Havana

[QUOTE=Combo;2046375]Does it matter. I've been going to Cuba roughly every other year since the late 90's and I've never had a problem. Honestly, we'd be better off with less amateur gringos around.[/QUOTE]Depends on how you look at it. From a logistics stand point I like the direct flights for 200 usd, before I had to sneak in from Grand Cayman islands for 450 usd. Before I had to worry about my passport being stamped and being questioned by customs in Miami, now I'm worry free and getting my passport stamped is no problem. Before violating the embargo was never enforced, will it be after Friday?

Actually the few amateur gringos I do see now aren't a problem, because there are so few as we speak. I see your point though; preserve it for the few who appreciate what it has to offer.

[QUOTE=Combo;2046375]Does it matter. I've been going to Cuba roughly every other year since the late 90's and I've never had a problem. Honestly, we'd be better off with less amateur gringos around.[/QUOTE]Hey Combo,

I have to agree with you as far as us mongers is concerned, before all the changes, specially since before 12/14 things were a lot better for us mongers.

I have to say if you look at things from a Cubanos / as perspective the majority of them would like normal relations with the USA since there have been some improvement for lots of them.

Mondo.

[QUOTE=MrGogo;2046377]Depends on how you look at it. From a logistics stand point I like the direct flights for 200 usd, before I had to sneak in from Grand Cayman islands for 450 usd. Before I had to worry about my passport being stamped and being questioned by customs in Miami, now I'm worry free and getting my passport stamped is no problem. Before violating the embargo was never enforced, will it be after Friday?

Actually the few amateur gringos I do see now aren't a problem, because there are so few as we speak. I see your point though; preserve it for the few who appreciate what it has to offer.[/QUOTE]Hey Mr G.

I agree with you as far as getting there before 12/14 and how much easier it's now as far getting in and out not to mention the cost involved. My last trip I hopped on at LAX (Alaska Air has now direct flights from LAX) and was at Jose Marti Internacional in less than 5 hours! Also, all this convenience for $320 round trip! Yeah, I got a sweet deal since they were just starting this route, I think now its around $400 round trip, still not bad for the convenience.

As far as getting thru customs, I never had an issue although back in 2013 coming back from Cancun had to go thru customs in Dallas / Fort Worth and the customs officer asked me "where I'd been" told him straight out in my declaration card both Mexico and Cuba, he gave me a dirty look and said, don't you know you are not supposed to go there?" Just told him straight out that I thought this was a free country so what's wrong with going to Cuba. After this he just gave me a dirty look and went thru my bag but that's the end of it.

One more thing, just in case the Cuba policy gets reversed, which knowing Trump's MO, he can prolly talk his way into blaming the Cubans for his policy change, I suggest you do not lie while going thru customs coming back. I have a friend that was caught lying and he got himself in trouble and had to hire a lawyer to avoid a possible 10 grand fine! (this was back in 2008).

Mondo.

BTW, below is an article form Cubadebate. In case you are not fluent in Spanish just highlight the whole article (right click after highlighting all the text) and do a google translation.

Such article gives you a different perspective from the Cuban side and you'll be able to understand some very interesting facts about the embargo / bloqueo.

EEUU impone otra multa por violaciones del bloqueo a Cuba.

En este artculo: Bloqueo, Bloqueo contra Cuba, Cuba, Departamento del Tesoro de Estados Unidos, Economa, Estados Unidos, Relaciones Cuba Estados Unidos, sanciand.

8 junio 2017.

16.

Multa-bloqueo.

La Oficina de Control de Activos Extranjeros del Departamento del Tesoro (OFAC) impuso una multa a la compaa American Honda Finance Corporation (AHFC), por un valor de 87 mil 255 thelares, por violar las regulaciones del bloqueo estadounidense contra Cuba.

Segand un documento publicado en la web del Departamento del Tesoro norteamericano, una de las subsidiarias en Canad de la AHFC, la Honda Canada Finance Inc. , aprob why financi 13 acuerdos de arrendamiento de autos entre la Embajada de Cuba en ese pas why un concesionario de Honda en Ottawa, entre febrero de 2011 why marzo de 2014.

La subsidiaria en Canad de la American Honda Finance Corporation, una compaa de financiamiento de vehculos automotores con sede en California, ya haba rechazado, el 30 de marzo de 2015, una transferencia de la legaciand de la Isla en ese pas, por concepto del cambio del parque automotor que corresponda ser sustituido.

Esta multa de la OFAC se suma a la larga lista de sanciones extraterritoriales del gobierno norteamericano, amparado en el entramado de leyes que regula el bloqueo econmico, comercial why financiero contra la Mayor de las Antillas.

En enero, apenas una semana antes de finalizar su mandato el presidente Barack Obama, el Departamento del Tesoro de Estados Unidos impuso sendas multas a la organizaciand no lucrativa Alianza para una Poltica Responsable hacia Cuba (ARCPF, en ingls) why al banco canadiense Toronto Dominion (TD), por montos de 10 mil why 955 mil 750 thelares, respectivamente, por violar las regulaciones del bloqueo a Cuba.

Desde LOS anuncios del 17 de diciembre de 2014, el gobierno de Estados Unidos ha multado a 11 entidades -siete estadounidenses why cuatro extranjeras- por un valor de dos mil 842 millones 429 mil 064 thelares.

Durante LOS mandatos de Obama (2009-2017) sumaron 56 las multas impuestas por violaciones de LOS regmenes de sanciones contra Cuba why otros pases, llegando a LOS 14 mil 272 millones 985 mil 610 thelares.

La sanciand a la compaa American Honda Finance Corporation demuestra la persistencia del bloqueo econmico, comercial why financiero, why su alcance extraterritorial, con las consiguientes consecuencias negativas que esto tiene para el desarrollo econmico why social cubano, why de sus relaciones econmicas externas.

[QUOTE=Mondo707;2046457]Hey Mr G.


Mondo.

BTW, below is an article form Cubadebate. In case you are not fluent in Spanish just highlight the whole article (right click after highlighting all the text) and do a google translation.

Such article gives you a different perspective from the Cuban side and you'll be able to understand some very interesting facts about the embargo / bloqueo.[/QUOTE]I would suggest looking up this guy Christopher Baker, he has a wealth of knowledge on Cuba. Understanding the EMBARGO [URL]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cU7k7L5akeQ[/URL].

Oh a nice chica, but watch out for Cubano's picking up rocks. [URL]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIm9INhHLNw&t=1s[/URL].

What bothers me is we haven't even attempted to negotiate a better deal and are again trying to force our philosophy down the Castos throats, how has that worked before? Our strength in negotiating is the last 18 months of progress. Trump is going to give Raul an out to blame the stubborn Americans again. Hang on for the ride fellas.

I hope you see fit to revert back to the old USA policy tomorrow, us Canadians had things so good until the other guy changed the restrictions. The New York cowboys paying $100 to 150 usd ,3 to 6 months average cuban wage for ST chicas really screwed things up for us canuckers. Then you guys found all that new oil in the Dakotas and our petro dollar, the loonie crashed from par with the usd to having to pay $1. 40 cad for a greenback, and Raul pegs the cuc to the usd for why I don't know. So please Donald give Cuba back to us again.

Don't want to copy Mundo007's whole post but I had the same experience. I inadvertently let them stamp my passport and just had to tell them I had been in Cuba. This happened in '06 and again in '09. The agents didn't seem to give a fuck.

Having said that, Yes the direct flight is nice.

[QUOTE=Bart1;2048617]I hope you see fit to revert back to the old USA policy tomorrow, us Canadians had things so good until the other guy changed the restrictions. The New York cowboys paying $100 to 150 usd ,3 to 6 months average cuban wage for ST chicas really screwed things up for us canuckers. Then you guys found all that new oil in the Dakotas and our petro dollar, the loonie crashed from par with the usd to having to pay $1. 40 cad for a greenback, and Raul pegs the cuc to the usd for why I don't know. So please Donald give Cuba back to us again.[/QUOTE]First time seeing someone outside USA happy with Donald -the fakepresident- Trump. :D

I LOL'ed.

[QUOTE=TyDown;2046701]I would suggest looking up this guy Christopher Baker, he has a wealth of knowledge on Cuba. Understanding the EMBARGO [URL]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cU7k7L5akeQ[/URL][/QUOTE]That guy is telling the truth, Castro used to both sides, that's why he always won. Another thing is that every time Castro created problems with the USA, a Democrat was president.

I am making plans for my second trip to Havana in August. I was there in February and stayed in Old Havana at Parque Central. I'm looking for an Airbnd for this trip. Any suggestions on what area of Havana would be best? Old Havana, Vedado, Miramar?

I was there 3 to 4 months ago. Stayed at Vedado area near malecon which I highly recommend. There was a lot of action in the street even near the casa at Vedado area and malecon. If you take a walk from the evening to midnight and later if you prefer, you can easily find chicas. To be accurate they find you most times!

I was there about 4 months ago. Weather was perfect no rains. Stayed at Vedado area near Malecon and there was a lot of action. If you have a walk form afternoon to after midnight you will find a lot of chicas. To be more accurate most of the times they talk to you!

[QUOTE=Bdb013;2052794]I am making plans for my second trip to Havana in August. I was there in February and stayed in Old Havana at Parque Central. I'm looking for an Airbnd for this trip. Any suggestions on what area of Havana would be best? Old Havana, Vedado, Miramar?[/QUOTE]I just got back from a 5 day trip to Havana and had an amazing time. This was maybe my 40th time there and as usual I was not disappointed. The restaurants get better and better but some prices are inflated by dumb tourists over-paying. WE stayed in an upscale Casa near the Playa in Miramar; with a pool and bar. We paid a bit more but still much less than a room at the Melia Havana. Had no issues with guests and music. Great Sex, Imported Booze and Cuban Cigars a plenty. Near a main street so np with getting taxis or private cars.

For those who go to or have gone to Havana regularly --what's written below is not for you.

I have been going to Havana since 2002 and it has changed a lot in those years. Used to be that you rented a cheap car and cruised the streets or Malecon and swarms of Chicas would hop in for a 'ride'! Although there are still times and spots this will happen its far to risky driving there and chicas of quality are rare this way. There are always the Clubs and Bars; but there also many ask for a lot of dineros and typically not the GFE experience you expect. In addition, the Casa's you used to get for 25-50 cuc are now double and some have rules not allowing fun and games. What I suggest for Newbi travellers today especially if you don't speak much Spanish is to hook up with an experienced guide. They have contacts for restaurants, casas, taxis that won't rip you off and entertainment. Once you've experienced the true flavour of the city you can always go back on your own with or without the guide. For me; I don't mind spending the extra few cuc per day.

If anyone wants a good contact I can recommend one if you pm me.

[URL]https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/15470235[/URL]

Good cheap restaurant near by. Had tons of girls over for fun here without any issue. Walking distance to about anything.

I have been here before. Great cheap place Cuba is. Nonstop gfemail ladies. Had my "wife" for the week every night and then also was kicking it with young hotties all day. Havana was easy cooking as was Guanabo. Trinidad was tough.

[QUOTE=Thunder01;2052953][URL]https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/15470235[/URL]

Good cheap restaurant near by. Had tons of girls over for fun here without any issue. Walking distance to about anything.

I have been here before. Great cheap place Cuba is. Nonstop gfemail ladies. Had my "wife" for the week every night and then also was kicking it with young hotties all day. Havana was easy cooking as was Guanabo. Trinidad was tough.[/QUOTE]Hey Thunder,

Man, I recognize the place you stayed at! I stay about a block away from there (twin buildings) Wanted to ask you about the restaurant you mentioned since I've seen it but haven't set foot in it. What kind of food is it? Cubano home cooking or cubano fast food? I usually go to the place on "M" called La Roca, OTD with dessert and 1 beer for less than 5 CUC, typical cubano food menu sans the platanos maduros and short on the black beans but otherwise ok.

What was the damage for the rental? Was this an indy apartment or a room?

Mondo.