Havana

[Lucky Nuts]

I flew into Havana and spent four nights near Plaza Vieja. Found a nice completely independent apartment. This was during the mourning period so I didn't go searching out the clubs as they were reportedly all closed. I contacted a chica that was a friend of another chica I know that has escaped Cuba. She was really pretty, a solid 8. 5, and only 19 years old. However she had a baby two years ago so her stomach was not perfect. But she agreed to deliver all the services I requested for my offer of $60. It was great service from a regular girl. She's studying to be a doctor and has four years left of medical school. Next I called a chica I met in public two years ago and back then we had a great time together. But I decided not to see her because I was disappointed to learn she now has a one year old. Funny story. After texting her I called a few hours later and her dad answered the phone and was trying to facilitate the meeting LOL. I'm still regretting not getting back together with her because her oral skills were excellent as I recall. So I'll probably see her my next trip. Another night I found a cool bicitaxi guy to take me around some streets near usually open clubs where I could find some talent. In short order I picked out a nice one for agreed rate of $50 and she followed behind in a second taxi back to my place. I'm happy to PM the bicitaxi guy phone number to anyone wanting it but really you just need to talk to a few guys and you'll find a good one. My last night I saw a really hot young chica walking down the street with her friend so I joined them and asked where they were going. Turns out she just turned 18 in October. They were going to have a beer at a place where their other girlfriend just started working. We had a beer together there and then I took them both out for dinner so this turned into quite an investment. But this one chica is pretty damn hot. Anyhow I asked her to come over to my place about an hour after dinner. I wanted time to shower and get ready first. She did in fact show up. Again I paid $60 but wasn't full service because she wouldn't do BBBJ. But the sex was great. I want to go back to Havana just to see her. Again she was a regular girl. Has a normal job cutting and styling hair. THIS is the awesome thing about Havana imo. You don't need to walk the malecon and take a hardened pro. You can feel comfortable approaching any chica and expect they will want to know you better and make a few extra bucks.

Beach info: I met up with another hobbiest and joined him for a beach day at Playa Santa Maria about twenty minutes out of town. He was married up with a chica he met a couple days before. Anyhow it's a pretty nice beach not too far from town. Rented chairs for $2 each and had beers delivered for $1. 50 each.

Telephone info: To get a local SIM card you need to bring your passport and wait in line at one of the ETECSA stores. The airport location was closed the evening I arrived. So I had to wait at the very busy Obisbo Street location. Not unusual for the line to be a couple hours wait time. The SIM card cost is $40 which includes $10 of usage. Both calls and texts are charged against your balance. It can be recharged at www.ding.com whch is nice and easy. Personally I wouldn't go without a local phone number so I think it's well worth standing in line for two hours and paying the $40. This ETECSA store is the same place you can buy internet cards for $2/ hour with a three card maximum.

Changing money: There is some demand on the streets for USA Dollars. The going rate seemed to be 95 cuc for 100 USA I opted to take only 93 per 100 USA From a local that I know and trust. So he probably made 2 per 100 for his time and effort. It was worth it to me. The "Casa de Cambio" lines are usually about 30 to 40 minutes in Havana. I know this because I stood in line twice to change euros into cuc. Also I would recommend carrying the locals' currency as well. It goes by several names but "moneda nacional" would be most easily understood. I found out my first morning with a hangover and wanting to buy some orange juice that some small tiendas will only accept the locals' currency. Unlike years ago the casas de cambio are now allowed to distribute moneda nacional to tourists. So you should carry both cuc (pesos convertibles) and moneda nacional (pesos de cubanos).

After Havana I visited a few other towns and cities so I'll write up a report when I have time.

[Mondo707]

Hey fellow mongers.

I mentioned in a post below about this event taking place in 2019! No, do not misunderstand me, reason I post this at year's end 2016 is because if I am right it'll be almost impossible to attend these celebrations that will take place then.

So, my heads up, if you are interested in culture (Cuban) I strongly recommend you make plans way in advance and get your reservations lined up so as not to miss out on this event which will prolly take place for the month of November.

Who knows things might change and the future is never certain but again I'll be making my plans on my next visit to reserve the apartment I stay at.

BTW, Kalifornication, I agree with your assessment, problem is most people have an understanding of world events thru the MSM and as you prolly know, there is no other side of the story reporting. It's a sad day when still a whole lot of folks here believe Saddam had WMD's. That's why I have given up trying to argue things out in a civilized manner.

Mondo.

[Kalifornication]

I'm too tired to give a long winded reply. Your analysis is presented well and it is clear you are a thinker. But compare accurately, Cuban "communism" is not soviet communism, it is more cubanism, the application of socialism within a uniquely Cuban context. More importamtly, Cuba is an island, not a continent. For that reason alone, I'll have to say your analysis is flawed.

I can see where you're coming from.

Of course no one in their right minds will give up the free stuff they have.

However, Cubans that I've met were very envious of the perceived level of wealth that "the West" enjoyed. Additionally, not many of them seem to be aware of the responsibilities and the consequences that will follow the introduction of free market economy. Only a handful of highly educated people were 'somewhat' aware of this and were in favor of slow and gradual change of their economic system towards capitalism. If they were to have an all out election right now, I highly doubt they will be rational and patient enough to choose a path that will lead them toward capitalism gradually / slowly. It seems like a large portion of the Cuban population seem to think opening their economy and adopting capitalism will solve all of their problems. Of course, this is what many former communist countries' citizens initially thought and the current Cuban government is well aware of it. Hence, the current Cuban government is keeping the media and the people on a tight leash to keep people under control. However, I'm skeptical that the Cuban government will be able to keep this pace of gradual progress once Raul Castro is dead. First of all, the middle / upper class in Cuba is already rising as country steps towards capitalism gradually. This creates an overwhelming angst and desire among the rest of the Cuban population to become rich and to be able to upgrade their quality of living. Secondly, they'll inevitably have to move towards direct-democracy once the charismatic leader Raul Castro (who played a huge role in la Revolution) is gone (in which case I predict the country turning into Yeltsin's Russia not too long after or turning into former communist Eastern European nations which rapidly adopted free market economy without enough preparation (they by the way could use a 'ethnicity / nationalism' card but Cuba doesn't have such racial tension that a government can utilize in galvanizing support from its people) or even if the current Cuban government succeeds in maintaining their political power, it will be hard to keep people's vanity / greed under control (just look at China and Vietnam, if it wasn't for the fast pace of their economic development, the ruling parties in both countries would have been long gone). If the Cuban government loses the tight grip it has on its people (which I believe will happen sooner or later) it will turn into another post-Chavez Venezuela. Surely there are supporters of Maduro and Chavez in Venezuela but there also are significant number of people who are against Chavez-Maduro regime in Venezuela as well. Also, remember the Venezuelan model was only functional when the oil price was high. Well Cuba doesn't even have that so it's going to be even more difficult for the government to maintain the system functional once the government's grip on its people weakens after Raul steps down / passes away.

As for Canada, I'll tell you this. Canadians are only in favor of the universal health care because wealthy Canadians who can afford private health care are able to and almost always do skip the line by traveling down south to the US for their x-rays, surgeries, etc. If Canadians had to choose between living in a society that is equal, sustainable, but poor and a society that is not very equal but where they can improve their qualities of lives by accumulating their wealth, almost 100% of Canadians will choose the latter. Just consider the reason why most Canadians from Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Islands, New Brunswick) moved to Alberta during the oil boom and why now everyone's moving to British Columbia (or even the US).

[Mondo707]

I can see where you're coming from.

Of course no one in their right minds will give up the free stuff they have.

However, Cubans that I've met were very envious of the perceived level of wealth that "the West" enjoyed. Additionally, not many of them seem to be aware of the responsibilities and the consequences that will follow the introduction of free market economy. Only a handful of highly educated people were 'somewhat' aware of this and were in favor of slow and gradual change of their economic system towards capitalism. If they were to have an all out election right now, I highly doubt they will be rational and patient enough to choose a path that will lead them toward capitalism gradually / slowly. It seems like a large portion of the Cuban population seem to think opening their economy and adopting capitalism will solve all of their problems. Of course, this is what many former communist countries' citizens initially thought and the current Cuban government is well aware of it. Hence, the current Cuban government is keeping the media and the people on a tight leash to keep people under control. However, I'm skeptical that the Cuban government will be able to keep this pace of gradual progress once Raul Castro is dead. First of all, the middle / upper class in Cuba is already rising as country steps towards capitalism gradually. This creates an overwhelming angst and desire among the rest of the Cuban population to become rich and to be able to upgrade their quality of living. Secondly, they'll inevitably have to move towards direct-democracy once the charismatic leader Raul Castro (who played a huge role in la Revolution) is gone (in which case I predict the country turning into Yeltsin's Russia not too long after or turning into former communist Eastern European nations which rapidly adopted free market economy without enough preparation (they by the way could use a 'ethnicity / nationalism' card but Cuba doesn't have such racial tension that a government can utilize in galvanizing support from its people) or even if the current Cuban government succeeds in maintaining their political power, it will be hard to keep people's vanity / greed under control (just look at China and Vietnam, if it wasn't for the fast pace of their economic development, the ruling parties in both countries would have been long gone). If the Cuban government loses the tight grip it has on its people (which I believe will happen sooner or later) it will turn into another post-Chavez Venezuela. Surely there are supporters of Maduro and Chavez in Venezuela but there also are significant number of people who are against Chavez-Maduro regime in Venezuela as well. Also, remember the Venezuelan model was only functional when the oil price was high. Well Cuba doesn't even have that so it's going to be even more difficult for the government to maintain the system functional once the government's grip on its people weakens after Raul steps down / passes away.

As for Canada, I'll tell you this. Canadians are only in favor of the universal health care because wealthy Canadians who can afford private health care are able to and almost always do skip the line by traveling down south to the US for their x-rays, surgeries, etc. If Canadians had to choose between living in a society that is equal, sustainable, but poor and a society that is not very equal but where they can improve their qualities of lives by accumulating their wealth, almost 100% of Canadians will choose the latter. Just consider the reason why most Canadians from Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Islands, New Brunswick) moved to Alberta during the oil boom and why now everyone's moving to British Columbia (or even the US).

Hey G345,

I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. Since you've already made up your mind which way Cuba is heading I"ll make you a bet! Let's meet in La Habana on the 500th anniversary of the city (11/2019) I'll be there if nothing happens before then to impede my plans.

My bet if things have change as you suggest, I'll buy you drinks and dinner at La Bodeguita del Medio or El Floridita or any comparable joint or paladar of your choosing in La Habana, in case they have not moved as fast as you suggest then you'll buy me the same. Let me know.

La Habana will be happening BIG time at this time, so hope you can make it.

BTW, Raul will be gone next year (2018) so you'll have almost 2 years to have your prediction come to fruition.

Mondo.

P.S. This is all for now, let's get back to the thread and hopefully some reports from mongers from there.

[Goblin345]

I can see where you're coming from.

Of course no one in their right minds will give up the free stuff they have.

However, Cubans that I've met were very envious of the perceived level of wealth that "the West" enjoyed. Additionally, not many of them seem to be aware of the responsibilities and the consequences that will follow the introduction of free market economy. Only a handful of highly educated people were 'somewhat' aware of this and were in favor of slow and gradual change of their economic system towards capitalism. If they were to have an all out election right now, I highly doubt they will be rational and patient enough to choose a path that will lead them toward capitalism gradually / slowly. It seems like a large portion of the Cuban population seem to think opening their economy and adopting capitalism will solve all of their problems. Of course, this is what many former communist countries' citizens initially thought and the current Cuban government is well aware of it. Hence, the current Cuban government is keeping the media and the people on a tight leash to keep people under control. However, I'm skeptical that the Cuban government will be able to keep this pace of gradual progress once Raul Castro is dead. First of all, the middle / upper class in Cuba is already rising as country steps towards capitalism gradually. This creates an overwhelming angst and desire among the rest of the Cuban population to become rich and to be able to upgrade their quality of living. Secondly, they'll inevitably have to move towards direct-democracy once the charismatic leader Raul Castro (who played a huge role in la Revolution) is gone (in which case I predict the country turning into Yeltsin's Russia not too long after or turning into former communist Eastern European nations which rapidly adopted free market economy without enough preparation (they by the way could use a 'ethnicity / nationalism' card but Cuba doesn't have such racial tension that a government can utilize in galvanizing support from its people) or even if the current Cuban government succeeds in maintaining their political power, it will be hard to keep people's vanity / greed under control (just look at China and Vietnam, if it wasn't for the fast pace of their economic development, the ruling parties in both countries would have been long gone). If the Cuban government loses the tight grip it has on its people (which I believe will happen sooner or later) it will turn into another post-Chavez Venezuela. Surely there are supporters of Maduro and Chavez in Venezuela but there also are significant number of people who are against Chavez-Maduro regime in Venezuela as well. Also, remember the Venezuelan model was only functional when the oil price was high. Well Cuba doesn't even have that so it's going to be even more difficult for the government to maintain the system functional once the government's grip on its people weakens after Raul steps down / passes away.

As for Canada, I'll tell you this. Canadians are only in favor of the universal health care because wealthy Canadians who can afford private health care are able to and almost always do skip the line by traveling down south to the US for their x-rays, surgeries, etc. If Canadians had to choose between living in a society that is equal, sustainable, but poor and a society that is not very equal but where they can improve their qualities of lives by accumulating their wealth, almost 100% of Canadians will choose the latter. Just consider the reason why most Canadians from Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Islands, New Brunswick) moved to Alberta during the oil boom and why now everyone's moving to British Columbia (or even the US).

[Mondo707]

Hey G345,

While I agree with most of your post, I beg to differ with your assessment of "Cuba rushing to become a full blown capitalist country".

Like any country on earth (Cuba is no exception) there are the right / left / center factions within the society.

Since you mentioned you are from Canada, I'm almost certain that the majority of Canadians would never give up their health system to have a full blown health system like we do down south of you, with drug prices out of control, where Congress passed a law years ago to restrict itself (the government) to purchase meds from big pharma at the best posible price using their buying power in the process (no kidding!

Back to Cuba, Most Cubans, those in support of the system and those opposed to it would not want their health / education touch in a reform towards a more open system. I should know since I know people / family for and against what's going on these days down there.

BTW, In case you are not aware of it, Cuba with its health system (as a poor under develop in terms of material stuff) has the lowest infant mortality rate in the Americas, that includes Canada and USA and every other country south of the Rio Grande, just an FYI.

So, while changes will be coming to their economy, I am certain they will not become a China or Vietnam any time soon.

Mondo.

[Goblin345]

Thanks for the tips. Very helpful! I am really looking forward to the trip. Sounds like a challenge, but given the state of US politics, it might be a limited window of opportunity.

No worries, and I forgot to add. Cuba is a police state and the government / police officers are very well aware of the fact that the foreign tourists are the country's main source of income and do their best to protect tourists from any harm.

So you won't really have to worry about being a victim of a violent crime (at very least in big cities like Havana. I would advise you, however, to be vigilant at all times especially if you choose to venture out of the beaten path into remote rural regions and etc.) but remember you will be pestered by people trying to sell you fake cigars, exchange dollars at a 'better' rate, offering to get you 'chicas', fake rums, take their taxis, etc. The rule of thumb to avoid being ripped off / scammed by one is to ignore anyone (especially if the person who's approaching is a male (assuming you're a heterosexual male) that approaches you on the street (unless it seems like an independent pro who you wish to have some quality time with). Don't even acknowledge their presence and keep walking. Also always make sure you negotiate the fare before you hop on a taxi and keep / hide your valuables away when you have a chica over at your place for the first time. As long as you keep those things in mind, I'm sure you won't encounter any problem while you're there.

Also, remember to walk separately (walk before her if you both are going to your place and follow after her otherwise) with a Cuban girl as it is very likely that a police officer will stop them (not you) and hassle them (worst case scenario, arrest them and send them to prison) to determine if they're prostituting themselves. You otherwise will have no problem with the police and they're quite reliable IMO.

Lastly, I am a Canadian citizen so I didn't have any problem visiting Cuba (I didn't need a permit from the government unlike Americans who do) but I've seen a lot of American tourists in Havana while I was there so I'm sure there are ways you can get around the requirement of having to obtain a permit from the US government. I don't know anything about it in details so I suggest you do due diligence / research).

Anyways Cuba is an amazing place to visit / monger and as Cuba is transforming itself to be a full-on capitalist country day by day, this is the right time to visit before it loses its charms after the transformation is completed.

I hope you enjoy your visit.

[Nu134]

And yes, most pros do have places of their own or somewhere you can take care of your business but semi-pros and regulars won't.

Thanks for the tips. Very helpful! I am really looking forward to the trip. Sounds like a challenge, but given the state of US politics, it might be a limited window of opportunity.

[Goblin345]

And yes, most pros do have places of their own or somewhere you can take care of your business but semi-pros and regulars won't.

Hello everyone,

I'm trying to decide on where to stay during my trip. Being my first time, it's hard to tell if the casa particular I pick is "chica friendly". Do most of the pros have their own places to go if need be? I would rather be in accommodations that are relatively safe than take my chances trying to find something I could take someone back to.

Please feel free to PM me if you have any specific tips or suggestions, thanks!

[Goblin345]

Here's a little tip.

Go to AirBnB website and search 'entire apartment / house' only. Then, read through the reviews and the amenities of the casa particular.

Usually the ones that are chica friendly (aka the ones you can sneak a girl in) will contain phrases like 'privacy', 'nightlife', 'safe'.

Contact the casa particular owner and ask (be vague though, since almost no owner of casa particular will openly admit that you can sneak a chica in without having to have their IDs checked) about a little more details (E. G. , if the owner lives close by (make it sound like you want to know if the owner is attentive should you have any problem / require assistance during your stay, about the security of the building, whether you get the keys to the building).

Lastly, when you rent a whole apartment via AirBnb and bring a lady in, don't tell the owner and if, in an unlikely event, the owner finds out and scolds you or whatever you can always say you didn't know about such rules of Cuba / casa particular since nobody mentioned it to you and that the lady was not going to sleep over so you thought it wasn't big of a deal etc.

Then you should be fine. At least in Havana anyways.

Also, build a good relationship with the casa particular's owner, especially if you're going to make a return visit to the country, it goes a long way.

Hello everyone,

I'm trying to decide on where to stay during my trip. Being my first time, it's hard to tell if the casa particular I pick is "chica friendly". Do most of the pros have their own places to go if need be? I would rather be in accommodations that are relatively safe than take my chances trying to find something I could take someone back to.

Please feel free to PM me if you have any specific tips or suggestions, thanks!

[Nu134]

Hello everyone,

I'm trying to decide on where to stay during my trip. Being my first time, it's hard to tell if the casa particular I pick is "chica friendly". Do most of the pros have their own places to go if need be? I would rather be in accommodations that are relatively safe than take my chances trying to find something I could take someone back to.

Please feel free to PM me if you have any specific tips or suggestions, thanks!

[Adinga]

Knock on the door of any casa particular and ask the owners if they can prepare dinner for you.

Try to give them a few hours notice and expect to pay 7 cuc in advance.

The home made traditional food is the best you will experience in Cuba.

[Combo]

I have hung out in Camaguey, Santa Clara and a few other towns. They are alot of work.

I am tempted to visit Holguin. Maybe Bayamo for the truly adventurous.

For me the issue is the shitty food. At least in Havana you can always find good food. There are at last count 6 expat Italian restaurants and numerous other expats with places serving pretty good food. Even some of the Cuban places have had to up their game in order to compete.

The food has certainly improved in Havana over the last 15 years of so (or since they started allowing Paladares).

I'm guessing the smaller towns are about as good as Havana was in 2000, which isn't very!

[BeersTerry]

I've been traveling to Cuba for over 12 years and spent all of my time in the Havana / Vedado area.

Its obvious that the mongering scene is dying in Havana but I think their is some hope for those who are willing to travel outside of Havana to the provinces.

This type of vacation is for the adventurous monger and will require solid Spanish or a reliable guide for whom you will have to pick up his expenses.

I would try Camaguey first -- There are many beautiful girls from this region.

I have hung out in Camaguey, Santa Clara and a few other towns. They are alot of work.

I am tempted to visit Holguin. Maybe Bayamo for the truly adventurous.

For me the issue is the shitty food. At least in Havana you can always find good food. There are at last count 6 expat Italian restaurants and numerous other expats with places serving pretty good food. Even some of the Cuban places have had to up their game in order to compete.

[Combo]

Hey Adinga,

I will agree with you as far as the provinces go and the guide. Also, as you mention Espaol is quite an advantage since in the provinces English is not as common as it is in la Habana.

Still, I would not rule out la Habana and while not nearly as in the good old days still fun can be had although at a higher price nowadays.

Mondo.

Fun can be had in la Habana and it can still be had at a reasonable price. It's just not going to be point-and-click mongering like in Brasil, Thailand, Colombia, etc. One needs to stay several days and not lodge in Vieja or Vedado. And speak Spanish of course.

Like Adinga, I've always stayed in Havana because is has everything I need (great music / dance scene). However, I'm contemplating flying into Holguin my next trip and spending some time there as well as in Santiago (tierra natal del Son).