Havana

FAC is closed, not sure why. Went to Johnny club, loud music and not a pigeon in sight. Not sure if it is the weekend and the party has moved somewhere else.

[QUOTE=RawDeal;3001165]Going to Cuba Art Factory tonight, any other recommendations for pickup action in clubs? I don't usually do SW, so San Raf is not my thing.[/QUOTE]

At Salon Rojo en Capri hotel. Cold as an eskimos arse. Not sure what is going on!

[QUOTE=RawDeal;3001176]FAC is closed, not sure why. Went to Johnny club, loud music and not a pigeon in sight. Not sure if it is the weekend and the party has moved somewhere else.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=RawDeal;3001176]FAC is closed, not sure why. Went to Johnny club, loud music and not a pigeon in sight. Not sure if it is the weekend and the party has moved somewhere else.[/QUOTE]Ask some questions, connect with the community. Somebody knows something. Definitely don't be in the dark about things. The locals know. That's why I prefer to go the local route rather than the Gringo route.

[QUOTE=KSB1313;3000912]1) How long has it taken y'all to receive your e-visa?

I submitted on Monday and still do not have a response other than the one confirming successful submission.

2) Do you snail-mail your money order to the embassy in Wachington to give it to them upon arrival?

Thanks in advance..[/QUOTE]You should get an email with your Visa number, which you'll then enter into the the'Viajeros website which will automatically get you your full Visa. I took my first trip to Cuba in January and I'm gearing up for my fourth right now. I send the money order via snail mail. I'm going to be in Cuba very often so the $50 savings by going through the consulate adds up LOL.

[QUOTE=MongerHunger;3001189]Ask some questions, connect with the community. Somebody knows something. Definitely don't be in the dark about things. The locals know. That's why I prefer to go the local route rather than the Gringo route.[/QUOTE]Taxi drivers always know which clubs are hot, at any one time.

La fabrica opens only from Thursday to Sunday.

1. AirBnB with a credit cards is how I do it. No hassles, very easy, very cheap.

2. Depends on how good your Spanish is and where you go. Can be anywhere from $0 to $100 depending on how generous you want to be.

3. Every guy pays a different price. I normally hang around 6000-7000 CUP. When I started I was paying 9000 CUP until I got hip to the game.

4. Very, very high if you're confident and are hunting in the right places. For example girls around the University or a normal spot where people like to hang out like the Boba tea spot. Less likely if you're picking up one from San Rafael Boulevard.

5. Pazillo Fresh for water, snacks, soft drinks and rum, the Licorería in the plaza of Hotel Libre or El Caminante for a better liquor selection, the market on Calle 19 and be for fresh fruits and vegetables.

[QUOTE=DoubleDouble;3000957]Going to Havana in June. I am fluent in Spanish and have been many places. No issues getting around and talking to people. A few questions here.

1. Sounds like hotels are a no go, so a casa particular seems like the only option. I am from US so I have to have all this dialed in before I go since I cannot use plastic. When I rent the airbnb from home, I can use a credit card for that right?

2. I find girls to hang out with early evening. We hang out, get drinks, she spends the night and leaves in the morning. What is an average rate for that and / or top shelf like Cisco mentions?

3. Whats a average rate for a couple of hours, day or night time?

4. Take a girl for food and drinks, what's the chance of her coming back to my place for no additional funds?. Does that happen here?.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=HumbleHal;3001124][b]Isla de la Juventud[/b][/QUOTE]I went to the hotel at Colonia many years ago. It was dirt cheap. The diving was just OK. They had a night time spectacular with showgirls, one of whom developed the hots for me. There was a Spanish cardiologist who was trying to put the move on her, but she only had eyes for me, even though he was younger, handsomer, and had a more prestigious job. At the time I was acquiring little interests in mines, and Cuban cardiologists made about $20 a month. She probably figured a Yankee with mineral wealth was quite a catch. Better than a stinking cardiologist anyway.

I had night time conversations with the manager, who was also a party functionary. We debated economics. He took the party's position early on, but by the end admitted the system wasn't working so well.

I stumbled onto what appeared to be a military facility when hiking around with a camera. They shooed me away from there quickly. I rented a car and drove around, and remember going through a really sad town where I get a lot of stares.

I thought I had a flight booked on Cubana to get there, but turns out I didn't. So I got somebody in one of the old 1950's vintage autos to drive me to the south coast, to a ferry. We stopped along the way to eat in a restaurant, and the driver completely freaked out because I was chatting with some Russians who were lunching there.

Interesting times.

Did you stay at the same hotel there Hal? If so I'd be curious how the place is holding up.

Weird that FAC was closed, though I've never understood the fascination with that place. Packed with tourists, the atmosphere isn't great for partying and the drinks are awful. It's super cheap though so I kind of get it.

Johnny Bar is for Thursdays and Sundays. Not the best for a Friday night. Since today is Saturday, I'd suggest LM Bar, Hola Habana or King Bar. In that order, but seriously don't miss Johnny Bar on Sunday.

[QUOTE=RawDeal;3001180]At Salon Rojo en Capri hotel. Cold as an eskimos arse. Not sure what is going on![/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=KingSanto;3001331]Weird that FAC was closed, though I've never understood the fascination with that place. Packed with tourists, the atmosphere isn't great for partying and the drinks are awful. It's super cheap though so I kind of get it.

Johnny Bar is for Thursdays and Sundays. Not the best for a Friday night. Since today is Saturday, I'd suggest LM Bar, Hola Habana or King Bar. In that order, but seriously don't miss Johnny Bar on Sunday.[/QUOTE]Cheers matey. Will report soon.

[QUOTE=KingSanto;3001326]1. AirBnB with a credit cards is how I do it. No hassles, very easy, very cheap.



2. Depends on how good your Spanish is and where you go. Can be anywhere from $0 to $100 depending on how generous you want to be.

3. Every guy pays a different price. I normally hang around 6000-7000 CUP. When I started I was paying 9000 CUP until I got hip to the game.

4. Very, very high if you're confident and are hunting in the right places. For example girls around the University or a normal spot where people like to hang out like the Boba tea spot. Less likely if you're picking up one from San Rafael Boulevard.

5. Pazillo Fresh for water, snacks, soft drinks and rum, the Licorera in the plaza of Hotel Libre or El Caminante for a better liquor selection, the market on Calle 19 and be for fresh fruits and vegetables.[/QUOTE]What's the boba tea spot?

Never heard of it.

[QUOTE=MongerHunger;3001189]Ask some questions, connect with the community. Somebody knows something. Definitely don't be in the dark about things. The locals know. That's why I prefer to go the local route rather than the Gringo route.[/QUOTE]

I asked taxi drivers I got through La Nave. One of them took me to Johnny bar and then to Presidente Hotel. Both were duds. Hopefully, will have a better time today.


Here's a recap.

I went to El Tablazo for dinner yesterday. Food was nice, place is very lively. Everyone was in a group or a pair so I doubt any chance of picking up.

Then made the trip to FAC to find it was closed. Made a mistake of letting my taxi go. Asked other taxi drivers there and no one knew why it was closed. Another taxi driver recommended Hotel Presidente and quoted 10,000 mil to take me there. Politely declined and walked to the nearest street corner and ordered a cab via La Nave.

New driver recommended Johnny club. A dud, then took me to Presidente Hotel. I walked in and was told that they have a lounge bar. There was no one there. So another dud. Had asked the taxi to wait in anticipation of this situation. He then took me to Salon Rojo. Paid 1000 Cup entry fee and sat nursing a poorly made Cuba libre. There weren't many people there so finished my drink and left. On the way out asked if I can come back, was told I can come back in 15 mins else I will be at the back of the queue and pay 1000 cup again.

Walked over to La zorra y El cuervo and it was packed. It is a small place with a jazz band playing / singing. There is a 1000 cup entry here too. As there was no place to sit, stepped out and walked over to Cabaret Turquino. Seems like a popular place as it had a long queue to get in. I waited and when my turn came was told that it is a card only place, no cash. Fuck! Had not brought my cards with me, only cash. The mesero said no. So walked out and back to my casa and slept off the first night.

I won't say I am not disappointed but accept that it is what it is.

BTW, girls on Badoo do not respond at all. I have sent messages to like 100 girls and perhaps 8-10 have replied. Maybe it is me. My profile, my message, i am on free version, and perhaps my poor spanish. Not sure if I am doing anything wrong.

Today morning went to El Bilky for breakfast, good coffee here. Then took the Havana Club Ron Museum tour - highly recommend. Then walked to La Floridita bar to see what the fuss is all about Ernest Hemmingway. Nice band was playing. Downed a daiquiri and did the long walk down san Rafael to my casa in vedado. Hopefully,with King Santo's recommendation today evening may be different.

Let us know how was hunting!

I will visit Havana next week, anybody there in that time to hang around?

KingSanto any chance to send you PM?

How do you see chances for good looking European in mid 30's to get lucky in Havana?

Nevermind with pro or non-pro.


[QUOTE=RawDeal;3001348]I asked taxi drivers I got through La Nave. One of them took me to Johnny bar and then to Presidente Hotel. Both were duds. Hopefully, will have a better time today.


Here's a recap.

I went to El Tablazo for dinner yesterday. Food was nice, place is very lively. Everyone was in a group or a pair so I doubt any chance of picking up.

Then made the trip to FAC to find it was closed. Made a mistake of letting my taxi go. Asked other taxi drivers there and no one knew why it was closed. Another taxi driver recommended Hotel Presidente and quoted 10,000 mil to take me there. Politely declined and walked to the nearest street corner and ordered a cab via La Nave.

New driver recommended Johnny club. A dud, then took me to Presidente Hotel. I walked in and was told that they have a lounge bar. There was no one there. So another dud. Had asked the taxi to wait in anticipation of this situation. He then took me to Salon Rojo. Paid 1000 Cup entry fee and sat nursing a poorly made Cuba libre. There weren't many people there so finished my drink and left. On the way out asked if I can come back, was told I can come back in 15 mins else I will be at the back of the queue and pay 1000 cup again.

Walked over to La zorra y El cuervo and it was packed. It is a small place with a jazz band playing / singing. There is a 1000 cup entry here too. As there was no place to sit, stepped out and walked over to Cabaret Turquino. Seems like a popular place as it had a long queue to get in. I waited and when my turn came was told that it is a card only place, no cash. Fuck! Had not brought my cards with me, only cash. The mesero said no. So walked out and back to my casa and slept off the first night.

I won't say I am not disappointed but accept that it is what it is.

BTW, girls on Badoo do not respond at all. I have sent messages to like 100 girls and perhaps 8-10 have replied. Maybe it is me. My profile, my message, i am on free version, and perhaps my poor spanish. Not sure if I am doing anything wrong.

Today morning went to El Bilky for breakfast, good coffee here. Then took the Havana Club Ron Museum tour - highly recommend. Then walked to La Floridita bar to see what the fuss is all about Ernest Hemmingway. Nice band was playing. Downed a daiquiri and did the long walk down san Rafael to my casa in vedado. Hopefully,with King Santo's recommendation today evening may be different.[/QUOTE]

Dong Té. It's in Miramar. Great for a quick date too.

By the way, for RawDeal (and the rest of the Forum), FAC is closed from April 28 to May 28 for renovations.

[QUOTE=ElGriego;3001336]What's the boba tea spot?

Never heard of it.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Tiny12;3001330]I went to the hotel at Colonia many years ago. It was dirt cheap. The diving was just OK. They had a night time spectacular with showgirls, one of whom developed the hots for me. There was a Spanish cardiologist who was trying to put the move on her, but she only had eyes for me, even though he was younger, handsomer, and had a more prestigious job. At the time I was acquiring little interests in mines, and Cuban cardiologists made about $20 a month. She probably figured a Yankee with mineral wealth was quite a catch. Better than a stinking cardiologist anyway.

I had night time conversations with the manager, who was also a party functionary. We debated economics. He took the party's position early on, but by the end admitted the system wasn't working so well.

I stumbled onto what appeared to be a military facility when hiking around with a camera. They shooed me away from there quickly. I rented a car and drove around, and remember going through a really sad town where I get a lot of stares.

I thought I had a flight booked on Cubana to get there, but turns out I didn't. So I got somebody in one of the old 1950's vintage autos to drive me to the south coast, to a ferry. We stopped along the way to eat in a restaurant, and the driver completely freaked out because I was chatting with some Russians who were lunching there.

Interesting times.

Did you stay at the same hotel there Hal? If so I'd be curious how the place is holding up.[/QUOTE]No, I di dnot stay at the old hotel, but had a few meals there. I stayed in casa particulars for $20 a night. $5 for Lobster dinner. I took the bi-plane from Havana to Nuevo Gerona in Isla de la Juventud, it left once a day. A lady was at the airport soliciting for her casa particular, and I went with her. On other trips I took the ferry also, but it was slower. I rented a motorcycle in Nuevo Gerona. Drove around the university there, also to the old prison where Castro was held for a time.

[QUOTE=KingSanto;3001630]Dong T. It's in Miramar. Great for a quick date too.

By the way, for RawDeal (and the rest of the Forum), FAC is closed from April 28 to May 28 for renovations.[/QUOTE]Across the street from melia habana, right?

I bookmarked it on maps. Me for future trips.

Gracias.