Havana

Part 3# The Ugly

The Police

I have traveled into the tundra of Canada where it snows in August, the jungles of Costa Rica where everything that swims has teeth. In fact, in the tundra we were so far north that we couldn't receive radio transmissions. As a result our float plane was three days late picking us up, and there we were not knowing what was going on.

However, the most disturbing foreign experience I have ever had was the dark and shadowy soul depleting police presence in Cuba. In a nut shell, it was the Latino version of the Third Reich. This is a Police State. No if's and's or but's.The two drivers I had during my stay were stopped a total of five times. They were given tickets on three occasions and talked to the other two times. From my vantage point, I honestly couldn't see any reason why these guys were stopped. According to my casa owner, the police stop the young people regularly . This is standard practice. Outright harassment. In each incident I offered to pay the ticket. The police are EVERYWHERE. They will not bother touristas, unless you date a chica under the age of 18. During my stay I was told of an Austrailian guy caught with a 16 year old girl. Off to jail ******. I advise you make a mental note of that.

I'm a pretty resilient guy, but after a week of this "Police State" it began to get to me. It's the hidden deep current that runs through the bottom of Cuban society. I decided before boarding the plane to leave, that I would not be coming back as long as the political situation remains the same. I imagine you WSG guys are allot like me, which is, "yeah, thanks for the advice......but I prefer to find out on my own". All in all, truly a wild and fascinating ride.

Rickster,

Thank you! By far the most comprehensive and enjoyable WSG-report on Havana I have had the pleasure of reading to date.

I have been to Havana well over 10 times over the years. Recently my travels have taken me to Suramérica where the latin chicas you talk of and experienced are abundant.

In general its good to see that not everyone is taken-in by the “Cuba is lost to mongering” feel of recent threads. However, I do agree with your comments regarding the police: its been one of the facts of life in Cuba since Castro lost his shaving-kit. That aside, your choice is your choice: but will you not reconsider returning? I had exactly the same thoughts as I left Havana at my first visit. Within a few months of returning (Europe…) I wanted to go back. So I did; never regretted it: life’s too short for regrets.

More power to you Rickster, thanks again!

Regards

Havanaman

Always wanted to share with you some pictures. Here´s my first (just to try this new feature).

THANK YOU JACKSON! YOU´RE BRILLIANT!

and another one....

Here are some of the beautiful chicas I met during my two week stay in Havana.
I posted ten photos taken in my casa particular in the Cuba photo gallery.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Rickster
[i]Here are a few of the beautiful chicas I met during my two week stay in Havana. [/i][/QUOTE]

Where? :-)

Hey Rickster,

Wonderful report as previously stated, but where are your picks…? Really looking forward to seeing your chicas!

Regards,

Havanaman

Talosian - Talk about bringing sand to the beach!. Unless the woman you bring wants to share the bed with another chica, you'll miss the true flavor of Cuba. Why go?
The incidence of AIDS in Cuba is the lowest in this hemisphere according to the World Health Organization. It is seven times less than the US. All Cubans are required to have an annual physical to renew their carnet. This includes a blood test which is screened for HIV. If the result is positive, the Cuban disappears to a sanitarium (read camp).
If you're still not convinced, pick up one of those oral AIDS tests sold in Mexico that everyone on the other boards are talking about. Or walk your chica into the nearest hospital and wave a $10 bill in front of the nearest doctor. You'll have instant service.
Translating drivers are available anywhere and make great and cheap guides which cost less than a rental car.

I have a report from the end of August. We went for 7 days to havana as is our normal routine. We had a blast as usual. The mongering is still good in Havana, I am not sure about the other cities but things are normal in Havana with the exception of a greater police presence. From what I could see without actually entering every bar the Johny was dead. The ladies were for the most part very afraid of the cops there. The disco at Rosalia de Castro was crazy with Italians and the women they like. Not my cup of tea, but there were many hotties there as well. They all wanted to leave before the police changed shifts at 1 am, as they were afraid of some officer. I have heard since I've been back that Rosalia has since been closed. Can Anyone confirm or deny this? The new hot spot we found this trip was Chorrera, the outdoor disco on the Malecon by the tunnel. This place was great, 5 bucks for entry and a buck a beer. We spent several nights there and could have done very well except our Novias were very protective. We did manage to arrange a few next day nooners. Don't get suckered into Delirio Habanero, this is a piano bar with no hotties, expensive, etc. It did have the best band I've ever seen however. The mongering on the Malecon seemed easy pickings which was suprisiing as I've never had much success there. This may have been due to the fact it was summer break for everyone so they had every night to sit out. There were numerous hotties on La Rampa with tons of cops as well. This made for a very frustrating experience as the chicas were no doubt available but very very wary. We had a private two bedroom casa, not as good as our normal spot but not the worst. 50 bucks a night for the whole place. The police have certainly put a damper on the whole experience. The Casas are still available in Havana but I've heard rumors that that might change as well. Prices were average with amateurs being from free to 30 bucks and pros from 40 to 60. The 10's still ask for 100 off the bat but they all go for 50 to 60 for the night. Each to his own, cheap entertainment is available but some of us like the princesses. No problems at the airport despite numerous bags, they are looking for the electronics not the normal goodies. It is still 25 bucks to get out of the country. If anyone has been to Diablo tun tun I would love a review and similarly the Casa de la Musica at night. Its still not the cheapest trip in the world but for the cost of an air only ticket its certainly the cheapest place with readily available beautiful Latin women. I scored 2 tens, 2 nines and a 7 in 7 nights and always had a beautiful woman on my arm day or night. All in all the trip cost 1300 american plus air and thats sparing no expense, personal driver, private casa, all the chicas you can eat, and wineing and dining the ladies and friends non stop day and night. Not bad for a three hour flight.

Talosian

Many of your questions should be answered by my trip report, but I'll be specific. You will have a very hard time getting rid of the girls so don't worry. They all subscribe to a bird in the hand .... . If you want simply go to a disco on your first night out, find a chica who tickles your fancy and watch out for the hard eyed ones. After a seccond of eye contact she will be sitting next to you. Go through the negotiation process and if she settles for 40 or 50 bucks for the whole night, "Hasta Manana", until tommorow, then you've scored. I give your chances 90% on the first try. Then simply try her out and see if she is what you are looking for. Many girls aren't too keen on Multiple go rounds, so if shes not what you are looking for get rid of her. If your happy simply tell her you are looking for a novia and keep her for the week. After the first night you can expect the price to drop considerably. Simply throw her 30 or 40 bucks every morning and avoid the negotiation. Remember though that now you are responsible for her getting home and back everyday or two for clothes, feeding her, cover and drinks at the bar, etc. Simply consider her your girlfriend and treat her accordingly. Also be aware that she will not go sightseeing with you because she will be deathly afraid of the cops. You could take her to the Pool or the beach. I highly reccomend the pool at Marina Hemmingway, zero cops and 12 bucks per person 10 of which goes towards food and drinks. Another good trick is to buy her something in the numerous stores there instead of giving her money. Make sure you are up front about this. A couple hours shopping is a nice diversion, but can be expensive. Another good trick is to bring clothes with you from home, ie Sally Ann. The hardest part will be not falling in love with her, or getting a night out without her for some variety. Trust me you can't go wrong.

Talosian,

I agree with all of bluedrinker’s comments. Just go for it; you can’t go wrong. In fact you could prearrange your date, depending on when you want to go by using any one of the numerous pen pall sites. I have done this, admittedly with only very minor success from regular Cubans, as the cost for a local to use the net is prohibitive. However, if you want to aim a little younger than your sited age group: you will get a reasonable response via the university students. This method is tried and tested by a number of mongers in both Cuba, as well as other countries.

Ask and you will receive… that’s the key in Cuba. Simple. A friendly taxi driver (arranged by my casa owner) offered me a long stay GF once and so the potential must still exist. Just ask.

Regards,

Havanaman

Thanks for the great input guys. I looked at one site about staying in private homes and this seems the best, not just for price but to really get in with and meet the people. Will iI have problems having her stay with me all-night (I can pop a few extra $$s to the landlord if that helps)? I will stay at a licensed house only.

I'm getting the picture the Policia will really hassle a girl even if with me and I will "vouch" for her. Yes? Too bad because I want to see some of the outlying places also.

Another thing, and this comes to the "real World" side. How much $$ should I take as opposed to Thomas Cook Travelers Cheques? I don't want to wake one morning and find my $$ gone along with my "girlfriend." Suggestions here.

The reason I picked the age range I mentioned is because since I'm no spring chicken (though I don't yet need "V"), I don't want to look like just another DOM (Dirty Old Man), even if I am one. Where are the pen pal sites for maybe looking for a chica?

I'm figuring to get a car/driver for the week. What is a fair price for us both?

And when I know my travel dates, I'll post them and maybe some of you will be around then and I'm happy to meet buy a drink or three for you.

On bringing cloths, don't want the Immigration to think I'm going to be wearing them :) What size if I do bring some?

Thanks again.

David

If you want to have a girl stay over night it is not a problem usually in Havana. I would however recomend booking a private casa with at least a separate entrance. If you are truly looking for an all week commitment do not expect any trouble from a casa owner. Every owner knows the score. You should have no problem finding an older available women. However you won't find one at the disco as they are rapidly replaced by the 18 year olds. I would suggest a search of chat sights etc, but few people have email access of any durration. Poor you, you may have to settle for a hottie of 18-22. I would simply find a chica and ask if she has an older sister/cousin/friend, it shouldn't be a problem. Also every tout you meet on the street could hook you up as these women will not be in demand. For a casa I have had zero success with getting responses from casas online for reservations. I would try to book several and hope to get a response. Simply try that and if unsuccessful let me know and I will introduce you to a friend who has internet and a new car and who is reliable. You can also simply ask the taxi driver at the airport to bring you to a casa. My first trip the man who was supposed to meet us at the airport didn't show and we had a casa in about an hour. We then found another nicer casa through one of the everpresent guides around the tourist areas the next day. After your first trip you will have plenty of connections if your not afraid to talk to locals and buy an occasional beer. As for money I have booked private casas which included a digital safe. This is handy. I have also simply carried a big wad around with me if I was worried about my casa. Many casas have steel gates requiring a key to exit, gives peace of mind. All you have to do is have the Name ID# address of the girl and you needn't worry, the penalties for stealing from a tourist are legendary. I would say don't even think on it but you never can tell. I have never had a chica, and I've known dozens, ever attempt to take a dime from me. In fact no cuban national, they can help you spend your money better than you can immagine and will try to sell you everything, but not one has tried to steal from me. They are far more law abiding than us. I recomend cash and more cash with travelers checks just for emergencys if you only have american credit cards. Fair price for a car/driver is about 30$ per day give or take depending on what you do. As for clothes I only bring extra smalls, size zero or one pants are even often too large. They love those low riders. Running shoes are a big hit Good luck and go for it. You can't go wrong in Cuba because there money really talks. Don't sweat it.

Hey Bluedrinker -

So - a few questions - First, does this hold true for a guy in his late fifties?? I'm headed there in a couple months and would ove to "do it your way", but am in my late fifities!! Will the gals be receptive??

Second, are these "casas" comfortable - with air conditioning, and good beds?? I like the third world, but sure would like to enjoy the vacation with a few of the amenities.

Thanks for the great info.

Clodbuster

FYI: I found a site, www.acrosscuba.com which has a section on casas (private homes). I sent a question Saturday and the response was in my email box this morning. They have pictures of the rooms, prices (more than reasonable) and as you can see, responded very quickly. I'm still waiting for one reply from a lady here in California about going w/me. I'm assuming the chicas don't speak conversational English. I know, "who cares!" but sometimes it's nice. Also, I really want to do some sightseeing so having someone who can travel w/me around Cuba on day trips would be nice.

Living in the U.S., it's difficult to imagine a country where a citizen can not associate with whomever they want and travel within the country whereever they want. What is the "crime" for a Cuban woman simply to be with me for the day as a friend? Is this a stupid or just niave question?

Thanks.

David