General Info

[Organicgrowth]

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

[Talosian]

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

[Talosian]

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.

[ConorOC]

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.

[Talosian]

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

[Talosian]

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

[ConorOC]

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

[El Colorado]

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.

[Talosian]

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

[Talosian]

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.

[El Colorado]

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.

[Talosian]

Has anyone gone to Cuba via Jamaica? Is that better than Cancun? Suggestions for first week in December?

Thanks.

David

[Talosian]

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

[Mangito]

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

[Yossarian 99]

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