Havana

[RubberDuckyBos]

If you're that fragile, it's better you don't go. It's not for the delicate and I'm being serious. You need to be comfortable with discomfort.

Hmm okay. Any advice on other locations then, where my stomach is at a lower risk? I'm in good shape otherwise, don't mind discomfort in other manners, but nothing ruins a vacation like having to sit on the toilet all day. Issue is I'd like to stay within a relatively short flight of the east coast USA, so I don't really want to go to Asia or anything. And I don't want it to be too expensive, since then I don't really see the point of going on vacation when I can just pay the same rates and go to somewhere in the USA without the hassle.

Perhaps the answer is there is no place like this? But hopefully someone here has some ideas. For example I was thinking maybe PR, but I hear there's no hobby scene over there at all, and the everything costs almost as much as mainland USA anyways.

[Big Zozo Intl]

Out of all the sex I had. The woman with the craziest sex drive I had was in Havana. I need to return.

[CiscoMech]

Oh shoot, I meant to say of the 20 times, 10 of them I've gotten sick. So 50% batting rate. I'd love to find a way to lower that percentage since then that makes vacationing there actually a terrible gamble, but again, not sure this probiotic stuff actually works or if its just BS. Or maybe if I keep going and getting sick, it will train my stomach to be stronger haha.

You know you are soft when you are struggling to survive for a couple days in a place where children-elderly folks are relatively thriving everyday. Here is some free advice for the men out there. Learn how to cook. It always seems crazy to me that so many men out there don't have basic cooking skills, which directly equates to your survival skills. Don't get me wrong I can understand the argument that you are on vacation and don't want to cook. But what I definitely don't understand is telling yourself that you are forced to eat trash because you are not resourceful. If your treat Cuba like a camping trip and let go off your expectations then you will have fun. If you are a foodie like me and expect to find good food in Cuba then you will be sorely disappointed. If you are only going for a couple of days then put together a grocery list of stuff to bring with you and get a spot with an kitchen. You can bring frozen meat, minute rice packets, travel size container olive oil, pre-cooked bacon, bread, chocolate bars, etc. Then when you arrive at your casa you can buy local eggs and produce. After that you can afford to be selective in what you choose to eat from the locals as long as you feel comfortable with the sanitation.

Many of us are fortunate enough to live in countries where you can find virtually any food that you need for your dietary / storage needs. Cuba is an amazing opportunity as long as you are not going for the food.

[Mondo707]

I came back last week just before the whole electrical system went down, lucky me, jjjj.

Here's what the blackouts means.

I stayed by the Malecon on the Vedado section in la Habana.

Everyday they have programmed blackouts, in my area it's for 2 hours. Usually around 2 pm till around 5 pm. Sometimes in the mornings around 10 or 11 am, again for 2+ hours.

For those of you not familiar with the going on nowadays, if you have USD or Euros you're good to go and most everything is available.

As someone here mentioned, Badoo works but you need to do this a week before heading down. I downloaded it in la Habana and didn't have enough time to hook up as most chicas are slow to respond or sometimes are not online enough.

Most of the action (other than the clubs) nowadays is the Old Habana near the prado, hotel Inglaterra area and San Rafael street. So walking a few blocks from the Inglaterra hotel on San Rafael should bring results.

Also, as I've mentioned before the joints by the beach near 70th street and 1st ave in Miramar should also bring about plenty of rewards. This is for night mongering as there's no action in the daytime.

There are about 5 or 6 joints (2 stories high) close to each other and playing loud music (bring your earplugs).

As far as paladares, highly recommend Casa Mia Paladar, located at Calle 1 ra, #103, e / C and D, Vedado. You can google it for directions.
One of the must have is off line maps, I downloaded it b4 leaving here and it works great (Google maps) download wherever you'll be and no need for internet!

1st time there lights went out (around 8 pm) they have a generator so it took less than 2 minutes to get the lights back on. Excellent food, cost $$ to $$$.

Prolly forgetting something, hope this helps some of you with the going on now in la Habana.

Mondo.

ps, for the guy below with the weak stomach, take Pepto Bismol tablets. I usually get loose stools the 1st day and last for a day, gone by the 2nd day.

[HumbleHal]

I've been considering going for a long time, but I've always held back because of all the stories about Cuba being so run down, with food scarcity issues, poor internet / electricity, and such. Also of the 20 or so times I've visited central america and the caribbean, I've ended up getting sick from eating / drinking something accidentally. I have a very weak stomach that gets upset pretty easily.

If you would like worse, go to Haiti. I have been there and got the heck out of there as soon as I could.

[RubberDuckyBos]

Honestly, if I had the same fear as you do I would just stay home and not worry about it. Your anxiety must be through the roof. Wow!

Oh shoot, I meant to say of the 20 times, 10 of them I've gotten sick. So 50% batting rate. I'd love to find a way to lower that percentage since then that makes vacationing there actually a terrible gamble, but again, not sure this probiotic stuff actually works or if its just BS. Or maybe if I keep going and getting sick, it will train my stomach to be stronger haha.

[AmericanPi]

I've been considering going for a long time, but I've always held back because of all the stories about Cuba being so run down, with food scarcity issues, poor internet / electricity, and such. Also of the 20 or so times I've visited central america and the caribbean, I've ended up getting sick from eating / drinking something accidentally. I have a very weak stomach that gets upset pretty easily.

I read online that you can preload with probiotics before the trip to help with this. Is this true or just a load of BS?

If you're that fragile, it's better you don't go. It's not for the delicate and I'm being serious. You need to be comfortable with discomfort.

[MongerHunger]

I've been considering going for a long time, but I've always held back because of all the stories about Cuba being so run down, with food scarcity issues, poor internet / electricity, and such. Also of the 20 or so times I've visited central america and the caribbean, I've ended up getting sick from eating / drinking something accidentally. I have a very weak stomach that gets upset pretty easily.

I read online that you can preload with probiotics before the trip to help with this. Is this true or just a load of BS?

Honestly, if I had the same fear as you do I would just stay home and not worry about it. Your anxiety must be through the roof. Wow!

[RubberDuckyBos]

I've been considering going for a long time, but I've always held back because of all the stories about Cuba being so run down, with food scarcity issues, poor internet / electricity, and such. Also of the 20 or so times I've visited central america and the caribbean, I've ended up getting sick from eating / drinking something accidentally. I have a very weak stomach that gets upset pretty easily.

I read online that you can preload with probiotics before the trip to help with this. Is this true or just a load of BS?

[KingSanto]

I gave her $100 USD because this dude Andres told her I would. She was so pleasant I didn't care and gave her the dough. I know it's $40 over market rate, but it is what it is, these people are struggling and I try to do my part. Supposedly he's going to try to get a commission from her as well, which pisses me off, because he's a nobody and I already gave him $20.

I respect the game, if a pimp as girls then cool, but this dude is not a pimp, lmao, he's just a desperate street hustler. And I know it goes against the code to pay him anything but again I feel bad for these people. How desperate do you have to be to follow a foreigner around for an hour to get $20 USD? I can afford $20 USD and I wasn't about to throw down with this guy because it's not worth my time..

Man they got you good LOL. Both of them; hell even the taxi drivers got off on you. I don't want to sound condescending because at the end of the day. You're happy with your experience and that's what matters. Here are a few tips I would give you:

1. If you have a lot of small bills with you, keep them bundled in pre-counted stacks. This avoids the need to count anything in public.

2. La Nave. Their version of Uber. It keeps you from needing to rely on anyone for a ride home. It's pricier than a normal taxi but the fact that you don't need to negotiate or explain where you're going makes it well worth the extra pesos.

3. You've got to negotiate a price upfront with these girls. Never ask for the price after. You're asking to get ripped off.

4. Tell people like this "Andre" guy to just fuck off and that you have no money to give him from the jump. $20 might seem like nothing to you, but you just rewarded him with a month's salary for following you around. That's how he's going to see it.

I hope the rest of your trip is a peaceful one and that you're enjoying your time.

Best,

KingSanto.

[MongerHunger]

Some people don't know how to operate in Cuba. Any seasoned Vet should know how to move even on a global scale. I guess for some people, intimidation is a Mother Fucker!

[MongerHunger]

Mind sharing the link to this lodging?

Airbnb.com

[Mondo707]

Good intel on here boys. Thanks for everyone who has posted. Cuba is in a terrible place. I cannot believe how negligent this government is. I was at a hotel where they don't cut the power, but moved to an airbnb near the Malecon, where they do cut the power for 5 - 7 hours a day. It's a huge buzz kill and you can't charge or do recon, but it is an authentic experience.

If you have an eSIM phone and get a digital eSIM for Cuba it doesn't work well. You got to go old school and get an actually SIM card FYI.

I want to flag a "pimp" named Andres (lean black dude about 5' 10", beige blazer) who "works" in Avenida de Italia in front of Casa de la Musica, 212 bar and V&S club.

Last night I pulled up in a taxi and he tried to open my door, I had to count an unGodly amount of cash because of the hyper inflation so I told the taxi to keep the doors locked.

When you go out at night you should bring some sort of bag. My pockets were stuffed to the brim with pesos and cigs. And when you pay for stuff trying to keep low bills folded together.

So you aren't whipping out your wad.

When I got out of the taxi he remembered me from another spot he saw me, which was strange, he was nice at first and was trying to help, but then proceeded to follow me around for the next hour. NOTE to all mongers / foreigners, whenever anyone talks to you they just want something, no matter how nice and friendly, the situation is so bad here people will try to engage in the Cuban way which seems genuine but then it always leads to asking for money. It's different here than other 3rd world countries I've traveled to.

This dude would not leave me alone, he kept trying to tell me he had girls for me and an apartment and a taxi. V&S was dead at 11 pm, so when I went in and out he was still there. Outside there were a few working girls and he annoyingly tried to make the intro when I was fine doing it on my own. I saw one I liked but didn't want to pounce yet and wanted to see if V&S was going to get bumpin. So I walked over toward old havana on boulevard de San Rafael, but he kept pointing girls out to me, and strutting around like he owned the place, and this entire calle was packed with dreary locals and if you are put together at all you will stand out. This dude drew way too much attention to me, and no hubris, but I already stand out.

He would not leave me alone, he kept on about his 'girls'. I'm seasoned in this game and did not need this guys services, which I finally told him and asked him to leave him alone. But there's no where to hide or dip into because most places were closing up.

I walked back over to V&S which was still dead with some locals waiting outside, at 11:30 pm. So I went over to 212 which was completely dead not a person in the 3 story building. I told him I wanted to go into 212 alone.

15 min later he came in to 212 and tried talking to me. I told him I was going home and didn't need his services. Then outside I run into the girl I liked and I start talking to her. My Spanish is rusty, so again he interjects and starts arranging a taxi. And I just asked him point blank what his value is and again that I didn't need his services. He told this is his 'area' and he charges $50 USD for the girl, but then I got to pay the girl too, lmao, and the girl gave me a look that she did not know him.

By this time everyone is looking because when a business deal is going down, everyone wants a fucking piece. Finally I was like dude go away and I gave him $20 USD, hopped into a taxi that he arranged, where the guy wanted another $20 USD, so I left that taxi and went to another one with the girl, told this taxi 2500 pesos, and now the whole calle is watching.

This dude Andres asks me for cigarettes and I told him no and tore out of there. The experience with the girl was amazing, passionate sex, chill vibes, we drank some beers and talked.

I gave her $100 USD because this dude Andres told her I would. She was so pleasant I didn't care and gave her the dough. I know it's $40 over market rate, but it is what it is, these people are struggling and I try to do my part. Supposedly he's going to try to get a commission from her as well, which pisses me off, because he's a nobody and I already gave him $20.

I respect the game, if a pimp as girls then cool, but this dude is not a pimp, lmao, he's just a desperate street hustler. And I know it goes against the code to pay him anything but again I feel bad for these people. How desperate do you have to be to follow a foreigner around for an hour to get $20 USD? I can afford $20 USD and I wasn't about to throw down with this guy because it's not worth my time.

So yeah I just want to flag this guy, he's supper aggressive and sad and annoying.

My advice is do not engage with locals right now, it will only lead to them asking for money, and then you got to whip out wads of cash in public. If you are bringing USD, bring $5, $10's and $20's.

This country is in such dire straits that even crime is up in an historically low crime country.

Over & Out.

Hey, sorry to hear about this hustler experience.

Your M. O. When someone uses this approach with you is to stand your ground and politely tell him / her to fuck off.

They're playing on your tourist fear, and they're masters at doing this, unless you stand your ground.

And I know 20 Usd isn't a big deal for you and me but for him it's a lot of money, so spending an hour following you is a no-brainer in his book.

The way to go getting around is using an app called la nave. It works like Uber and you see the cost before hand taking the ride. You do need a Cuban sim card to be able to register and start using it.

My advice if you're here long enough is to walk into an ETECSA office and have one of the gals there install it for you and afterwards tip her a couple of bucks.

At least you got laid and enjoyed it.

One last thing, the places around 1st and 70 in Miramar have lots of action and it's pretty safe. Taxi fare is prolly around 12 usd from your location each way.
Also, to change USD to cup, walking into most small businesses and asking what their exchange rate is, most will quote today 330, which I don't mind since it's a lot safer than going for the street rate of 340. And, if you go this route B4 doing the transaction ask for large bills ONLY, meaning, mostly 500 & 1000 notes, maybe a few 200's


Mondo.

[Romex9]

Good intel on here boys. Thanks for everyone who has posted. Cuba is in a terrible place. I cannot believe how negligent this government is. I was at a hotel where they don't cut the power, but moved to an airbnb near the Malecon, where they do cut the power for 5 - 7 hours a day. It's a huge buzz kill and you can't charge or do recon, but it is an authentic experience.

If you have an eSIM phone and get a digital eSIM for Cuba it doesn't work well. You got to go old school and get an actually SIM card FYI.

I want to flag a "pimp" named Andres (lean black dude about 5' 10", beige blazer) who "works" in Avenida de Italia in front of Casa de la Musica, 212 bar and V&S club.

Last night I pulled up in a taxi and he tried to open my door, I had to count an unGodly amount of cash because of the hyper inflation so I told the taxi to keep the doors locked.

When you go out at night you should bring some sort of bag. My pockets were stuffed to the brim with pesos and cigs. And when you pay for stuff trying to keep low bills folded together.

So you aren't whipping out your wad.

When I got out of the taxi he remembered me from another spot he saw me, which was strange, he was nice at first and was trying to help, but then proceeded to follow me around for the next hour. NOTE to all mongers / foreigners, whenever anyone talks to you they just want something, no matter how nice and friendly, the situation is so bad here people will try to engage in the Cuban way which seems genuine but then it always leads to asking for money. It's different here than other 3rd world countries I've traveled to.

This dude would not leave me alone, he kept trying to tell me he had girls for me and an apartment and a taxi. V&S was dead at 11 pm, so when I went in and out he was still there. Outside there were a few working girls and he annoyingly tried to make the intro when I was fine doing it on my own. I saw one I liked but didn't want to pounce yet and wanted to see if V&S was going to get bumpin. So I walked over toward old havana on boulevard de San Rafael, but he kept pointing girls out to me, and strutting around like he owned the place, and this entire calle was packed with dreary locals and if you are put together at all you will stand out. This dude drew way too much attention to me, and no hubris, but I already stand out.

He would not leave me alone, he kept on about his 'girls'. I'm seasoned in this game and did not need this guys services, which I finally told him and asked him to leave him alone. But there's no where to hide or dip into because most places were closing up.

I walked back over to V&S which was still dead with some locals waiting outside, at 11:30 pm. So I went over to 212 which was completely dead not a person in the 3 story building. I told him I wanted to go into 212 alone.

15 min later he came in to 212 and tried talking to me. I told him I was going home and didn't need his services. Then outside I run into the girl I liked and I start talking to her. My Spanish is rusty, so again he interjects and starts arranging a taxi. And I just asked him point blank what his value is and again that I didn't need his services. He told this is his 'area' and he charges $50 USD for the girl, but then I got to pay the girl too, lmao, and the girl gave me a look that she did not know him.

By this time everyone is looking because when a business deal is going down, everyone wants a fucking piece. Finally I was like dude go away and I gave him $20 USD, hopped into a taxi that he arranged, where the guy wanted another $20 USD, so I left that taxi and went to another one with the girl, told this taxi 2500 pesos, and now the whole calle is watching.

This dude Andres asks me for cigarettes and I told him no and tore out of there. The experience with the girl was amazing, passionate sex, chill vibes, we drank some beers and talked.

I gave her $100 USD because this dude Andres told her I would. She was so pleasant I didn't care and gave her the dough. I know it's $40 over market rate, but it is what it is, these people are struggling and I try to do my part. Supposedly he's going to try to get a commission from her as well, which pisses me off, because he's a nobody and I already gave him $20.

I respect the game, if a pimp as girls then cool, but this dude is not a pimp, lmao, he's just a desperate street hustler. And I know it goes against the code to pay him anything but again I feel bad for these people. How desperate do you have to be to follow a foreigner around for an hour to get $20 USD? I can afford $20 USD and I wasn't about to throw down with this guy because it's not worth my time.

So yeah I just want to flag this guy, he's supper aggressive and sad and annoying.

My advice is do not engage with locals right now, it will only lead to them asking for money, and then you got to whip out wads of cash in public. If you are bringing USD, bring $5, $10's and $20's.

This country is in such dire straits that even crime is up in an historically low crime country.

Over & Out.

[WaltoDerri]

Hi fellow mongers.

Where do you think is the easiest place in the carribeans or South america to have bareback sex with a cutie latina spinner? By easiest, I mean easy like in the Philippines or Madagascar for those who know those places.

Drop your recommendations please.

I had success in Colombia but I do not recommend going alone with the scoping / drugging problem. DO NOT drink with those girls.