However the next ones will be much cooler because they'll be involving sailing!
YAY!
Sunday, March 26, 2017
More about Cuba in general
Cuba is a very artistic country, a nice change from the US where it seems that sports is weighed a lot more heavily than the arts.
Not to be political, but I don't think the US viewpoint is going to improve with our current administration. Somehow, I'm not seeing any poetry jams being held at the White House any time soon. Not to mention live presentation of the Arts. Nope, bowling and pizza parties coming up.
But I digress....
Music is prevalent in Cuba--classical, jazz (of course, jazz!), modern, Caribbean, you name it. Walking down the streets of Havana you hear it pouring from every door of houses, paladares, bars and street performers performing on a assortment of handmade instruments.
Some of the best preserved buildings are the ones that have to do with the arts- we saw the
School of Dance (classical dance, modern dance), a film school and others.
Even the graffiti on buildings has a level of artistry to it, and we were fascinated when we came across a particularly unique piece. They are just tagging a building, they are creating art. Maybe they are encourage to help take away from the decay. I'm not sure.
We were taken to what is referred to as the 'Free Market' in the former train depot. I was hoping more for a locals artisan market (they are around), but the Free Market is basically several hundred booths all selling the same version of things made in China. There were some artists there with paintings, but the rest was jewelry, Panama hats, Che/Castro hats, Tshirts, etc.
And its a bartering set up--groovy. I've never been one to dicker, Tim gave it a shot and we bought a few things to be nice.
Not to be political, but I don't think the US viewpoint is going to improve with our current administration. Somehow, I'm not seeing any poetry jams being held at the White House any time soon. Not to mention live presentation of the Arts. Nope, bowling and pizza parties coming up.
But I digress....
Music is prevalent in Cuba--classical, jazz (of course, jazz!), modern, Caribbean, you name it. Walking down the streets of Havana you hear it pouring from every door of houses, paladares, bars and street performers performing on a assortment of handmade instruments.
Some of the best preserved buildings are the ones that have to do with the arts- we saw the
School of Dance (classical dance, modern dance), a film school and others.
Even the graffiti on buildings has a level of artistry to it, and we were fascinated when we came across a particularly unique piece. They are just tagging a building, they are creating art. Maybe they are encourage to help take away from the decay. I'm not sure.
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| School of dance run by former ballerina |
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| Wall art. |
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| Political graffiti |
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| Film studio. |
We were taken to what is referred to as the 'Free Market' in the former train depot. I was hoping more for a locals artisan market (they are around), but the Free Market is basically several hundred booths all selling the same version of things made in China. There were some artists there with paintings, but the rest was jewelry, Panama hats, Che/Castro hats, Tshirts, etc.
And its a bartering set up--groovy. I've never been one to dicker, Tim gave it a shot and we bought a few things to be nice.
 |
| View of the Free Market (former railway station) |
The rest of the pictures were from the New Year's Eve celebration that the hotel held. Ballerina, salsa dancers, water ballet, drummers from a more modern pop band and old guy who walked into the pool to take pictures and then wondered later how his shoes and pants got wet.
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Museum of the Revolution
....or otherwise titled. "Don't buy the Che Guevara/Fidel Castro hats thinking you are being 'ironic'".
As a Cold War kid and growing up with the stories of the Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile Crisis, it was very interesting to visit 'the other side of the story' so to speak.
The Museum of the Revolution is located in the old presidential palace. It was where the initial revolutionary government was located after overrunning Bautista.
And when you see the pictures: It is completely Gypsies in the Palace.
There was, of course, some artistic license with historical facts. But hey, their country, they can tell the story however they see fit.
In the back of the museum is a fenced and heavily guarded park (only accessible from the museum, but visible from the streets) where pieces of a shot down U2 spy plane (true), Soviet era tanks (this is the tanks that our Great Leader shot upon the USS Houston from), not to be confused with the tank out front which also was the tank that the Great Leader shot upon the USS Houston from. (Fidel evidently hopped his rides alot).
And la piece de la resistance-no pun intended-Granma. The boat that brought Castro and his cohorts back to Cuba from Mexico.
Granma is heavily guarded by military personnel. I mean HEAVILY. Tim tried to work his charms on one of the female MPs, but she wasn't having it.
I highly recommend going to the museum, all of the displays are in Spanish and English and it is interesting to see how Castro is portrayed vs how we have been raised to see him.
As a Cold War kid and growing up with the stories of the Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile Crisis, it was very interesting to visit 'the other side of the story' so to speak.
The Museum of the Revolution is located in the old presidential palace. It was where the initial revolutionary government was located after overrunning Bautista.
And when you see the pictures: It is completely Gypsies in the Palace.
There was, of course, some artistic license with historical facts. But hey, their country, they can tell the story however they see fit.
In the back of the museum is a fenced and heavily guarded park (only accessible from the museum, but visible from the streets) where pieces of a shot down U2 spy plane (true), Soviet era tanks (this is the tanks that our Great Leader shot upon the USS Houston from), not to be confused with the tank out front which also was the tank that the Great Leader shot upon the USS Houston from. (Fidel evidently hopped his rides alot).
And la piece de la resistance-no pun intended-Granma. The boat that brought Castro and his cohorts back to Cuba from Mexico.
Granma is heavily guarded by military personnel. I mean HEAVILY. Tim tried to work his charms on one of the female MPs, but she wasn't having it.
I highly recommend going to the museum, all of the displays are in Spanish and English and it is interesting to see how Castro is portrayed vs how we have been raised to see him.
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| The first of the tanks that Castro used to shoot at the USS Houston. |
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| Interior of the palace. |
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| Many pictures of the Castros, Guevara, Cienfuegos taken from this table. |
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| Presidential office. |
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| Example of the displays |
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| Interior courtyard of the palace. |
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| Hall of mirrors (from former regimes) trying to replicate the hall of mirrors in Versailles. Not in the best of shape now. |
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| Che Guevara |
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| Bautista, Reagan and the Bush boys. See-here's the punchline-we can do this about our presidents ourselves in the US and not get executed. Who's winning that round? |
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| Bullet holes outside the Palace. |
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| One of the vehicles used on the palace raid. And yep, those are bullet holes again. |
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| Memorial to the heros of the revolution. |
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| Stern view of Granma. |
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| Another view of Granma. Big boat, hard to get good pics. |
Friday, March 10, 2017
Havana
So, now that I'm off a) my high horse and b) no longer under the influence of copius amounts of cold medicine...lets get to the fun stuff.
First impressions of Havana. Wow. Yes, much different than US and rest of Caribbean. A beautiful city that has become 'shabby chic' for lack of a better word.
One of the oldest cities of the New World you can see by its architecture the Spanish influence.
It appears that last time any major infrastructure work has been done (major roads/tunnels/etc) is when Americans where there. Since then, the city has been fighting a losing battle in upkeep.
There was a brief stint with the Soviets, but after the Iron Curtain fell, Cuba got kicked to the curb by Russia.
As I mentioned before, you have to be very aware of where you are walking. There could be a waterline project started in the sidewalk in front of you and as our guide said: It could be finished in 2 months or 20 years, who knows? In the meantime, there will be a gaping hole in the walkway with NO barricades and NO warning sides or covers.
Another thing I noticed, and not something that particularly bugs me, but no matter how nice the establishment, women's restrooms had NO toilet seats. I mentioned the attendants being there with toilet paper and to help (plumbing is a bit touchy, more so than the gazillion other Caribbean islands I've been to). So, carrying toilet paper is a must, and if you are particular freaked out, have some hand sanitizer. I never felt the bathrooms were nasty, just no toilet seats.
That being said, more money from China has been coming in and some older buildings are being converted to hotels.
I've explained more in the captions below.
One of the more run down buildings. I think its literally being held together by the plantings.
Even though some buildings are labeled condemned, people still live in them.
We were told that after a heavy rainstorm, sometimes the buildings will collapse because of the deterioration, oftentimes killing the squatters living there. Sad.
First impressions of Havana. Wow. Yes, much different than US and rest of Caribbean. A beautiful city that has become 'shabby chic' for lack of a better word.
One of the oldest cities of the New World you can see by its architecture the Spanish influence.
It appears that last time any major infrastructure work has been done (major roads/tunnels/etc) is when Americans where there. Since then, the city has been fighting a losing battle in upkeep.
There was a brief stint with the Soviets, but after the Iron Curtain fell, Cuba got kicked to the curb by Russia.
As I mentioned before, you have to be very aware of where you are walking. There could be a waterline project started in the sidewalk in front of you and as our guide said: It could be finished in 2 months or 20 years, who knows? In the meantime, there will be a gaping hole in the walkway with NO barricades and NO warning sides or covers.
Another thing I noticed, and not something that particularly bugs me, but no matter how nice the establishment, women's restrooms had NO toilet seats. I mentioned the attendants being there with toilet paper and to help (plumbing is a bit touchy, more so than the gazillion other Caribbean islands I've been to). So, carrying toilet paper is a must, and if you are particular freaked out, have some hand sanitizer. I never felt the bathrooms were nasty, just no toilet seats.
That being said, more money from China has been coming in and some older buildings are being converted to hotels.
I've explained more in the captions below.
 |
| Gutted out building that is being converted to hotel rooms. |
 |
| Beautiful architecture. |
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| The lower balcony is carved with dragons. (A little bit hard to see) You can see the decay on the buildings. |
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| The cathedral of Havana--opened in 1777. Building of the cathedral started in 1748. |
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| Suburbs of Havana. One of the many shells of former houses. |
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| Sign about the 58th Anniversary of the Revolution. |
 | |
| Hullo, John. There is a little old lady that is responsible for John's glasses (they kept getting stolen) So when tourists comes up, she runs up to put his glasses on. She was very cute. |
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| By his feet in the concrete is a Spanish translation of a lyric from Imagine. |
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| The United States Embassy. Crap building but great view of the water. |
 | |
Forest of flagpoles. The story goes that even though we didn't have
diplomatic staff in the Embassy, we still had the lease of the
building. So, Pres. George W. Bush had a ticker installed a ticker
style electronic billboard with messages to the Cuban people. Well,
that pissed off the Castro regime so they installed the flagpoles (with
flags at the time) to block people from seeing the ticker. The ticker
was removed during the Obama administration and when Obama visited the
island it was viewed nationwide in Cuba.
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| The capitol building. |
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| The government complex. This was shut down while we were there because they were getting ready for the Anniversary celebrations. |
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| The famous Hotel Nacional. Lots of history there including the 'mobster era'. |
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| Whassup, Vlad! In the bar at the Hotel Nacional. Not something you'd find in the USA. ;-) |
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| Our taxi for our tour of Havana. |
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| Hey, 92 miles THAT way is my BOAT! |
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Even though some buildings are labeled condemned, people still live in them.
We were told that after a heavy rainstorm, sometimes the buildings will collapse because of the deterioration, oftentimes killing the squatters living there. Sad.
 |
| Walking down the Paseo del Prado. Local artists set up on the sides and there are paladares to grab a bite to eat. |
Monday, January 23, 2017
Travel advice
For Cuba mostly, but good general advice all around.
You are traveling to a foreign country. BE RESPECTFUL. News flash, people-there is a pretty harsh stereotype that the world has about the US. Don't believe me? Do some research.
Don't be trying to tell the Cubans how the American economic/political/whatever system is so much better. If you are talking to fellow Americans, don't lament loudly of whatever it is you disapprove of. And yes, I observed that happening. Guess what, you might not speak Spanish, but a good majority of Habaneros speak very, very, very good English. They can HEAR YOU. Don't be rude.
Avoid dressing too flashy--avoid copious amount of jewelry/expensive watches/etc. Remember the average person's salary is under $50/month. Don't make yourself a target.
CURRENCY
There are two forms of currency in Cuba. The 'tourist' currency is the CUC (pronounced kook) which is the Cuban Convertible peso. They exchange this for $1 USD to 1 CUC --with a 10% 'service' fee. The other currency is the Moneda Nacional or CUP (pronounced coop), tourists are discouraged to use this currency. There are plans to get rid of the CUC since it is a tourist money only and return to solely using the Cuban peso.
U.S. credit cards DO NOT WORK. I was dumbfounded on how many people just assumed they would. What? Did you not do some reading before visiting a country we still have an embargo on?
That being said, you are working on a cash transaction base now. Plan accordingly. Budget your trip. You can exchange money right at the airport outside arrivals. You can exchange money at the hotel also. AND if you are brave and know somebody, you can exchange money on the black market for the best rates. What this entails is a special trip to somebody's house where you give them your greenback and you hope to hell you are getting valid CUC in return.
We went through a Canadian tourist agency and booked our hotel through them and they charged our card with Canadian dollars. We didn't want any confusion when we arrived. They gave us a voucher that we just presented at check in--super easy.
Our hotel would accept Traveler's cheques to exchange, but they charged an extra 10% for that privilege.
Food/beverage is fairly cheap in Cuba so you won't have to worry about that being a big expenditure.
BE PREPARED
After hearing stories from fellow travellers, I would avoid trying to book through Air BnB or such places-a few people got scammed. Besides hotels, there are what is known as Casa Particulares. Private homes that you can rent a room out of. Not quite what we view as a bed and breakfast, but you are literally renting somebody's spare bedroom.
If you chose to go this route, try to arrange beforehand for somebody to pick you up from your Casa Particular. If you ask a taxi driver, there's a chance that he won't be 'able' to find what you arranged, but he can set you up with sister/friend/cousin's house that is 'much nicer'. Everybody is out to make a buck here, be prepared.
Also, bring paper products such as tissues/toilet paper/wet wipes. There seems to be a constant shortage in public restrooms, more on that later. Almost all restrooms have an attendant, so have change for a tip - it is expected.
Roads and sidewalks are in dubious shape. Wear practical, comfortable shoes and ALWAYS be aware of where you are walking. Any parading around with your selfie stick and you will most likely wind up in a 10 foot hole that has been left in the middle of the walkway. They don't put barricades or warnings up a majority of the time.
Most of all--ENJOY. The people are lovely, as fascinated by Americans as we are of them. They realize that Americans the people are not Americans the politics, and mutual curiosity make for some great conversations.
You are traveling to a foreign country. BE RESPECTFUL. News flash, people-there is a pretty harsh stereotype that the world has about the US. Don't believe me? Do some research.
Don't be trying to tell the Cubans how the American economic/political/whatever system is so much better. If you are talking to fellow Americans, don't lament loudly of whatever it is you disapprove of. And yes, I observed that happening. Guess what, you might not speak Spanish, but a good majority of Habaneros speak very, very, very good English. They can HEAR YOU. Don't be rude.
Avoid dressing too flashy--avoid copious amount of jewelry/expensive watches/etc. Remember the average person's salary is under $50/month. Don't make yourself a target.
CURRENCY
There are two forms of currency in Cuba. The 'tourist' currency is the CUC (pronounced kook) which is the Cuban Convertible peso. They exchange this for $1 USD to 1 CUC --with a 10% 'service' fee. The other currency is the Moneda Nacional or CUP (pronounced coop), tourists are discouraged to use this currency. There are plans to get rid of the CUC since it is a tourist money only and return to solely using the Cuban peso.
U.S. credit cards DO NOT WORK. I was dumbfounded on how many people just assumed they would. What? Did you not do some reading before visiting a country we still have an embargo on?
That being said, you are working on a cash transaction base now. Plan accordingly. Budget your trip. You can exchange money right at the airport outside arrivals. You can exchange money at the hotel also. AND if you are brave and know somebody, you can exchange money on the black market for the best rates. What this entails is a special trip to somebody's house where you give them your greenback and you hope to hell you are getting valid CUC in return.
We went through a Canadian tourist agency and booked our hotel through them and they charged our card with Canadian dollars. We didn't want any confusion when we arrived. They gave us a voucher that we just presented at check in--super easy.
Our hotel would accept Traveler's cheques to exchange, but they charged an extra 10% for that privilege.
Food/beverage is fairly cheap in Cuba so you won't have to worry about that being a big expenditure.
BE PREPARED
After hearing stories from fellow travellers, I would avoid trying to book through Air BnB or such places-a few people got scammed. Besides hotels, there are what is known as Casa Particulares. Private homes that you can rent a room out of. Not quite what we view as a bed and breakfast, but you are literally renting somebody's spare bedroom.
If you chose to go this route, try to arrange beforehand for somebody to pick you up from your Casa Particular. If you ask a taxi driver, there's a chance that he won't be 'able' to find what you arranged, but he can set you up with sister/friend/cousin's house that is 'much nicer'. Everybody is out to make a buck here, be prepared.
Also, bring paper products such as tissues/toilet paper/wet wipes. There seems to be a constant shortage in public restrooms, more on that later. Almost all restrooms have an attendant, so have change for a tip - it is expected.
Roads and sidewalks are in dubious shape. Wear practical, comfortable shoes and ALWAYS be aware of where you are walking. Any parading around with your selfie stick and you will most likely wind up in a 10 foot hole that has been left in the middle of the walkway. They don't put barricades or warnings up a majority of the time.
Most of all--ENJOY. The people are lovely, as fascinated by Americans as we are of them. They realize that Americans the people are not Americans the politics, and mutual curiosity make for some great conversations.
Friday, January 20, 2017
Travelling to Cuba (by plane)
This is mostly just FYI for anybody that might be interested in travelling to Cuba.
Information is valid as of 12/29/16. Take note that it is changing rapidly and constantly.
By plane:
You must have a valid passport. No wink-wink-nudge-nudge. THEY ARE GOING TO STAMP IT. There seems to still be a lot of opinions still out there about US passports.
You will need a Visa card, there are places that will sell you them online, but it will cost up to and over $100 USD after you add all the processing fees.
We flew Southwest from Florida and they check in the Cuba flights down in the baggage claim area. There are two stops you have to make. First, you must get the Visa. They verify your flight information (you do not have to have your boarding pass, they have the information on flights at the desk) It was $50 USD per person with a valuble warning. DO NOT MESS UP FILLING OUT THE VISA. If you do-boom. Another $50 to get a new visa.
After that you can go check into your flight, this is when you have to answer to the OFAC question of why you are travelling to Cuba. The most common answer will be for Educational and Person to Person contact. It is the same box.
Also, it is highly advisable to keep track of where you have visited and any receipts because you can be investigated up to 5 years after by our State Department. Remember, there is still an embargo in place.
Make sure your boarding pass is stamped that documentation and questioning has been done. You will also receive a health declaration to fill out to make sure you aren't not carrying any communicable diseases.
There has also been debate about travel health insurance. Southwest assured us that health insurance (required by Cuba) is included in the price of the ticket and to keep your boarding pass with you as proof of insurance. No, I'm being serious here.
Here is something else that was advised to us and I will share. CARRY ON LUGGAGE ONLY. It can take up to 3 hours to get your checked luggage once you arrive in Cuba. If it isn't shrink wrapped--the contents of it will also most likely be gone. There is a person by the check in counter that will shrink wrap and label your bags for $15 a pop.
Once we arrived in Cuba it was smooth sailing. We breezed through customs/immigration in record time.
In April we will be sailing to Cuba. At that time I will post the requirement/process for that.
Information is valid as of 12/29/16. Take note that it is changing rapidly and constantly.
By plane:
You must have a valid passport. No wink-wink-nudge-nudge. THEY ARE GOING TO STAMP IT. There seems to still be a lot of opinions still out there about US passports.
You will need a Visa card, there are places that will sell you them online, but it will cost up to and over $100 USD after you add all the processing fees.
We flew Southwest from Florida and they check in the Cuba flights down in the baggage claim area. There are two stops you have to make. First, you must get the Visa. They verify your flight information (you do not have to have your boarding pass, they have the information on flights at the desk) It was $50 USD per person with a valuble warning. DO NOT MESS UP FILLING OUT THE VISA. If you do-boom. Another $50 to get a new visa.
After that you can go check into your flight, this is when you have to answer to the OFAC question of why you are travelling to Cuba. The most common answer will be for Educational and Person to Person contact. It is the same box.
Also, it is highly advisable to keep track of where you have visited and any receipts because you can be investigated up to 5 years after by our State Department. Remember, there is still an embargo in place.
Make sure your boarding pass is stamped that documentation and questioning has been done. You will also receive a health declaration to fill out to make sure you aren't not carrying any communicable diseases.
There has also been debate about travel health insurance. Southwest assured us that health insurance (required by Cuba) is included in the price of the ticket and to keep your boarding pass with you as proof of insurance. No, I'm being serious here.
Here is something else that was advised to us and I will share. CARRY ON LUGGAGE ONLY. It can take up to 3 hours to get your checked luggage once you arrive in Cuba. If it isn't shrink wrapped--the contents of it will also most likely be gone. There is a person by the check in counter that will shrink wrap and label your bags for $15 a pop.
Once we arrived in Cuba it was smooth sailing. We breezed through customs/immigration in record time.
In April we will be sailing to Cuba. At that time I will post the requirement/process for that.
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