Havana

[BrasilSoccer0]

Can someone tell me how much CUC they got for a 100 USD? Last time I was getting 90-92 CUC per 100USD But that was 2yrs ago. This of course in the streets.

Also, I booked on Avianca from Medellin. They switched us in the last 10 minutes to Copa. When I got to Havana, guess what? NO LUGGAGE! I had to wait for THREE days.

I flew CUBANA to and from Toronto and had no problem. Much cheaper for sure.

[Cuba Tourist]

Cubana was not fine for me. They told all the Americans they had no record of our tickets and made us wait in this tiny office for 2 hours and only let us on the plane 10 minutes before departure. It was like being treated as an undesirable. The airline is owned by the government and they act in a political manner. Also the planes are old and the technology is out of date. Still, it may be much cheaper. If possible, I would avoid them but it depends on how much difference in price-for $100, definitely avoid. For $400, go for it! Just my opinion.

[Rock Harders]

Mongers-

I can confirm from my trusted sources on the ground in Havana that Salon Rojo has indeed reopened and was only closed for repairs.

Suerte,

Rock Harders

[Combo]

Yes, Cubana is fine. As far as casas and other information is concerned, you will have to go beyond this site to other travel sites issues.

Yes, there are a few other options for cash. Duales. Com is another place you can use to transfer cash to a prepaid card you can use ONLY in Cuba. These services are all in located in Canada. For someone who lives in the US, it is better safe than sorry so take more than you need, as Cuba is not a good place to run out of cash. You will basically send them a cashier's check or a USPS money order weeks in advance, and you will then pick up your card either at the airport or at a local office in Havana. Bring your passport when you go for the pick up.

Also, make sure you do not arrive in Cuba with US currency, as they give a horrible exchange rate. You should be able to get Canadian $$, and don't wait until you get to Cancun, do it in Chicago. Good luck!

Thanks Velasco.

I'm going to check into Duales. I have a scary vision of losing my money and other documents (and God forbid my passport). It's worth the peace of mind to know you have a backup.

[Combo]

Combo, it might be a good time to invest in a membership because you can't get PMs. Discretion is the word on this forum.

I've sent and rec'd many PMs on this board. Maybe I'm not up to date.

[Velasco]

First is Cubana airlines OK to take? Chicago to Cancun and then Cancun-Havana on Cubana airlines seems to be the simplest and least expensive option for me to arrive in Havana. I'm just a bit leery of Cubana. I can take Copa Air (great airline) from Panama City, but it would total $400-500 more.

Also, can anyone recommend guest-friendly high quality Casas (good A / C, safe box, hot water)?

Also, wondering if anyone knows a way for a US monger to get money there? I plan to bring cash, but I'd like to have a reserve option in case of emergency. I've heard there are cards one can prepay and withdraw from in Cuba if necessary."Transcard" I think is one of them. I think it might be run by Canadians. Maybe Paypal to someone in Cuba? Maybe get a CC from a Canadian bank?

Combo

Yes, Cubana is fine. As far as casas and other information is concerned, you will have to go beyond this site to other travel sites issues.

Yes, there are a few other options for cash. Duales. Com is another place you can use to transfer cash to a prepaid card you can use ONLY in Cuba. These services are all in located in Canada. For someone who lives in the US, it is better safe than sorry so take more than you need, as Cuba is not a good place to run out of cash. You will basically send them a cashier's check or a USPS money order weeks in advance, and you will then pick up your card either at the airport or at a local office in Havana. Bring your passport when you go for the pick up.

Also, make sure you do not arrive in Cuba with US currency, as they give a horrible exchange rate. You should be able to get Canadian $$, and don't wait until you get to Cancun, do it in Chicago. Good luck!

[Mr Gogo]

Hi fellow hobbyists.

This is my first time posting on the Cuba board, though I'm often on the Colombia, DR, and Brasil boards. I haven't been to Cuba since 2001 and despite reading over the last several pages of the Havana and other Cuba threads, I still have a few questions I can't find answered. So I'm hoping someone can advise me.

First is Cubana airlines OK to take? Chicago to Cancun and then Cancun-Havana on Cubana airlines seems to be the simplest and least expensive option for me to arrive in Havana. I'm just a bit leery of Cubana. I can take Copa Air (great airline) from Panama City, but it would total $400-500 more.

Also, can anyone recommend guest-friendly high quality Casas (good A / C, safe box, hot water)? The only name I've come across on this site is Casa Alejandra...

Combo, it might be a good time to invest in a membership because you can't get PMs. Discretion is the word on this forum.

[Combo]

Hi fellow hobbyists.

This is my first time posting on the Cuba board, though I'm often on the Colombia, DR, and Brasil boards. I haven't been to Cuba since 2001 and despite reading over the last several pages of the Havana and other Cuba threads, I still have a few questions I can't find answered. So I'm hoping someone can advise me.

First is Cubana airlines OK to take? Chicago to Cancun and then Cancun-Havana on Cubana airlines seems to be the simplest and least expensive option for me to arrive in Havana. I'm just a bit leery of Cubana. I can take Copa Air (great airline) from Panama City, but it would total $400-500 more.

Also, can anyone recommend guest-friendly high quality Casas (good A / C, safe box, hot water)? The only name I've come across on this site is Casa Alejandra. I'd probably prefer to be in Vedado.

Also, wondering if anyone knows a way for a US monger to get money there? I plan to bring cash, but I'd like to have a reserve option in case of emergency. I've heard there are cards one can prepay and withdraw from in Cuba if necessary."Transcard" I think is one of them. I think it might be run by Canadians. Maybe Paypal to someone in Cuba? Maybe get a CC from a Canadian bank?

Also, do any mongers out there go out and dance in Havana? I'm very into Afro-Latin dance and music. I'd love to be able to go to a club and dance for an hour or two before pulling the trigger. Is this realistic or will the chicas tell me to fuck off?

Thanks to all. BTW I plan on going the first 10-12 days of the New Year.

Combo

[Robnbg1981]

I am not going to post Randy and Duniesky informations here but whoever need them just pm me and I will be more than happy to hook you up as long as you stay away from my chicks hahah.

Hi Giotto Texan,

I loved your report and am very jealous of your great holiday. I am planning to travel to Cuba for about 4 weeks in October / November this year. I would be grateful if you would reach out and PM me. I would love to ask you some more questions.

Have a great weekend,

Robert

[Chotu]

you're last paragraph summed it up for me. I've been to the DR over 30 times, Thailand, and 30 other countries. The pros have always been for me with an occasional non-pro who doesn't take up to much time and work. Cuba fit the bill perfectly for me. My first couple girls were pros, one from "Casa de musica" and one from 23 calle. The sex was great but once I figured out that I could wait and take a shot at something special, that became my game. It became as simple as just stopping them and asking if they would like to meet for a beer later.

It was strange because the pros seemed terrified of the police but the two non-pros went on dates with me and walked around holding hands without a worry. The non-pros said the police never bothered them. I'm thinking that once a girl gets the prostituta label from the police then she is harrassed. In fact I later found out that one of the guys with the girl I met at beach was a cop.

Cuba is just the opposite of the DR. Cuba is clean the DR is dirty. Police in Cuba watch everything, DR police might be sleep under a tree. Cuba has tourists listed as untouchable, DR has scams against tourists. Driving is respectful in Cuba with no traffic, DR is crazy with rude drivers. Most people in Cuba smoke, few people in the DR smoke.

I hope Cuba stays as it is now, few Americans and mongers. Innocent and beautiful. Ancient and safe. Also I rate the Cubanas the best latin fuckers as a group. Passionate and conciderate. Every girl went for a second pop after a little break. Sweet sounds with kissing and tongues in ears. They seem to really appreciate sex. And I also appreciate their safety concerns regarding sex. Half did condom blowjobs unless I repeated. Once they became comfortable with me condoms were only for intercourse.

But even if you take sex out of the equation, Cuba is still a great place. From the ancient buildings to the ancient cars. From the little China town they have. From the live music at every outdoor terrace. From the people who make the best out of a bad situation. Just walking around in the barios solo at 3am among 100 year old buildings and a pretty girl leaning on one of the buildings pillars. Then she invites you in to the ground floor of this ancient building and its a normal home. Family pictures on the table, older tv, religious figures in paintings on the wall, couch with a throwover. Then she invites you to her room and talk leads to sex. She never asks for money but I know the game. An hour later I kiss my new friend adios as my pocket is 40cuc lighter. I now continue my leisurely stroll to my casa marveling at the old historical buildings that I pass.

Surprise to read your post on Havana board, I have always read you post on SOSUA board. As always you have point out correctly the difference between DR and Cuba.

[BeersTerry]

Like BR's report.

Feel the same about the country. There is lots wrong with it and it can be difficult but something about it gets under your skin.

You need to do a little more homework as far as restaurants. It would seem that you are working on old info. I think there is current info on a Cuban magazine out of England.

[Mr Gogo]

Thanks for the compliment. What I really like about Cuba (moreso back in the day) , was that you did NOT have to make the first move. Ever. On my first trip, I could just sit and say "I'm waiting for my amiga" about 10 times before the right girl approached me. I could let them try their pickup lines like "I think I'm the friend you're waiting for." I find that endearing. If they're really clever, it makes them more attractive.

See, a lot of guys like the thrill of the hunt. For me, it's just work. I hate the game. I have no game, and I hate it. In Cuba, for the first time in my life, I could go to a club and get hit on all the time. I mean, wow! How cool is that? The money I don't care about. One way or another the guy still pays. Whether she tells you upfront, asks for a "gift" later, or just milks you for lunch and dinner for her whole family, it's all the same...

you're last paragraph summed it up for me. I've been to the DR over 30 times, Thailand, and 30 other countries. The pros have always been for me with an occasional non-pro who doesn't take up to much time and work. Cuba fit the bill perfectly for me. My first couple girls were pros, one from "Casa de musica" and one from 23 calle. The sex was great but once I figured out that I could wait and take a shot at something special, that became my game. It became as simple as just stopping them and asking if they would like to meet for a beer later.

It was strange because the pros seemed terrified of the police but the two non-pros went on dates with me and walked around holding hands without a worry. The non-pros said the police never bothered them. I'm thinking that once a girl gets the prostituta label from the police then she is harrassed. In fact I later found out that one of the guys with the girl I met at beach was a cop.

Cuba is just the opposite of the DR. Cuba is clean the DR is dirty. Police in Cuba watch everything, DR police might be sleep under a tree. Cuba has tourists listed as untouchable, DR has scams against tourists. Driving is respectful in Cuba with no traffic, DR is crazy with rude drivers. Most people in Cuba smoke, few people in the DR smoke.

I hope Cuba stays as it is now, few Americans and mongers. Innocent and beautiful. Ancient and safe. Also I rate the Cubanas the best latin fuckers as a group. Passionate and conciderate. Every girl went for a second pop after a little break. Sweet sounds with kissing and tongues in ears. They seem to really appreciate sex. And I also appreciate their safety concerns regarding sex. Half did condom blowjobs unless I repeated. Once they became comfortable with me condoms were only for intercourse.

But even if you take sex out of the equation, Cuba is still a great place. From the ancient buildings to the ancient cars. From the little China town they have. From the live music at every outdoor terrace. From the people who make the best out of a bad situation. Just walking around in the barios solo at 3am among 100 year old buildings and a pretty girl leaning on one of the buildings pillars. Then she invites you in to the ground floor of this ancient building and its a normal home. Family pictures on the table, older tv, religious figures in paintings on the wall, couch with a throwover. Then she invites you to her room and talk leads to sex. She never asks for money but I know the game. An hour later I kiss my new friend adios as my pocket is 40cuc lighter. I now continue my leisurely stroll to my casa marveling at the old historical buildings that I pass.

[BRCitizen]

Great reporting bro. I was just there and have already booked my return. I found a jazz club"La Zorra why el cuervo" that had great music up on 23 calle. Sofies is a great place to hang out and watch the show." La casa de musica" was nice also. I only had two hookers and we had to dodge the police as you did. But I noticed that it was many non pros also. Cubans have more time than money so they just hangout. Most times a chica can be with a guy and its nothing romantic. Just say hello, introduce yourself and ask if they would like to go have a beer. I met a girl at Santa Maria beach that way. It was four girls and three guys two chairs over and they were just friends. When the girl walked by I inquired about where I could buy myself a beer. She pointed to a guy working the beach for the Tropico hotel. I said thanks and asked if she would like a beer, she said yes. I asked about the dudes with her because I didn't want to step on any toes. She said they were just friends. As we chatted I explained that my hotel wouldn't allow guests and I hated that. She said her friend has a casa particulares and we were off 30 minutes after meeting her. She said she would have never made the first move because Cuban women like the guys to be first. Again great report.

Thanks for the compliment. What I really like about Cuba (moreso back in the day) , was that you did NOT have to make the first move. Ever. On my first trip, I could just sit and say "I'm waiting for my amiga" about 10 times before the right girl approached me. I could let them try their pickup lines like "I think I'm the friend you're waiting for." I find that endearing. If they're really clever, it makes them more attractive.

See, a lot of guys like the thrill of the hunt. For me, it's just work. I hate the game. I have no game, and I hate it. In Cuba, for the first time in my life, I could go to a club and get hit on all the time. I mean, wow! How cool is that? The money I don't care about. One way or another the guy still pays. Whether she tells you upfront, asks for a "gift" later, or just milks you for lunch and dinner for her whole family, it's all the same. Upfront often winds up costing less, actually. But when the work is done for you, now that's something.

Now, Cuba is more work. Don't get me wrong, I still had a blast. And I still got hit on. But not as much, and the most attractive girls often required being approached. The difference is that anywhere else, I'd probably get rejected. In Cuba, I can approach a 9 or 10 and it would work. Complicating matters is that my standards go way up. I don't want an average chica. I want her to be gorgeous, And I want her to make the first move. That's tough. Still possible, in certain situations. But, not as much as before. But perhaps more than anywhere else.

[Mr Gogo]

Great reporting bro. I was just there and have already booked my return. I found a jazz club"La Zorra why el cuervo" that had great music up on 23 calle. Sofies is a great place to hang out and watch the show." La casa de musica" was nice also. I only had two hookers and we had to dodge the police as you did. But I noticed that it was many non pros also. Cubans have more time than money so they just hangout. Most times a chica can be with a guy and its nothing romantic. Just say hello, introduce yourself and ask if they would like to go have a beer. I met a girl at Santa Maria beach that way. It was four girls and three guys two chairs over and they were just friends. When the girl walked by I inquired about where I could buy myself a beer. She pointed to a guy working the beach for the Tropico hotel. I said thanks and asked if she would like a beer, she said yes. I asked about the dudes with her because I didn't want to step on any toes. She said they were just friends. As we chatted I explained that my hotel wouldn't allow guests and I hated that. She said her friend has a casa particulares and we were off 30 minutes after meeting her. She said she would have never made the first move because Cuban women like the guys to be first.

Again great report.

[Blk Big Bootyluv]

Nice report. I enjoyed reading it. My buddy just returned from Havana and I am so jealous that I'm planning something myself.

Peace,

BBL

Long strange night.

Friday I finally decided to check out La Cecelia, which had it not been for this forum, would not have even been on my radar. La Cecelia wasn't hoppin'. Oh no, that would be an understatement. La Cecelia was out. Of control. I got there shortly before midnight and it was total chaos. The line was stretching around the block, there was another shorter line on the other side of the entrance, and some people seemed to just be getting in through the front, where once in a while they would let in a car or two. The bouncers were struggling to keep everyone back, people were screaming and yelling and pleading to get in. WTF? And here I am with my somewhat limited espanol trying to make sense of it all! I decided early on that I wasn't standing in the humongous line which would probably take hours to clear, but clearly I was not a VIP, so some initial efforts to worm my way in failed. Finally I managed to get in with a group of people when the bouncer turned the other way for a moment. I thought I heard someone call after me, but I ignored it and figured better to ask for forgiveness than permission. Especially when one is a tourist in Cuba...