.
Thx for the tip!
Travel Tip.
For my US citizens amigos.
You can fly Delta from Atlanta, Continental from Houston or Newark, American Airlines from Miami, Copa Airlines from Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando or New York (JFK very soon) all of them direct flights.
Then connect with Copa Airlines to La Havana. They have 2 daily flights.
I recommend that you buy the Panama-Havana-Panama portion in Panama.
Here is the link http://www.copaair.com
That way, when going back to the US, and they ask you where have you been, you can say, I have been to Panama. Nobody will write anything in your passport about being in Cuba. Besides, you can always monger a few days in Panama
Cheers.
Mr. Chencho.
Macgoo,
Well I do agree with you when it comes to the security
of our fellow mongers, in fact, I am planning to ask the
El Salvador Customs Department if they are also reporting
to the US all or any pax visiting Cuba.
The US$ 7,500.00 paid for a chica, perhaps we can laugh
at but I have paid more ... My Divorce !
Rebel Monger
06-03-04, 01:37
I used to be an active member of a forum that deals with Cuba (politics). One day a guy posted there a picture of a Cuban "prostitute" and because of that, I stated to "keep an eye" on alt.sex.prostitution in order to fight the "perverts" traveling to Cuba for sex. That newsgroup was mostly spam and flame wars, but there I discovered this and other forums, and I began to change, for the better!
To make a long story short, I found out that I enjoyed more reading about you guys' "adventures" than discussing politics. In 2002, after watching DonGringo's Leah's video, I decided to take my first "mongering" trip. A couple of hours after landing, a Colombiana got a hold of me, and for four days made me feel like a teenager again. It opened my eyes in more than one way. Life was good!
My political quest is over, now I'm a "born again" hobbyst! Keep those pictures & reports coming. F*** politics!!!
Macgoo,
Bush invaded Iraq. He did not assassinate Saddam. Assassination and invasion are markedly different. You fail to see the disconnect. Things will not change when El Comandante dies. Recall case of Ho Chi Minh. Which means you and/or your gusano family and friends will never recover properties. Those moldy titulos you grasp in your clammy little gusano paws are worthless pieces of paper. If you want to alleviate "your people's suffering" get that maricon Bush to lift the embargo. My assessment of the Cuban character is far different from your recommendation of bloody mayhem. Again, you fail to grasp the obvious disconnect. Instead of rummaging through old WSG posts, look for a job.
Brethren: My apologies to you for enduring this senseless diatribe.
arecho66,
I acquiesce; my mistake, you're right on all points. Considering your writing precision and emotional conviction, it must be frustrating communicating with an illogical imbecile. Certainly you must be exhausted by creating, then quoting comments, I never made. For that I am truly sorry. In the future, instead of conferring with associates at the Hoover Institute, I will consult you on all matters of geopolitics. As recommended; I will cease all research on location mongering and look for another job (?), upon my return to the States. Flame Retardant
For the moment, however, I have another hot chica to negotiate -- all else must wait.
Gringo Loco
06-07-04, 03:17
Greetings Fellow Mongers,
I'm off to Fidel's communist paradise once again! I've never ventured outside of La Habana (besides La Playa Santa Maria) during previous trips mostly because I've found the mongering situation there to be excelente. Any suggestions for excursions are welcome. How's the situation down in Nueva Gerona? Is it worth the hassle of flying down there? I've got 10 days this time so time constraints aren't an issue.
Thanks
Go to Santiago, it's incredible. Take a look at the Santiago board here.
Macgoo,
I saw a message on El Salvador Forum, well when are
you planning to bring your "Royal Asx" and "Dick" here
the ladies are waiting and we can tour along.
Doc Bill,
I am planning to visit Cuba next month and do want to
visit Santiago for El Carnaval, any idea when this is
to happen. I have asked El Cubanito but since he fucking
all the ladies in Santiago has not have the time to answer
and do have to make my reservation on this airline.
T ake
A
C hance
A irline
If you know the dates of the Carnaval or any tips on
ladies, phone numbers, let me know
I'm pretty sure that Carnaval is in July in Santiago. The girls are all over. Try the outdoor cafe (not the food, it sucks!) at the Hotel Las Americas. That's a great hotel to stay at too, by the way.
Doc Bill,
Thanks ... and my plan is to stay at a "Casa" but will check
the chicas. BTW, someone has put the dates for El Carnaval
its from the 20th thru 28th of July.
WickedWilly
06-11-04, 14:55
This is not a trip report as such, as I did not partake in hobbying, unfortunately this was a holiday with the GF and other friends. However, I was ever observant and wishful to what it would have been like, had I been there alone. My impressions of Cuba from reading the many articles here was that the girls can be hot and beautiful, but at present they are hard to find due to the many Police on the streets. I also expected Varadero to be a hobbying black spot.
I spent a four days in Havana, staying in the Parque Central and then a couple of weeks in one of the better resorts in Varadero.
The Parque Central was superb, great rooms, common areas and a good roof pool terrace and gym. The breakfast was better than most hotels I have stayed in and it was not expensive to drink there either. There was security on the door, but I am sure at times I could have got in with a reasonably dressed girl, especially in the early hours of the morning. I did see some tourists with obviously Cuban girls coming out of there room the morning, which surprised me.
What also surprised me was that although the police presence was there, many girls were still openly touting their wares around the Parque Central area. Indeed within two minutes of leaving the hotel for the first time, my friend had a girl on his arm, much to his GF amusement, then she went for me. In a one hour walk we were approached three times and this was repeated throughout our stay. Once, when my male friend and I were temporarily alone, we were approached by two girls and they were called over by the police who took note of there cards, but no more.
I was also approached by a pimp on the Malecon and there was about 20 girls I am sure were “workers” in the mile or two I walked along it. With one exception though all the girls where mediocre at best. The one who I would have gone with was a 8.5, very attractive lady, I guess in her very early 20’s. One thing that did surprise me was that most of the girls in Havana were of African decent with much darker skin, there were less Mulattas and even less Latin looking girls. This was interestingly reversed in Varadero.
The best place I saw for picking up a better looking lady was the Casa de Musica in Mirimar. While queuing I was approached in Spanish by a very lovely lady coffee coloured, tall and classy. If she had, had bigger breasts she would have been a 9.5+, but still a strong 9. To cut a long story short she ended up coming in with our group and sharing a table, bought her own drinks and never bummed off us at all. She spoke great English and left me with the feeling of what might have been if only I had been alone. I can report though that every time (and I mean every) I went to bar or toilets I was approach with seconds, so scoring here would have been no problem and I would recommend it to all. One word of advice though, go in the afternoon, it is much cheaper and as a result more Cubans go then. In the evening it is 5 times as expensive and full of tourists. Another sign that action was going on was the number of older guts with very lovely Cuban ladies grinding away at there private parts. Yes, I all in all I came away a very frustrated man ….. made the GF happy though!
Varadero surprised me. Here the women were so much more beautiful than in Havana, and nearly always were much lighter skinned. I saw beautiful girls working in the resort itelf, with guests staying in the resort and of course in the Discos. I am sure pulling in the resort would be hard; you may get numbers for meetings later though. Outside in the discos though, you would have a much better chance. I went to El Palacio de la Rumba ($10 with drinks, younger crowd the majority Cuban with a good few tourists, some with Cuban grinders. The music is more tecno/disco than salsa music and it is a little intimidating with the macho Cuban men protecting there territory a little), La Comprasita (Great place with show in open air forum, lots of Cubans, $5 to get in with drinks, dancing was fantastic and opportunities for finding a 8-10 high. The music was more Salsa, son and Ra. I was told weekends are best here) and lastly the Mambo Club (More touristy, $10 with drinks, live band and some good looking Cuban women. I was approached directly here on several occasions. This would be better in the week).
In all three there were lots of women tourists with Cuban men and in all the clubs they were openly propositioning the Cuban guys. No loss to us though they were without exception pretty rough.
Overall I liked Varadero as a resort and would have certainly found some sport here contrary to what I thought before I left.
Cuba was a great place though, I love the music and the dance and there are few better dancers than the Cubans. It is a good and cheap holiday destination, not I suspect a top hobbying one, if you like your action easy, but if you do not mind looking around I am 100% sure you could find a good few suitable candidates. My experience was limited though, so looking around the model shows, university and other similar places would up ones chances too.
I do hope I can go back, my libido is still there now, unfulfilled, but I am now looking forward to my next “real” trip, to LOS in Oct/Nov.
WickedWilly,
Your report was enlighting. Problem with cuban women is to get to safe place with a bed not to pick them up especially in Varadero where every security guard at every entrance to every hotel watching you coming in and out. And believe me they don't accept money for letting cubans coming up to your room. Of course you care score a maid (it can be done and was described before in this section). Havana's situation is better since more accomodation options and bigger crowd as a result less police watch. Even there it's better to be cautious and use common sense because of the potential harm to girls not to you.
I just saw the film Miel Para Oshun (Honey for Oshun) and I highly recommend it. It so accurately and succinctly portrays life in Cuba, so much so that I am surprised it made it past the Cuban censors. Experienced Cubaphiles will note the subtle digs at the system. It's made by the guy who made Strawberry and Chocolate. Thumbs way up!
Organicgrowth
06-26-04, 16:42
Doc Bill,
I saw Strawberry and Chocolate a while back: Spanish audio but with English sub-titles (text) (Yes, my Spanish still needs help when listening to complex / rapid chat). Is Miel Para Oshun same? Out on DVD yet? Based in Havana or other city?
Regards, Havanaman
Havanaman, yes, it's in Cuban spanish with english subtitles, out in DVD or VHS. It takes place and is shot throughout Cuba - very, very beautiful! Part of it takes place in Baracoa, where I will retire someday. If you see the movie you'll know why. I was there once and fell in love with it.
Organicgrowth
06-27-04, 11:11
Doc Bill,
Thanks for that information; I’m going to see if I can get it in Europe.
Yes indeed, retiring to Cuba is also my dream. Still a while to go, so its not a priority, but the idea is appealing all the same. Things will have significantly changed by my retirement and so I’m thinking in terms of running a business there: something like the BA WSG Mansion perhaps… LOL
Regards, Havanaman
Havanaman,
Its the perfect idea; however, do you think that the Government
will let you run a "Mansion" like Jackson and Dave.
Organicgrowth
06-27-04, 18:58
Alboroto,
What they don't know won't hurt them. Besides by the time I come to set up, the whole place will probably look like vegas!
Regards, Havanaman
Havanaman,
Too bad, probably I will be six feet deep; otherwise, very
well could be one of your best customers. Make sure you
have some live music ...
Best of luck
Alboroto
From today's Washington Post regarding Bushie's new restrictions on Cuba:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A37648-2004Jul8.html
HELP !!! SOS !!!
Any monger have heard from El Cubanito
Thanks
When I went to Cuba in January 2004, I sent my mom postcards from Varadero, which took two months to arrive in U.S.A. The hotel clerks told me that it would take two weeks.
Jaimito
4 to 6 weeks is normal from Cuba to the states.
I mailed a letter from Canada on July 6 and it landed in Havana on the 13th. Funny, since it takes 5 days within Havana from back to back repartos.
The letter was also opened by Correos de Cuba.
If it was mailed from the states, it would have been stolen, as many of mine have.
If you send postcards or letters, use the local rates---75 centavos, not the divisa tourist rates.
bush says castro welcomes sex tourism
33 minutes ago add top stories - ap to my yahoo!
by scott lindlaw, associated press writer
tampa, fla. - president bush (news - web sites) on friday accused fidel castro (news - web sites) of exploiting cuba's children by encouraging a sex-tourism industry designed to draw cash to the impoverished nation, comments certain to resonate with cuban-american voters in the swing state of florida.
ap photo
reuters
slideshow: president bush
"the regime in havana, already one of the worst violators of human rights in the world, is adding to its crimes. the dictator welcomes sex tourism," bush said at a conference on "[CodeWord908] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord908)" — forced labor, sex and military service.
bush's rival, john kerry (news - web sites), agreed with the president and the democratic campaign said [CodeWord908] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord908) demands a coordinated international response. the kerry campaign did take issue with the pace of bush's response, arguing that the president had waited too long — until february of this year — to submit an international pact against trafficking to the senate.
by combining the [CodeWord909] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord909) issue with his hard-line rhetoric against castro, bush hopes to bolster his standing with cuban-americans in the state that decided the 2000 election. friday's trip was bush's 23rd as president to florida, and recent polls show the race tied.
last year, the bush administration imposed sanctions on cuba, burma and north korea (news - web sites) for failing to take steps to stop such practices. in a report last month, the state department listed cuba among 10 nations that engage in [CodeWord908] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord908).
the president said castro had "bragged about" cuba's sex industry and he quoted castro as saying: "cuba has the cleanest and most educated prostitutes in the world."
that apparently was a quote from a 1992 speech in which castro said prostitution in his country was illegal, but nevertheless present. white house officials said castro had made the statement in the early 1990s, but could not be more precise.
"there is no cleaner, purer tourism than cuba's tourism, because there is really no drug trafficking, no gambling houses," castro told a session of the national assembly of the people's government 12 years ago.
"there are no women forced to sell themselves to a man, to a foreigner, to a tourist," castro said. "those who do so do it on their own, voluntarily and without any need for it. we can say that they are highly educated hookers and quite healthy, because we are the country with the lowest number of aids (news - web sites) cases."
but bush said castro has turned cuba into a major destination for sex tourism, which is "a vital source of hard currency to keep his corrupt government afloat."
"my administration is working toward a comprehensive solution to this problem: the rapid, peaceful transition to democracy in cuba," bush said.
the president said an "influx of american and canadian tourists contributed to a sharp increase in child prostitution in cuba," a claim he attributed to a report from the protection project, a legal human-rights research institute based at the johns hopkins university school of advanced international studies.
bush said the institute had found this was the case. in fact, the institute had cited "general news reports" suggesting that but had not independently concluded it.
human traffickers bring as many as 17,500 people into the united states every year, trapping them in slavery-like conditions for forced sex, sweatshop labor and domestic servitude, the administration says. as many as 800,000 people were forcibly moved across borders worldwide in the last year, 80 percent of them women.
bush did not announce any new initiatives friday, but said his administration is combatting the problem at home and abroad by:
_spending more than $295 million since the start of his term to support anti-trafficking programs in more than 120 countries.
_bringing charges against 110 ringleaders.
_helping foreign victims in america by treating them as refugees instead of illegal immigrants.
_arresting more than 3,200 people who pay for sex slaves and other forced laborers.
bush's campaign rally in beckley, west virginia, another battleground, was his 10th visit to the state as president. kerry visited a day earlier.
El Cubanito
07-17-04, 15:13
Hi Alboroto,
Yes, I am here. I am alive and kicking.
El Cubanito
Cubanito,
Where exactly you are now days ...
El Cubanito
07-22-04, 16:04
OK Guys, the Sh*t has just hit the fan. My Cuban Girlfriend has just sent me an email informing that she is 7 weeks pregnat with my child (actaully children, she claims there are twins. Can twin be detected at 7 weeks?)
This girl has for the last 2.5 years been great and I have been great with her. Lately, she has been on the war wagon about us getting marry. Been there, done that and do not want to repeat same mistake.
I have a question for anybody who is a Doctor on this board, how do they calculate 7 weeks. I arrive in CUba on June 2 and I saw her on June 7. Can she be 7 weeks pregnat or did the doctor make a mistake? How does this work calculating the weeks. SHe say that the 7 weeks was done via the Ultra sound.
El Cubanito
PS I need quick help here
Lap Dancer
07-22-04, 17:01
El Cubanito,
I just have a few thoughts about your situation. Cuba has a decent healthcare system so she should be able to provide you with accurate information.
You have two questions to get answers to. Is she in fact pregnant? And if she is - is it yours?
With an ultrasound there should be a record or a tape. Can you get a copy? You might want to call her bluff by having her book an appointment at Clinica Cirra Garcia (I am not 100% on the spelling). This is the high end clinic for expats, diplomats and gov. officials in Miramar - a suburb of Havana. Their prices are comparable to the US. You could have her book the appointment and that she would have to tell you when it was (you would be paying). They do have doctors there that can speak English so they can confirm the diagnosis. If she really is not telling the truth she will be intimidated about going there. If not at least you will know the true facts of the situation.
Hope this helps!
El Cubanito,
I'm not a doctor but I play one on T.V., plus I stayed at a Holiday Inn last night.
Anyway, I count the days from the normal onset of the menstrual cycle, then add the guesstimate days since sex. That is the day of conception or the date your little soldiers took the beachhead. Doctors predict the date of conception by the number of days, not just weeks. Remember that Cuba is world renowned for Medical Science, I would not be surprised by their ability to see "double"!
This is why I always...always, note the menstrual cycle of women that I date. I use the "rhythm method" and wear a 'helmet' around that 15th day. Otherwise, you just never know: Mama's baby - Daddy's, maybe!!!
If true, can all brethren expect a Cohiba Esplendido in about 7 months??
Call Dr. Drew at 1-800-love-191 between 10-12 PST tonight. He can give you a straight answer. Too bad the morning after pill isn't available in Cuba.
General Custer
07-23-04, 04:20
El Cubanito,
Weeks gestastion is measured either from the first day of the last normal menstrual period (which for most women is about two weeks prior to conception), or from the date of conception, if known. Ultrasound can be used to date a pregnancy as early as 3-4 weeks, and yes, twins are quite easy to see. Using ultrasound to estimate dates (it's based on the size of the embryo and is quite accurate), the weeks given to a patient is always from the day of conception.
If you were with her June 7th, that (or the 8th...sperm are surprisingly resilient little buggers once they enter the womb) would be the date of conception, which would indeed make her 7 weeks pregnant right now if you are the father. You'll be left wondering until she delivers, as prenatal paternity testing is done in the U.S. only in extreme cases, and I would imagine it is NEVER done in Cuba.
If I were you, I would tell her, fine, if they are my kids, I will take responsibility for them, but only once we establish that they ARE my kids. That, or discuss ending the pregnancy with her, which might be difficult if she is pushing for marriage, as this is the oldest trick in the book to corner a man into wedlock.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings. Best of luck,
Surgeon General Custer
Is it still illegal for USA citizens to travel to Cuba? If so, how are you guys doing it safely?
Cubanito,
Do you still want me to be your Compadre?
Well, since they are twins ... who's your other
Compadre.
Organicgrowth
07-24-04, 13:07
El Cubanito, Doc Bill
Please check your PM’s.
Regards, Havanaman
El Cubanito
07-24-04, 15:03
Read your PM and answer you.
My guess is that the international hospital in Havana, the one for tourists, does DNA testing.
Rebel Monger
07-24-04, 19:48
El Cubanito wrote:
She say that the 7 weeks was done via the Ultra sound.
I don't think that ultrasound is available for the general population there. If her family is connected to the momenclatura, then it's possible, but then again, in that case she wouldn't be "dating" you!
She might be pregnant, but only God knows if it's yours. You can bet that you're not her only "boyfriend", well maybe you are her only foreigner boyfriend. Cuban women tend to not wait for boyfrinds and husbands who leave the country, as a matter of fact, it's not uncommon for them to "f**k around" even when the husband/boyfriend is in the country but away from the house for some reason (military duty, school, travel...). It's ok to f**k Cuban women, but not so marrying them!
If you speak Spanish, this link could prove "eye-opening", that's common!
http://www.miami.com/mld/elnuevo/news/immigration/local2/9138862.htm
By the way, why were you "going in" without cover? Of course, it's your tool and you have the right to use it anyway you want it, but you are playing with fire, in more than one way!
Good luck and I wish that everything turns out the way you want it!
I feel bad for you El Cubanito. You are being conned by her and her Cuban boyfriend/husband. Believe nothing until you have proof via DNA test from reliable clinic. You are sadly mistaken if you think she has had only one sex partner during your "romance." I've been there and it ain't pretty. Cuban women consistently exhibit a sub-human level of moral development.
Sad but true. I have also learned the hard way. Any foreigner who thinks his novia Cubana is saving it for him is living in lala land!
Cabana Man
07-26-04, 01:23
El Cubanito,
I guess that I may be viewed as a hopeless romantic from the board members, but I sugget that that you approach this situation objectivly. We all know the score rgarding Cuban woman wanting a visa and a foriegn man so that they can live off the land so to speak, but most couples that get pregnant do not plan on that event occurring. Most of the people on this board were accidents, present company included.
My two cents, do not do anything rash one way or the other. Everyone seems to be writing that this is a disaster, but it could be the best thing that ever happens in your life. Just be objective and try not to see everything in black and white terms.
El Cubanito
07-27-04, 17:45
Cabana Man, Thank you very much for the wise word you have given me. I do believe that children are a blessing and not a curse. A person children is the one things that will say you were here on this planet and they are the one that will keep your thoughts and ideals alive in the future.
You know as f*%k up as they are, Fidel is just carrying on what his father taught him. En-slave everybody who is not your family. I know that might not be the best example, but it proves my point.
A special thank you to my friend DocBill and Havanaman for their help and sharing their thoughts with me. I also would like to thank Alboroto for wanting to be my Compadre.
Again, thank you for the input that everybody else gave me. In reality I knew what I must do is just that when I receive that email, I lost my cool. Again Thank you.
El Cubanito
Cubanito,
I understand your position, and as you said: Children are
blessing. Also, do want to thank you all those mongers who
gave you a word of encouragement; however, not everyone
feels that way. I received an mail (Wonder how he got my
personal email) from this person and he said a lot bad
things to the point that he called me an ignorant and at
the very end said to keep it between the two of us. As you
know me, I will not, repeat will not wasted my time.
Best of luck and let us know the status ...
Saludos Compadre ... and may God Blessed You and your
kids !!!
Organicgrowth
07-28-04, 10:59
El Cubanito,
Thank you for your kind words. Traditionally this board has always offered considerable help to people. I will keep you posted about my situation and see if we can combine forces in some way. I have developed a good respect for DocBill and value his opinions, and I think he may be able to help you a lot, especially from his background: use the PM to contact us.
In the final analysis it is probably best to just play the waiting game and look at the hard evidence: thats what I am doing, and its only a few months to go now...
For you, me and indeed all the mongers here a lesson is surely learned about going bareback. The “dangerous dangers” aside, I guess we all want to still avoid having unplanned children.
All the best amigo,
Havanaman
Organicgrowth
07-28-04, 11:07
Alboroto
If someone is harassing you, I would suggest that you might want to think about reporting them to Jackson or indeed their email supplier. If all else fails and they are getting abusive or just plain rude, hire a PI and back-trace them with the intention of asking them to stop….
One consideration: whomever it is can only get your email address from you, from a contact you supplied it to or from Jackson. That last one is safe, I can vouch for that: I have spent time with Jackson and he is a straightforward, honourable, decent man. So you need to ask yourself where did you last write your email address that it could be linked with your handle here.
Regards,
Havanaman
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