Havana

[QUOTE=TyDown;2505798]Yes, USD is accepted just about everywhere in Cuba now. The problem is, Cuba is having shortages of just about everything, food, beer, gasoline, diesel, soap, you name it. I was in Cuba March of this year, just before the lockdowns, and it was hard to find descent food and drink even then. Cuba relies heavily on Venezuela for their imports, and of course Venezuela is being blockaded by the US. My favorite chica keeps me posted on the situation, and she's saying it's still bad in Cuba, extreme shortages out in the provinces.

Havana was basically dead because there was a very limited supply of fuel. Many of the chicas had went back home out in the provinces. To be honest, I couldn't wait to get the hell out of there last time I was in Cuba. Every other time I've been to Cuba, I wanted to stay longer, but not the last trip.

Hope this helps.[/QUOTE]I was actually planning on going to the "source" so to speak and staying in Holguin. I have read that the lightest skinned Cubans, which is my preference, are in that city and it is poor, in the east, therefore it may not take too much to impress the ladies there.

However even with dollars, and going to special dollars stores, you cannot buy anything? I'm very surprised. I know that Cuban government is desperate for dollars. I would think that they would be able to pull together whatever food is remaining and put it in the dollar stores.

And Western Union just closed in Cuba; the only source of dollars could be tourists if any are coming.

[QUOTE=HarryDubois;2505913]I was actually planning on going to the "source" so to speak and staying in Holguin. I have read that the lightest skinned Cubans, which is my preference, are in that city and it is poor, in the east, therefore it may not take too much to impress the ladies there.

However even with dollars, and going to special dollars stores, you cannot buy anything? I'm very surprised. I know that Cuban government is desperate for dollars. I would think that they would be able to pull together whatever food is remaining and put it in the dollar stores.

And Western Union just closed in Cuba; the only source of dollars could be tourists if any are coming.[/QUOTE]Been to Cuba a few times. Not sure where the special dollars stores exist. But in any case even at the best of times in recent years no amount of dollars or anything else can make something appear when it isn't there. And as for food. Don't even go there. If you think the government is going to put "what food is remaining" in special stores for tourists, well. I don't know what to say.

And as for source of dollars. Over 50% was from Canadian tourists staying at all inclusives and other resorts. It has been over 1 million per year tourists from Canada. But the vast majority of these visitors are in the 10 or so resort areas and most never see any real Cuba. But they are the major source of foreign exchange for Cuba. And Covid has thrown a wrench into that in a big way.

[QUOTE=Zeos1;2505951]Over 50% was from Canadian tourists staying at all inclusives and other resorts. It has been over 1 million per year tourists from Canada. But the vast majority of these visitors are in the 10 or so resort areas and most never see any real Cuba. But they are the major source of foreign exchange for Cuba. And Covid has thrown a wrench into that in a big way.[/QUOTE]So you're saying that outside of the all inclusive resorts, the shops and restaurants may be empty, regardless of whether you have CUC, dollars, euros or gold bars?

In August the news media was reporting on the opening of dollar only stores:

To make up for the shortfall in dollars, the government took a step it would probably have avoided under normal circumstances and turned 72 of the nearly 5,000 state-run shops in Cuba into "dollar stores".

When he emerged from one of them, Benito Morejóand struggled to push his cart, weighed down with meat, cheese, cleaning products and personal hygiene items. [URL]https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-53580376[/URL].

So I had the impression that if I land with a wallet full of dollars I should be doing well. Especially now that Western Union has shut down, there would seem to be no way for dollars to reach Cuba except in the wallets of foreign tourists, making the government even more desperate to stock stores with things which tourists will buy. (I have dual US / Israeli citizenship and I would travel on an Israeli passport. I think that will make it easier for me to visit Cuba and bring dollars, either in cash or an Israeli credit card.).

[QUOTE=HarryDubois;2505958]So you're saying that outside of the all inclusive resorts, the shops and restaurants may be empty, regardless of whether you have CUC, dollars, euros or gold bars?

Cuba and bring dollars, either in cash or an Israeli credit card.).[/QUOTE]It doesn't matter what kind of Passport you have, Cuba will let anybody in who has any dineros. Whatever you watched on TV, is a lie.

The hard cold truth about Cuba is, there is NOTHING there, except pigs, chickens and sugar cane. Maybe a patch of Tobacco here and there.

This video is pretty close the state of affairs in Cuba. [URL]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RjRqS5vl-Q[/URL].

[QUOTE=TyDown;2505977]
This video is pretty close the state of affairs in Cuba. [URL]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RjRqS5vl-Q[/URL].[/QUOTE]However I thought that there were restaurants which accepted CUC and had good food; at least before COVID.

Hello folks. No intention to start a debate here with anyone. Just to clear up on few things mentioned regarding Cuba. FYI, I have been living here in Cuba for 2 and a half years now. I have my family and kids here too with me. My family and I are all happy here. Probably the stories of struggles are from the point of view of the locals. As a foreigner here in havana, our quality of life is wonderful. No way can I have 2 helpers at home and a driver for my wife, back in my own country. Yes its true that sometimes you have difficulties finding eggs and other stuff. Did we die in hunger? No we didn't. Why is that? Because with money, you can find almost all the basic things you need from the "left" as how the say it here. Do I make lines to go to the shops? Never, because I have my helpers and driver to do it for me.

BTW we had a party at home last weekend for 30 adults and 18 kids. There were champagne, nice wines, gin tonics, rums, beers, great meat from Argentina for bbq and abundance of other food for everyone. Just like anywhere else in the world. We even hired 3 waiters and a bartender so that hosting will be easier for me and my family. What I'm tryin to say here is don't believe all the info that you gather from all your sources. Yes, this country has its own problems and never-ending issues. But not having gas for the car and no food at all is just nonsense.

I have also another example to share. Probably 2 months ago, I bumped into ana de armas and ben afleck somewhere in miramar. This was during havana's toque de queda. These 2 celebrities rather spend months of quarantine here in Cuba than any other places in the world. Sounds crazy? I don't think so, because they have money and they know the right people to have a pleasant time here despite all the madness happening in the world.

[QUOTE=DiavelLoco;2506051]Hello folks. No intention to start a debate here with anyone. Just to clear up on few things mentioned regarding Cuba. FYI, I have been living here in Cuba for 2 and a half years now. I have my family and kids here too with me. My family and I are all happy here. Probably the stories of struggles are from the point of view of the locals. As a foreigner here in havana, our quality of life is wonderful. No way can I have 2 helpers at home and a driver for my wife, back in my own country. Yes its true that sometimes you have difficulties finding eggs and other stuff. Did we die in hunger? No we didn't. Why is that? Because with money, you can find almost all the basic things you need from the "left" as how the say it here. Do I make lines to go to the shops? Never, because I have my helpers and driver to do it for me.

BTW we had a party at home last weekend for 30 adults and 18 kids. There were champagne, nice wines, gin tonics, rums, beers, great meat from Argentina for bbq and abundance of other food for everyone. Just like anywhere else in the world. We even hired 3 waiters and a bartender so that hosting will be easier for me and my family. What I'm tryin to say here is don't believe all the info that you gather from all your sources. Yes, this country has its own problems and never-ending issues. But not having gas for the car and no food at all is just nonsense.

I have also another example to share. Probably 2 months ago, I bumped into ana de armas and ben afleck somewhere in miramar. This was during havana's toque de queda. These 2 celebrities rather spend months of quarantine here in Cuba than any other places in the world. Sounds crazy? I don't think so, because they have money and they know the right people to have a pleasant time here despite all the madness happening in the world.[/QUOTE]OK. I stand corrected. My experience is a couple of years back, and yes, there were paladars where you could use CUC and sometimes get good meals, but I didn't see much on the shelves in any of the stores where you could buy stuff. Groceries, etc.

As for use of dollars and what you can buy. I'll take your word for it as a resident. My experience as a lone "tourist" staying in casas particulares was not that of someone with connections. But I was not a typical tourist staying in resorts and I found it very difficult to find anything much. Of course the stores where they sell the rationed food supplies are off limits, and the few cash stores I went in did not have any real selection. And this was in good times.

[QUOTE=DiavelLoco;2506051]Hello folks. No intention to start a debate here with anyone. Just to clear up on few things mentioned regarding Cuba. FYI, I have been living here in Cuba for 2 and a half years now. I have my family and kids here too with me. My family and I are all happy here. Probably the stories of struggles are from the point of view of the locals. As a foreigner here in havana, our quality of life is wonderful. No way can I have 2 helpers at home and a driver for my wife, back in my own country. Yes its true that sometimes you have difficulties finding eggs and other stuff. Did we die in hunger? No we didn't. Why is that? Because with money, you can find almost all the basic things you need from the "left" as how the say it here.[/QUOTE]My hat is off to you DiavellLoco. Four or five years ago I even considered buying or leasing a house in Guanabo beach area. I thought it would be a perfect winter time getaway from the winters here in the States. But after looking into the legal aspects of doing that, it was off the table.

Back in the day (15 years ago), I worked for the University of Ghana in a joint research project with an American University. After about a year in West Africa, I came to love the life there. I had a pocket full of money, a University provided Toyota 4 x4 Land Cruiser, a place to stay in Accra. Life was good. By this time, I had become completely immersed in the local culture. Friends and family back home thought I had lost my everlasting mind! Ghana is almost the complete opposite of Cuba. In Ghana, the food is plentiful and fantastic! Best food I've ever had. But the living conditions in West Africa is harsh. Contrast this with Cuba, Cuba has beautiful architecture but the food is horrendous, (to me, maybe not others). And the weather is great. (in the winter) I ended up spending 8 years in Ghana, some of the best memories of my life. I still miss the food.

My experience in Cuba, 5 years ago it was a great place to visit, and then around 2018 things started to go downhill. FAST. I was there back in March of this year, and most of the stores in Havana were either closed, or had limited hours of operation, and if they did open, very limited supply of basically anything, a stark contrast to the good days of 2015 - 2016.

Thanks DiavelLoco for sharing your experiences with us.

BBQ in campo, small town outside of Ciego de Avila.

[QUOTE=TyDown;2505977]...This video is pretty close the state of affairs in Cuba. [URL]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RjRqS5vl-Q[/URL].[/QUOTE]Great video; however, I don't think I would ever post a video of me getting hauled in over the tailgate of a truck like he did. Too embarassing. He looked like beached pilot whale.

[QUOTE=DiavelLoco;2506051]Hello folks. No intention to start a debate here with anyone. Just to clear up on few things mentioned regarding Cuba. [/QUOTE]Awesome "on the ground" report Diave. Thanks so much. I think we all appreciate your posts and wish you would relay first hand experienes more often both the good and the bad. Many of us former visitors have found other places to enjoy the fruits but are often thinking about returning to Cuba at the right time. Not sure what makes the right time LOL. But your reports sure help give us a feel for the situation. One of these days I'm going to "just do it" again. It's been a few years now for me.

[QUOTE=Zeos1;2506068]OK. I stand corrected. My experience is a couple of years back, and yes, there were paladars where you could use CUC and sometimes get good meals, but I didn't see much on the shelves in any of the stores where you could buy stuff. Groceries, etc.

As for use of dollars and what you can buy. I'll take your word for it as a resident. My experience as a lone "tourist" staying in casas particulares was not that of someone with connections. But I was not a typical tourist staying in resorts and I found it very difficult to find anything much. Of course the stores where they sell the rationed food supplies are off limits, and the few cash stores I went in did not have any real selection. And this was in good times.[/QUOTE]I totally understand where you are coming from. Yes, it was during good times here in Cuba. Right now, I would say Cuba is at its lowest ebb. You won't believe me if I say this, I have more things at home right now than 2 years ago. Its hard to explain but it seems that more things are available in the blackmarket from the left during this hard covid period when Cuba was in lockdown. I am flying out next weekend for some fresh air and we were making list of things to buy to bring back to Cuba. I am shocked to see the list that we prepared during the last few days is not as long as it used to be when we were flying out of the country, every single month. Just to remind you again that our last trip outside Cuba was in March. I have made so many new contacts during the covid lockdown that I can survive living here without flying out of the country for the next couple of months. Strange but that is the reality for most of us foreigners who are well connected with the local cartels.

I am more than happy to share my local knowledge with you guys especially on the paladars. The hunting part, you have to explore and find them yourself. Just remember that Cuba is working girl house. To me at least, all the girls are fidel's bitches. You know your way around, almost all of them are for the taking. Last week, I found this local florist nearby where I live. The girl selling flowers looked fuckable for me so I asked for her number. She is there every day selling flowers and I am sure that she is not a pro. Told her to let me know when she is free for me to have a cita and 40 cuc later, we are in a casa particular. My point is you don't have to go to the usual hunting ground. See any girl you like, ask them nicely for their number and make your move from there. Always remember that Cuba is never the same this month and few months back. The country is always changing all the time. Go with the flow and you will have a good time here. I might not be an expert in everything but I am certain I know enough to get by and to make your visit more meaningful.

[QUOTE=DiavelLoco;2506278]I am more than happy to share my local knowledge with you guys especially on the paladars. The hunting part, you have to explore and find them yourself. Just remember that Cuba is working girl house. To me at least, all the girls are fidel's bitches. You know your way around, almost all of them are for the taking. Last week, I found this local florist nearby where I live. The girl selling flowers looked fuckable for me so I asked for her number. She is there every day selling flowers and I am sure that she is not a pro. Told her to let me know when she is free for me to have a cita and 40 cuc later, we are in a casa particular. My point is you don't have to go to the usual hunting ground. See any girl you like, ask them nicely for their number and make your move from there. Always remember that Cuba is never the same this month and few months back. The country is always changing all the time. Go with the flow and you will have a good time here. I might not be an expert in everything but I am certain I know enough to get by and to make your visit more meaningful.[/QUOTE]Where are the White skin girls for sex like Ana de Armas? I wouldn't mind fucking a ***** escort / working girl that would look like Lily Estefan You know?

[QUOTE=Penetrador;2506328]Where are the White skin girls for sex like Ana de Armas? I wouldn't mind fucking a ***** escort / working girl that would look like Lily Estefan You know?[/QUOTE]The cities with most blancas are located in inland Cuba. Away from the coast. I believe Holguin is probably considered the epicenter of white on isla Cuba. As you move further from there the ratio changes little by little. The problem with Holguin is how difficult the game is as the police have a iron grip on the place for some reason. I visited with like 8 or 10 apartment rentals to ask about working a deal of extra money to bring in a chica (guest fee) and all renters are deathly afraid of "the man". Chicas must be registered in their official book. Somebody told me the academy for training Cuba's policia is located in Holguin and that's why it's so hard ass there. So you would need good spanish skills and work the local scene to find a place to fuck any chica you find. For a few bucks someone would probably let you use a bedroom. That's how Cuba works you know.

[QUOTE=DiavelLoco;2506278]I am more than happy to share my local knowledge with you guys especially on the paladars. The hunting part, you have to explore and find them yourself. Just remember that Cuba is working girl house. To me at least, all the girls are fidel's bitches. You know your way around, almost all of them are for the taking. Last week, I found this local florist nearby where I live. The girl selling flowers looked fuckable for me so I asked for her number. She is there every day selling flowers and I am sure that she is not a pro. Told her to let me know when she is free for me to have a cita and 40 cuc later, we are in a casa particular. My point is you don't have to go to the usual hunting ground. See any girl you like, ask them nicely for their number and make your move from there. Always remember that Cuba is never the same this month and few months back. The country is always changing all the time. Go with the flow and you will have a good time here. I might not be an expert in everything but I am certain I know enough to get by and to make your visit more meaningful.[/QUOTE]Exactly Diave that's the beautiful thing about Cuba. Money talks so well and everyone is so open-minded about ways to make a CUC. It's the only place I feel comfortable walking up to regular chicas like I'm their own age and asking to hang out together. Normally the answer is "si papi" LOL.

I guess what we'd like to know is if a guy goes with "dollars, euros, or gold bars" (that IS a funny line!) could we find a place to buy beer? If I can't buy beer easily I'm not going. And could we find good paladars so we wouldn't come back home 5 or 10 pounds lighter than we arrived? I can figure out the rest thanks LOL.