One more for the Cuban Experts
Doing some Cuba research on Trip Advisor and chatting with others who have been to CUba. A lot of people bring gifts for the locals, tolietries, shoes, clothes, etc. These usally end up in the hands of maids and bartenders, two of the most lucrative jobs to have in Cuba. A two part question. 1) Should I bring any gifts for my new female friends? 2) What should I bring that they would really appreciate, yes I know lots of CUC, but items they want, yet are not readily available. Thanks.
Two weeks and counting!
Will share my hands on research upon my return.
RE: Small gifts for Cubans
[QUOTE=Dameon34; 1206330]Doing some Cuba research on Trip Advisor and chatting with others who have been to CUba. A lot of people bring gifts for the locals, tolietries, shoes, clothes, etc. These usally end up in the hands of maids and bartenders, two of the most lucrative jobs to have in Cuba. A two part question. 1) Should I bring any gifts for my new female friends? 2) What should I bring that they would really appreciate, yes I know lots of CUC, but items they want, yet are not readily available. Thanks.
Two weeks and counting!
Will share my hands on research upon my return.[/QUOTE]Some good suggestions already. I believe soap and toothpaste are no longer in the ration book, so that will be appreciated. Along with the soap, some good quality shampoo and deodorant will be appreciated too. Razors for shaving are good and the gift that people do not think about, but will be appreciated is a nice set of towels (Face, hair and body). You give a Cuban a nice set of towels and they will not forget you.
Bottom line, it would not be a bad idea for you to plan to give away most of the stuff you arrive with, including your clothes and shoes. Just ask the chica if she has a brother who could use your sneakers and even if they are the wrong size, someone will appreciate them
100% agree with the towels.
[QUOTE=Velasco; 1206544]Some good suggestions already. I believe soap and toothpaste are no longer in the ration book, so that will be appreciated. Along with the soap, some good quality shampoo and deodorant will be appreciated too. Razors for shaving are good and the gift that people do not think about, but will be appreciated is a nice set of towels (Face, hair and body). You give a Cuban a nice set of towels and they will not forget you.
Bottom line, it would not be a bad idea for you to plan to give away most of the stuff you arrive with, including your clothes and shoes. Just ask the chica if she has a brother who could use your sneakers and even if they are the wrong size, someone will appreciate them[/QUOTE]Last time I was there the towels that they gave us at the house we rented might as well might as well have been sandpaper.
Another cry for help and advice
Hey guys,
I am heading to Varadero with the parents from dec 9-16. From my research it seems like this area is pretty dry, but fun can be had if one is resourceful. Also, that it may be worth taking a trip to Matanzas or Cardenas. If someone has been to Varadero recently and had some experience with this, can you please email me? [blue][Email address deleted by Admin][/blue]
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