Interest in Castro’s playground has been picking up lately. To assist those who want more info on going, here’s some more information.

WHY CUBA?

To answer that question, permit me to contrast Cuba to other venues.

I tried the Philippines, and found it VERY difficult to score immediately with girls in public. Sure you could go to a hobbybar and pay a barfine to pull a girl out – I tried that. You could also go into a whorehouse and look over 40 girls at once to pick out the one you like – tried that too. What I found was that the session was more about providing service than having fun. Many times the girls had religious hang-ups, or were “shy”, which didn’t really create a very good environment in the bedroom. One HELL of a long ass flight and a 12 hour time difference made this a killer trip too!

Skip to Costa Rica, and San Jose. I had 3 trips to CR, for a total of 26 days. What I found there was better than the Philippines. I liked the latina look. Sure I found some girls that weren’t clock watchers, but my overall impression was that most chicas on the program in CR acted like service providers. I like to session 2 or 3 times per day, and most Ticas like to session for 60 minutes for $50-80. The result? I was dropping some coin to keep the prostate in business. Although Club Idem was my favorite place and only cost 40 bucks, the rooms were small and cramped and the clock was always running…

Rio? Wow – what a place. I’ve never seen such an idyllic collection of beautiful women in all of my life as when I entered a terma. And the there’s very little those chicks won’t do for you either. If you can imagine a sexual act and translate it into Portuguese, odds are pretty damn good that you’ll be able to fulfill your wildest fantasies there! I gotta admit that Rio is incredible from a “sex on demand” basis. Brazil, however, is a pretty closed society to tourists. If you don’t speak Portuguese, it is very difficult to penetrate Brazilian culture and get a Brazilian girlfriend. Crime is of concern in Rio too. Be sure to take a cab at night, look over your shoulder, don’t walk near any alleys and etc… And as for vacation quality in Rio, the traffic, the crowds, the street noise and the crime do very little to help this gringo relax and unwind…

And then there’s Cuba.

But what is the main attraction with Cuba? Session quality. In my first trip to Havana, I did 10 cubanas over 5 days. Better than HALF of these girls FAR exceeded the best sessions I’d had in Costa. Prior to hitting Cuba, the best session I’d had was this one Tica in Playas Del Coco, Costa Rica who was really into me and fucked me into a coma. So with 3 trips to CR for a total of 26 days in country and over 70 partners, THE TOP 5% of Costa Rica was similar to 50% of my Cuban experiences! That, in a nutshell, is why I love Cuba. And at a discount too! I usually pay $30-40 for a chica and I nut 2 or even three times with her over 24 hours. Consistently good session quality at discount prices. Add cigars, rum, virtually no crime or traffic and a very cheap convenient and FAST trip there, and you’ll know why Cuba is on the top of my list.


CUBA – IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?

Cuba. The forbidden fruit. Fantasized over by so many American men. “I’d love to go, but am afraid of getting in trouble”. If I’ve heard that once, I’ve heard it 100 times. Having 8 trips there in the past 9 months, I just have to say stop dreaming and book a flight. I routinely travel via the Bahamas, and have yet to receive so much as a second glance by either immigration or customs officers.

“Yeah but with my luck, I’d be the guy who gets nailed at the border!”

Lemme tell ya what happened last week. On our return flight from Havana, Sandman promptly fell asleep after takeoff. I was exhausted and WISH I could have slept too, but sleeping on planes isn’t my gig. Sandman, however, has more millions of miles than the old Russian jet we were on and he can sleep with no problem. But I digress. With Sandman asleep, the guy across the aisle and I strike up a conversation. He’s a lawyer returning from his first trip to Cuba and he looks NERVOUS AS HELL! “I’m just really afraid of getting nabbed at the border”, he confides to me. I tell him to relax and look calm, but like some lawyers I know, his asshole is clenched tighter then my asshole when a Richard Simmons infomercial comes on the TV.

Sure enough, this guy is SWEATING while going through U.S. immigration. The conversation goes something like this:
“How did you enjoy the Bahamas?”
“Very much thank you”
“And where did you stay?”
“In Freeport”
“And how many days were you in Cuba?”
(Hahaha – this looked guilty before he even walked UP TO the counter, and the immigration lady knew it!)
“Six days. I visited Cuba for six days” he responded.
“You’ll need to see the Customs officer over there before checking your bags, sir. Good day”

That was it! She handed him his passport and asked him to report to the Customs inspection station for a baggage inspection. Nothing else. No handcuffs, no police, no sirens, no jailtime – Nothing but a baggage inspection to make sure that he hadn’t brought anything back from Fidel’s Forbidden Fantasyland. Remember, it isn’t illegal to visit the island, only to spend money there. And if they want to send you a fine letter asking you to prove you didn’t spend money there or to pay an expensive fine, all you have to do is write them back to contest the fine. At this time, Congress has voted NOT to fund any department to pursue the matter further, so your file just sits on the shelf.



HOW TO GET THERE
There are many travel agencies that can help you book your flight to Cuba. These are just two that are very reputable and helpful.

www.cuba.tc
http://nashtravel.com/generalinfo.html

The nashtravel site even has the schedule for every international and domestic gateway that flies into Havana.

http://nashtravel.com/gateways.asp

I suggest getting a temporary reservation your U.S. leg of the flight without paying for it until you get your Cuban leg of the flight locked in.

Both sites have lots of good info on Cuba if you want to click around for a while

If you’re interested in joining a fully hosted tour and going completely legally, you might try :

http://www.salsateachersassociation.org/
http://www.cubaaidsproject.com/

Finally, should you be interested in getting a free round-trip ticket from Nassau to Havana, there is a guy who will buy this ticket for you (a $200 value) in exchange for you taking a suitcase over for a Cuban family. His name is Jesus, and his telephone number in Florida is: (786) 683-6920. (He’s in Cuba every weekend, so be sure to call Tues – Thursday only) I’ve seen this guy several times – he’s quite popular. Never took him up on the offer, but perhaps one day I may.

WHAT DOCUMENTS YOU’LL NEED

To my knowledge, both Mexico and the Bahamas will allow you to enter their countries on a Drivers Lic and a Birth Certificate. You will need your passport to enter and exit Cuba. By using your DL and BC to enter your layover country, your passport will not be stamped too many times, and no record of your trip will exist.

Cuba does not stamp passports – they issue a tourist visa which is kept in your passport until you leave. When they issue you your tourist visa in the Bahamas with your ticket, you have to complete a few more items on it. Specifically, you have to say where you intend to stay. I’ve always written “Melia Cohiba” or “Hotel National” or “Hotel Telegrapho” and had no problem.

On your Bahamian customs declaration you may want to write “In Transit” as your location to prevent them for asking you many questions about your plans.

I could care less about the travel ban and I routinely use my passport to enter and leave the Bahamas. Just to make it fun, I often say to the Bahamian immigration officer “Do whatever you need to do, but if you don’t mind I’d prefer no stamp in my passport”. Better than half the time they don’t stamp. Good luck recreating my travel habits from my passport!

HOW TO GET AROUND
Renting a car is pretty safe and easy around Havana. The travel agents can book it for you and pay for it on your credit card, but most likely you’ll need to bring $200-300 in cash for the security deposit. Look at the age and condition of your car – they have some really beat up old cars there. If you don’t like what they have, ask for another. Prices vary from $40/day in off season to double that around the holidays in peak season.

Driving is pretty simple once you’re in downtown Havana. Just look carefully for streetlights and sign markings – they’re not very obvious.

Having a car and/or a car and driver can be a big help when you’re looking to meet amigas. I’ve never tried Cuba on foot, but if you do, you might find a taxi driver who is hobby-friendly if you ask around.


WHERE TO STAY

DO NOT PLAN TO STAY IN A HOTEL. Most all hotels will not permit any Cuban guests, meaning you won’t be allowed to bring an amiga to your room unless you bribe some guard.

So you will probably enjoy a casa particular more than a hotel. Tell your travel agent what you want. A/C, PRIVATE entrance, your own key, hot water with a hot water heater vs a suicide shower, etc… Most of these travel agents will know what type of casa you want and help you book a reservation.

Once you arrive and check into your casa, tell your host that you will pay one day at a time IN ARREARS, and will stay as long as you AND YOUR GUESTS are comfortable. They’ll know what you mean. You might ask your casa host to stock the refrigerator with bottled water and beer too. $1/bottle for the large waters and $1/beer means he makes .40 cents on the water and .25 cents on the beers. Don’t pay more.

This site offers many casas, but more importantly, it offers a map of Havana if you want to learn your way around

http://www.casaparticular.com/provhouselist.asp?pID=1

WHAT TO EAT

If you eat at state-run restaurants (which means virtually all restaurants), you’ll not be impressed with the food or the prices in Cuba.

I prefer to eat breakfast at my casa. Usually they’ll charge from $2-5 per person, depending on how much food and meat you want to put away.

For lunch, you might want your casa host to prepare your lunch and leave it in the refrigerator for you? Otherewise you can grab a sandwhich somewhere…

Dinner. My favorite restaurant is in Miramar “El Ajibe”. It is a tropical setting and great food for $10-12/person. You may even spot some expensive $100 girls eating there too!

Chinatown has a pedestrian street with many excellent restaurants too, starting at $3 and up. There’s usually some cheaper $30 roadkill chicas lurking around in there too if you want some street action.

Don’t drink the water in Cuba. Drink bottled water only. Batista’s Revenge is real – trust me.

HOW TO MEET FRIENDS

OK now it’s time to meet your cubanita amiga. Driving the Malecon, the Prado, 5th Ave, Lineao, Ave 13 are a good start. If you’re able to speak decent Spanish, try some of the malls and rapidos (fast food joints). The entire island is friendly. If you make eye contact with a girl and she doesn’t ignore you, you’re likely within an hour of bliss.

At this time, there is no risk to tourists for being with a Cuban girl. There is, however, an ever present risk to the Cuban girl for being seen with you. The police are everywhere, and us gringos don’t even realize it. Cubans have eyes in the back of their heads and always know where the police are. If a policeman is nearby, they’ll ignore you until it is safe to hook up with you. To help minimize this risk, be prepared to follow the girls lead.

While on foot

If she ignores you when walking by, stop, turn and look indirectly at her. If she turns onto a side street or sits down, saunter over and see what’s up. Consider asking her for a light, or for directions as a conversation starter so it appears like a normal tourist/Cuban interaction.

In Havana, you’ll see Chulos or pimps without looking too hard. If you choose to use them (I don’t like to), tell them what you want and tell them how long you’re willing to sit there and wait for it. “Flacita Flacita Flacita & Rubia & blanca con tetas grande and culo pequeño or nada” MIGHT get you a thin blonde white girl with big hooters and small ass, or the exact opposite. These chulo jokers are hit or miss at best. $5 is plenty to hit these guys if they line something up for you.

While driving

Get them into your car the best you can without breaking any traffic rules. Where possible, don’t stop right in the middle traffic! Go ahead and block and pull off onto a side street and wait. The Malecon however, has a slow lane where it is largely ok to drive slowly and talk w/a girl. If you don’t get a good feeling with a girl once she’s in your car, just drop her off again.

Be careful in Miramar at night on Ave 5 – there’s lots of crossdressers and tranny’s out. Not so much during the day though!

At discos

The disco scene in Havana is always changing. Some are open, some are not, some are busy, some are slow. Ask around!

Single girls in Cuban discos are there because they want to meet tourists who will take them home and pay them. The aggressive ones will talk money with you before you leave the disco. If you get one who gets home without talking money, you might be lucky to have a sweet girl who is shy. This does not mean she likes you and doesn’t need your money. When they don’t ask for money, offer a gift anyways.

WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT TO PAY

In Havana, $40 is a good average. You can do less, and you’ll likely be asked for more. If you and girl do talk about price and time in advance, be clear about length of time and what services you expect. A good question is “What can we do in bed?” If you hear total, that should mean you’re getting the works.

Many of the girls who ask about money up front will be hesitant to agree to an all nighter. They may want the opportunity to turn you over and move on. The ones who don’t talk money up front are often far more into all nighters.

If you get a great 24 hour session with multiple nuts and you enjoyed yourself, you can settle up for day one and ask about day 2 at a discount. The few times I’ve done this WITHOUT discussing money in advance has been a mistake. It’s always best to settle the tab after the first day so no one gets hurt. 

PS
The ones who never discuss money are the best – treat ‘em right after they treat you.

MY FAVORITE THING TO ASK FOR!

Salsa fucking. Put her on top and watch her grind you for a while. Then just say “Salsa por favor”. When she starts that circular motion, you’re in for a treat. You never forget your first salsa fuck. Doggie Salsa is good too.

BBBJ is the norm in Cuba. Should you encounter a girl who prefers a CBJ or no BJ, just tell her to leave with no money. They will either leave because they are serious about their preferences, or follow directions. Either way, you win.

BEST PICKS

Guys, ask your girl where she is from and how long she has been in Havana. Every so often you’ll find a country girl who has just arrived to Havana to seek her fortunes. You’ll recognize her by the following:

No tattoes
No expensive clothes
No flashy hooker belt
Little to no jewelry
NO CELL PHONE
A full bush

And a somewhat bewildered look on her face. When you find this girl, get ready for some fun 

HOW TO ACT AROUND THE GIRLS

HombreCito wrote Latina 101 guide and it is invaluable – read it and use it. I don’t let a Cuban girl call the shots and nor should you. When they tell you what they want, tell them what you want back! I’d like to quote my friend Sman on this topic:

“I found that instead of resisting authority, Cubanas actually relaxed and were more comfortable and more fun in the presence of an authoritarian male figure. Once I grasped this concept, the Cuban experience was like day and night.”

That said, I strive to keep my times with my amigas very light hearted and fun. Having music playing is a great idea at all times. Bring a cassette for your rental car as most have tape players. Keep music in your rooms. While we’re at it, making your room a refuge is a good idea too. I love to have DVD movies around to pass the time, as well as music videos and some computer games for the laptop. American chocolates and junk food helps. Make sure you’ve got beer and/or rum and cokes (cuba libres) to offer your guests as well.

CUBA AS OF FEBRUARY, 2003

Things have changed dramatically in the 9 months since I started visiting Cuba. The police are very actively trying to control drugs on the island. At least that is the stated reason for their increased activity. Personally, in 8 trips there NOONE HAS EVER OFFERED TO SELL ME DRUGS, nor has anyone even alluded to taking them. Only one time did I see someone who I thought might be taking drugs (and I still bear the scar from that bitch – but that’s another story. You can read “2003/02 AnalProbe - The Daughters of the Revolution (Cuba)”
for details)

So if drugs aren’t rampant, why are the police hellbent on hassling everyone? One idea floated by several Cubans I’ve spoken with is that drugs are an idealistic reason for the cops to wage a campaign against EVERYTHING the gov’t doesn’t like in Cuba.

When the Soviets pulled the plug on the cash to support Castro in the early 1990’s, the economy went from bad to TERRIBLE. When the populace is starving, they tend to think about revolting, so Fidel turned to tourism to bail out his failing economy. With few state run hotels and even fewer good quality restaurants, his island paradise lacked the infrastructure to attract and keep tourists. Thinking fast, he passed a law to allow private “B&B’s” and private “restaurants” so that tourism could take off quickly, and that’s exactly what it did. Casa Particulars and Palladors became an overnight sensation, and tourists had a GREAT way to enjoy true Cuban hospitality by staying in Cuban homes and eating home cooking! Those Cubans who ran these businesses prospered personally too. In a socialist society where everyone is supposed to be equal, what do you call prosperous persons? That’s right - Middle Class Cuba has a growing middle class. MORE than drugs, this new class of citizens threatens the revolution. The cops are going door to door and shaking down the entire country right now. Anything illegal is confiscated;
Satellite dishes, cash, and etc…

Hopefully in a few months this current crackdown will have eased up. If so, it’s more good times. If not, it’s more cat and mouse bullshit before you find the good times!

Guys I’m no expert on Cuba, but will share what little I know in the event it will help. Many people have steered me in the right direction, and I appreciate all the pointers. Feel free to add to this report to keep it real. Thanks.

AP

Fabulous notes,

I'm going to print it and sell them for $15 and use the proceed for my trip....lol

Now, I'm going to fly into Cancun then to Havana. (with my luck) Should I be worried about getting pinched in Cancun or when I arrive back in California?
should I write in transit somewhere in Cancun.

How can customs in Cancun find out I went to Havana? Except eyeing me getting off Cuban air.

CN

Thanks for taking the time to post.

Ceenotes. I'm going to Cuba via Cancun too. I wouldn't worry at all. I know tons of guys that go to Cuba via Cancun and none of them have had any problems. Since it's easy to get into Mexico with only your driver's license and birth certificate you won't have a problem using that.

I hope to go to Cuba via Cancun July 4th weekend. If so, I'll post a detailed report letting you know how it went. Hopefully you go before me so you can post.

Good luck.

You are becoming a Cuba expert. Your beginners guide to Cuba along with Havana 101 were the last push to get me to Cuba after years of wanting to go, and I've never looked back. If a Cuba newbie reads this and your other reports particularly the Beginners Guide he will be armed with virtually all the information necessary to navigate a successful trip to Fantasy Island.

I don't want guys to misinterpret my authority figure comments in your report. Being in charge and presenting yourself as a strong male figure doesn't translate into being an asshole. You can still have fun and treat the chicas well and be in charge. Most of these girls aren't hardened prostitutes they are just young women trying to improve their life, treat them well guys.

Thanks for another of your many contributions.

Get outta here. How could Cuba possibly be better than Tijuana?

As usual LOTS of great information. I wonder if I can connect out of the airport in TJ?

Godfather,

I never thought of using my California DL getting into Mexico.
I know I used to use it when I was 18 going to TJ.
I went to cancun several years ago and didn't see anyone using there Driver's License. BC I heard of someone using and they really look at the seal. But if you can assure me that someone used there DL to get into cancun and most likely I will be going throught Texas where cowboy Bill and Bob always ask 20 questions.

CN

Thanks for posting the notes. It is a great guide.

Enjoy the life,

Moondog

Ceenotes,

I'm positive you can go to Mexico with only your Driver's License and your birth certificate. I'm cutting and pasting below other things that can enable you to gain entry:


Requirements for United States Citizens.

United States Citizens don't need to obtain visa. They just need to present ONE of the following documents at the port of entry:

- Valid United States Passport;

- Original birth certificate, certified copy or certificate of naturalization with photo official identification (i.e. drivers license);

- Voters registration card with photo official identification;

- Notarized affidavit or birth facts with photo identification;

* Minors under the age of 18 and traveling alone or with only one parent or with someone other than parents must have a notarized letter of permission signed by the parent/parents not traveling. In case of divorce, parents custody document is permissible in lieu of notarized letter.

Ceenotes

I have been to Cuba three times in the last seven months. I always enter Mexico from the U.S. on my drivers license and birth certificate (must have raised seal). I enter Cuba with my passport and tourist visa and re-enter Mexico from Cuba on my passport. When I return to the U.S. from Mexico I again use my drivers license and birth certificate. The only thing I would caution is that you need the correct type of birth certificate with a raised seal. Where these birth certificates are obtained could vary from state to state, so you will need to check with the state where you were born. By the way the reason for doing this is so you won't have two entry stamps into Mexico in your passport during your trip, that may be a difficult to explain.

(Message edited by sman on March 11, 2003)

Just some more info, and some repetition: I have travelled to Havana via Cancun a few times. Coming back into the U.S. the first time was a breeze, and the last time I was stopped in Houston and searched like a mule. I was never asked anything about Cuba, however, so I think I just fit the profile because they think I look like a mini-Vin-Diesel wannabe or something.

I once tried to enter Cancun from Havana with a driver's license and birth certificate. The Mexican customs agent insisted that I use a passport. He said that I can only use my driver's license if I am entering from the USA.

If you are flying to Cancun, often you can't get the Cubana flight on the same day that your inbound flight to Mexico arrives. You can take a $4 bus downtown (Ciudad Cancun), get off at the main bus station, cross the street and walk a bit. You will find several hotels from $25-$40/night. I often stay at the Hotel A'Lux.

SD is right on, knows the scene in Havana very well, and his post is very accurate from my experience.

It used to be that you needed at least a 3-day reservation at a government hotel to enter Havana (and still is the case, afaik). They ask you where you will be staying at the customs window, and there is even an agent by the customs area who can be used to book you a very expensive reservation if you don't have one. Every time I have gone, I have just picked a random hotel and wrote it on my little form. Never had a problem. I spoke to others who recently put addresses of casa particulares on their card without problem. I've never done it. I rarely stayed in Havana more than two days.

Cuba is really cool... just don't forget that you are equivalent to a walking ATM.

Hector-"A walking ATM" Shit, that is priceless! Surprised the eloquent AP didn't come up with that one...he he!

sandman

AP...very nice post buddy. I am sure the guys who want to give Cuba a try will benefit from your past experience (and escapades...he he).

You helped me over the first time ropes and I will always be appreciative.

Sandman

When leaving Mexico City to Havana, they asked for a 30 day tourist visa..I should have got one at the TJ border. They also asked for one when I was entering Mexico City from Havana. They claimed the last one was no longer valid because I left Mexico to go to Cuba. The key is to have a tourist visa in Mexico before the flight and have one filled out for your trip back to Mexico. Not sure if this is the norm but they never even considered stamping my passport.

I should clarify that I am speaking of a Mexico tourist visa.

Great Report. For those of you on west coast, you can get to Cuba via Tijuana with stopover in Monterey. Contact Taino Tours in TJ. I lost phone number. On my way there I flew on Rusian Jet from
Monterey. Not Fun unless you get off on amusement park rides. It is my understanding that Cuba has now given Aero Mexico exclusive to fly to Cuba trom Monterey. This means no more Russian jets.
I was pretty much asked to show passport every step of way. The only time I used DL was when driving through US customs at TJ border. I told them I had a great time in Rosarito.

I totally agree about the quality of service you get from Cuban Chica's as compared to any destination I am aware of. Give me some more of that Salsa.

Now what time are the flights leaving cancun for havana(cubana air)? I think there is only one flight leaving a day.

I dont want to do a overnighter in cancun so what time should I arrive in cancun in order to aboard cubana?


CN

Ceenotes
There are 2-3 flights a day using Cubana and Aerocaribe just go to http://nashtravel.com/gateways.asp and it will and it will answer your questions.

Sman

Should I just go to the counter of cubana air in cancun to purchase my ticket for havana or make reservations with someone in the states?

How booked are the flights? I plan on going on a friday and walking up 45 min before takeoff
think I'll get on?


CN

CN: There are a few ways. Two of them are: buy it at the Cubana counter in Cancun airport (it's by one of the doors in the departure section), or use a travel agent if you want an advance reservation. Cubana does not require any CC# or deposit for a reservation, unlike Mexicana. I have used the travel agency Divermex:

http://www.cancun.com/tours/divermex/tours.stm

Their website doesn't seem to have a phone number anymore. Whenever I called, I made my reservations in Spanish. On the day of your flight, you meet one of their agents (usually a guy named Alejandro) at the airport near the Cubana desk, and buy your ticket from him with cash. It usually runs $207 including the Cuban tourist card.

On another page, I found this telephone number. It looks right, but what do I know?

(5298) 875487 or 875489
email: divermex@cancun.com.mx

Don't freak out if the plane fills up with fog shortly after takeoff. It's normal. Old Russian dry-ice A/C or something.

Don't be surprised if random Mexican dudes start asking you about chicas in Cuba if they know you are going. I have met Mexicans that go to Havana for one night from Cancun.

45mins before takeoff? That might be cutting it a bit close... I wouldn't depend on someone keeping your reservation that late. There's always the next day. I personally would rather eat shit than stay in Cancun longer than necessary, though.

Ceenotes
Hector is correct 45 minutes is cutting it way too close.

I have never seen a full flight to Cuba, but there is always a first time. Divermex in Hector's post is a good option. That is who I deal with in Cancun. I have never dealt with them direct, my US agent handles it for me. Their representative will meet you at the Cancun airport and give you the necessary documents about one hour before your flight departs.

Hey thanks to everyone for the additional contributions.

One thing I forgot, and it seems like such an inconsequential detail, but it has meant a lot to my girls. Cubans are NOT accustomed to sleeping in a cold room like we are. At night, keep your room as warm as you can for your comfort. I have NEVER had a cuban complain that it is too hot to sleep, but they will shiver all night if you leave the a/c blasting on high.

Why is this important? Day 2 with a great girl can be especially fun provided she is comfortable and had a good nights rest You'd be surprised how many amigas have sighed with relief when I keep the a/c off at night. Besides, should you decide to spark up another round in the sheets, you'll have the room good and hot to sweat the sheets up.

I miss Cuba. I have to go now, before I start to cry.

Thanks guys,


Now is it the same price if I reserve it and going up to the counter?

I have to find a flight that lands in Cancun by noon or early afternoon.

I have a good deal this time, some guy is selling me a AA GC that's worth $700 for only $300
So it's a tough choice of Cuba or back to Brazil.

Anyone going to be there from 4/10

I think the ticket purchased directly from Cubana is about the same price, or was the last time I checked; however, I did once run into 2 Americans that paid $50 more than I did on the day of the flight.

I will be in Rio from 4/1 until onlygodknowswhen.

Ceenotes
I may be around town during that time.

Any feedback on aerocaribe?

they have a later flights, but have anyone flown them? or had problems


CN

Ceenotes
Aerocaribe is a little more expensive, but a major step up from Cubana. I flew with Cubana twice, one time, the first and the last.
Sman

EU folks fly directly to HAV from CDG & MAD using AF or IB respectively There may be other gateways, I do not know about 'em all.

Cubana Airlines isn't so bad, but perhaps it's just because I found the Soviet jet funny. It was certainly a solid introduction to the Soviet idea of (cough) advanced technology.

My theory is that once the Soviets develop a plane (or car or housing or whatever) that takes off, runs and lands without anyone actually getting killed, that's all they need and they stop development.

I was shocked, though, to find from an aviation web site that the Yakolev Yak-42D I flew was actually developed around 1981. From its appearance, you'd guess it was more like 1951.

I flew from Cancun, so the flight was only an hour. That might have helped my perception of Cubana. The plane leaving from Cancun was an hour late, but the plane on the way back was on time (!). I think this is because they recognize the need for us to make our connecting flights. Come to think of it, the more likely reason is that the planes are based in Havana and they have had a whole night to look them over. Once they're in Cancun, and some bits fall off the plane, it can take time for them to get them fixed. Thus, on time from Cuba, delayed to Cuba. Anyone have evidence to back up this theory?

When you take an "official" (legal) trip to Cuba, doesn't this obligate you to go on the "official" tour? Being sucked into that system is probably a fate worse than death. Even though Cuba has poured millions of dollars into their hotels and luxury tour busses, I never saw anyone on a tour bus smile.

D

Is there in Clubs/Disco in Havana that has music other than salsa. Something more mainstream like House or Hip-Hop, something like HELP, I think I'll start pulling my hair out If I heard salsa 7 nights in a row...
Also do the girls want to listen to any other types of music so I can bring some down.

CN

Does anyone know the exact price of a roundtrip if I walk up to the counter on Cubana air in Cancun?
When you purchase a roundtrip, is it like the states where it has the time when are you returning or is it like a bus ticket just aboard when you feel like it.(just in case I miss my flight in havana, I dont want to pay again)

CN

Rosalia Del Castro plays hip hop and some dance hall reggae..but only go there if you like girls that look like Aaliyah and Hale Berry.

The ticket has a return date. It costs $25 to change this date. I have changed it before at the Cubana office on Calle O & 23 in Vedado (I think that's the intersection), but when I got to the airport I was sternly lectured about not changing it at the airport. That's typical Cuba.

The price you will pay when walking up to the counter can only really be answered by someone who has done it very very recently. I have heard of several different prices. Again, when I have reserved through Divermex, I have always paid $207 incl. tourist card.

hey i am in rio right now
will try to post some responses later
kinda busy hehehe

Blazers-You don't know what you are talking about Amigo. I did not see a single girl at RDC that looked like Aaliyah or Hale Berry....only about 100 of them.

As far as Hip-Hop or Reggae, must have been an off night the two nights we were there. I never heard anything but Latin music the entire evening...of course, we were only there an hour or so before we retired to our casa with a chica in tow.

I did hear RDC is going to be closing in March. Seems there are too many fights, drugs and prostitution going on there. Sad for us hobbyists who like the selection and ease of capture. There will be other places to go though. You can count on it!

Sandman

what up guys Im a newbi to this web site but already Im big time hooked.Im colombian and very fluent in spanish, Just curious if anyone is going to havana any time soon I would love to go to cuba with a veteran.

Damm,

I tried using my buddies NW voucher for cancun in april.
I cant use it because for the month of april is spring break and there not giving any perks.

SHIT!!!!

I was quoted $789.00 roundtrip.

CN

where we can find Adrianna, please

She may be off the program and working full time now. She has been MIA for a couple of months.

Sandman

I can't seem to find Dooshbags Havana 101. When I do a search, I only find reference to it.
So if someone has a copy, please let me know.
Thanks in advance... going to cuba 4/5

At his request, Dooshbag had his reports pulled from the board for personal reasons.

Did the personal reasons involve US Government?

hahaha...no, no US Gov't was involved
rumor has it there may have been a gringa involved

personally, i'm still mourning the loss of Doosh



(Message edited by AnalProbe on April 01, 2003)

Huh? For all his wisdom on Latinas and Cuba, Dooshbag couldn't keep his CH activities a secret from a GRINGA? My own nosy, constantly suspicious, always jealous BRAZILIAN wife doesn't know about CH, and I'm certainly no genius.. and Doosh can't keep it secret from a stupid Americana?!? Poor bastard... ;-)

BS

BTW:
Tip #1: Seperate anonymous email account for all mongering-related activites
Tip #2: ALWAYS clear cache and history after using my Internet account
Tip #3: Never give home address, phone, or primary cellphone info to ANYONE in the mongering world. Use alternates.

Good words BS
I'll add another tip or two...
Tip#4: using Windows XP, seperate your accounts with passwords
Tip#5: if you use any photo or video editing software, REMEMBER to delete any thumbnails of your work. Deleting the pics isn't enough - your software will save the thumbnail of the pics until you clear all thumbnails.

AP:

Yeah, the art and science of not getting caught has been my life-long study... the real gotchas a not computers but the low-tech, stupid stuff - the unexplainable pair of panties in your gym bag (invariably red), the stereotypical lipstick on your collar, and worst of all - perfume! Other women's perfume smell has sunk me more times than I want to think about, suffice to say I always take a change of clothes with me and then shower afterwards when I'm doggin'. It's way easier to explain the extra clothes than explaining "that's funny, that doesn't smell like MY perfume on your shirt...." Somewhere on this forum, we've got to write up a "How to be a DAWG 101" ;-)

BS

Hey, you back from Canada yet? When is the next adventure?

I'm back from Canada, and planning to hit Ireland and Rio again later this month. My dick has an itch that only a garota seems to be able to scratch anymore...

Go ahead and start up the DAWG 101 thread - great stuff! I might suggest it be placed in "The Corner" so as to keep prying female eyes from landing upon it.

Smoked anything good lately?

..And you're planning to find a garota in IRELAND? This should be interesting... Colleenuela. ;-)

As for smokes, my "visitors" from Havanna are sleeping in my humidor, I'm giving them another month or so to rest up from the trip, although the one's I've smoked have been fantastic. I've been dabbling in Cigarillos and Robustos, in the elusive quest for the perfect short smoke. Any good ideas?

BS

(Message edited by badseed on April 02, 2003)

Cuban Cohiba Exquisitos are my personal favorite for a quickie toke. Anything smaller in ring size tends to burn too hot and acrid to be enjoyable.

As for Robustos, again Cohiba wins out for having the best power without the bite.

I have to go now, and begin studying the hobby in Ireland

Best line to immediately stop the inquisition;

"I'll consider your current frame of mind and forgive you for asking the question" Works like a charm (eh AP).

When in doubt,,,,deny, deny, deny!

"someone must be playing a horrible practical joke on me and put those red panties in my gym bag"

"The girl at the perfume counter thought you'd like it. I didn't think so and didn't buy it"

"Lipstick? Damn her, I told that 18 year old mistress of mine not to get any on my collar" Yeah...right!

But then again, some of us don't have to worry about such encounters ...anymore...!

come on guys, there's gotta be more for our married and attached brother mongers out there

sandman

My amiga loves to wear something that smells like vanilla. It has become an afrodisiac to me. Recently she was all over me with the stuff and I carried it home. When the wife started to sniff around and wanted to know why I smelled like vanilla....I quickly pulled out a little box of tic-tacs....the white kind that do have a vanila smell. She smelled the tic tacs, and bought the story. WHEEEW! She never bothered to ask how the tic tacs got all over my shirt.

radioman

Sandman
Words alone cannot describe how thankful I have been for the coaching you've given me. Youre insights on how to respond to a prying spouses' queries have saved my ass more than once! You really should start working on your memoirs so we can all benefit from your lifework

CeeNotes
You asked earlier about music preferences of cubanas. They love salsa, but they also love any pop latina music such as JLo, Shakira, Ricky Martin, Ketchup, and etc... I have an MP3 CD I've burned with approx 60 latin hits on it that keeps their hips a movin' whenever they're with me. Music is truly foreplay in Cuba - they have nothing else but baseball, music and sex.

Badseed
The hobby in Ireland is pretty damn non-existant from what I've read. One thing for sure, if there is ANY irish lass who'll bang for a buck, I'll find her!

Wish me luck
Don"FourLeafClover"Gringo

Radioman:

Now THAT is living life on the edge - vanilla tic-tacs! ;-)

Abraco,

BS

Another great report! You should work for "The Travel Channel"!!

Hey, anyone made the trip from Cuba via Canada?
It's only a few hours drive to Toronto, and I'd like to go that route.
I'd appreciate any tip's on a Canada/Cuba direct.

PL.

UPDATE:

I'm getting lots of emails asking how things are in Cuba now. Mostly from guys who have never been, but want to go. I don't know firsthand how things are in Cuba since February, but more bad news is coming than good. The crackdown continues, and who if/and when knows when it will lighten up.

I am CRESTFALLEN over the demise of Havana as a prime hobby destination. Devestated. Crushed. Heartbroken. Saddened. I literally MOURN the loss of freedoms suffered by the Cuban people under the current crackdown.

I have good friends in Cuba. In my 8 trips there since June, I've come to appreciate not only the beauty of the country, but the resilience of the cuban populace. And I won't even begin to describe how much I appreciate the warmth and fire of the cuban girls.

Those poor bastards have next to NOTHING to enjoy in their meager existence short of the JOY of LIFE itself. When you buy a bottle of rum and a 6 pack of cokes to set up your table with cuba libres at Casa De La Musica, you have a true party. Salsa music and phenomenal dancing. Laughter. Flirting. Magic. This is unlike any other place I've ever been to. Cubans know how to create a good time. They aren't like the rest of the world who turns on MTV and turns off their brains.

Ever spend time chatting with some Americans who are more than 70 years old? Listen to their life stories. Their formative years took them through the Depression and WWII. They know adversity. They appreciate life. More than our spoiled generation of Baby Boomers and Gen Xers ever will. They're some of the finest people our country has ever turned out.

Guess what? Cubans have endured 44 years of adversity without dying to themselves. They continue to embrace the only things that their screwy gov't and failed socialist experiment cannot rob them of - their heritage. Their pride. Their joy.

I've done my share of cuban bashing. The tricks, the scams, the rip-offs are everpresent. But those miserable bastards don't stand a chance of enjoying a decent life unless they relieve a tourist of a few bucks. To them, we're all just walking ATM machines, and they keep pushing our buttons until the money spits out.

When a newbie reads the delicious cuban trip reports, and reads of the crackdown AND THEN asks an honest question about Cuba?, I feel obligated to tell them my opinion. At the FIRST sign of improvement, I will return. For now, I'm directing my sights on my second choice, Brazil, as a 'consolation prize'.

Viva Cuba
May the good times return soon
AnalProbe

For many of us, Brasil is the main prize! Lucky for you, it's just second place.

But, I understand where you are coming from. sf4dfish

this is a way late post on this, but just to add to the discussion of deleting stuff from your computer.

i use one of those programs that deletes files and then overwrites them with one's and zero's however many times you specify.

hope it isn't considered spam to note that i use "ieclean". another one is window washer. and there are some others.

for whatever it is worth.

s.

I am planning a trip to Cuba by way of Nassau on June 6th. After hearing of the creackdown on dissidents and the post above by analprobe, I am still re-thinking the plans. But I will probably go, since I am an adventurous kind, and a little risky (goes with the hobby, I guess). I came across an excellent article posted yesterday in a cuban american newspaper. I am reposting a portion of it below. For the full article check out:

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/05/16/1052885399235.html

A thriving black market developed and the pursuit of dollars became a national obsession. Many teachers, biologists and engineers have quit their professions to take on jobs as tour guides for the tips. Others take advantage of any opportunity to ask foreigners for money. One night, walking down one of Havana's old streets, I encountered a group of Cuban boys, all aged somewhere between five and nine, who were playing bare-chested baseball in a courtyard. It looked like a scene out of a Communist paradise: poor but happy children, playing a spirited game in the streets. As I got closer, one of the boys threw the ball to me. Entranced, I tossed it, but the batter did not strike. Instead, every child on the pitch ran towards me, shouting: "One dollar! One dollar! One dollar!"

On other days, in almost all the streets of Old Havana, I encountered Cubans using the romantic images of their culture to make a few dollars and ease the burden of their poverty. Old women dress up like peasants, in skirts with coloured petticoats, and then sit in the gutter, pretending to puff on long Cuban cigars. Look closely: they never light them, except to blacken the end. They are merely posing for amused tourists, in the hope that some might hand them a buck. In every Western bar, there are old men with 20-year-old, barely-dressed Cuban girls on their arms. In the flea market outside the main tourist hotels, young Cuban mothers carry naked babies against their chests, pleading for tourists to give them some money so they can buy milk.

Fidel Castro does not deny - how could he? - that Cuba is poor and that the people are suffering, but he has always blamed the US embargo, which prohibits trade between the two countries. Indeed, many Americans also blame the embargo for Cuba's poverty and think the US should have engaged Cuba, like it did Vietnam and China, and let the people take care of domestic politics. The problem with this is that Cuba is free to trade with any other nation on earth. It grows sugar, oranges, tobacco and bananas and it has some oil. It is a vibrant, warm, tropical paradise and tourists love to go there. So why, really, is Cuba poor?

"The real reason?" says Brian Alexander. "Castro mismanages the economy. He's only ever managed to make enough to feed people. The idea that the US is to blame for Cuba's problems is just stupid. Our foundation doesn't support the embargo. We think US companies could benefit if it was lifted. Cubans would also benefit, obviously. But the embargo isn't why Cuba is poor."

Perhaps Cuba is poor for the same reason Russians were poor: because free enterprise is banned.

In Havana, young men approach tourists and ask if they are looking for a meal. If they say yes, they take them home so their mothers can serve them a chicken leg, some rice and beans and a glass of rum, in exchange for $10. However, the family is not able to use the $10 to improve the restaurant, or hire a waitress, or expand the menu, or rent the place next door to set up a few more tables, because all these things are banned.

Before he went to jail last month, a leading Cuban free-market economist, Oscar Espinosa Chepe, lamented that Cuba, once so noble, had been reduced to a state with "pockets of fun, reserved only for foreigners".

"We have become a nation of servants who sing and dance at tables for them," Chepe said. "If you are an honest party member, you are poor. If you take your clothes off for tourists, you are rich."

rm

Sad but true.
I would add that it is rumored that the beard is one of the wealthiest persons in the world...

Hi AnalProbe. I was wondering, you had said that you should book your Cuba flight before your USA flight. How do you book a Cuba flight with an American credit card? Also, I can't find any flights from MBJ to HAV for less then 350 (maybe the price went up since you posted this). I know you wrote this a little over a year ago. What airlines did you use?

Thanks for the input
ThaiMar

(Message edited by thaimarauder on April 06, 2004)

The idea is to find a foreign travel agent.
Try calling 877 462 8221.
Good luck, and good living to ya.
Deeg

Hi,
Going to Cayo Coco for the holiday. Have not found recent posting on Cuba. I'm also new to the Club, so any help, tips would be appreciated