Romantic...sexy...hot. ..steamy... (Cuba)

Member Name: leenewham

Product:	Cuba
Date:	10/09/01 (393 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: You wont forget it

Disadvantages: You wont forget he food!, And havana is smelly!

If your idea of a holiday is to sit on a beach for two weeks, drinking lager and eating fish and chips, dong go to Cuba. I f you are fed up with annoying tourists in unionjack shorts and want to experience another country rather than vist it, this is the place for you.

The people are inspriational, the architecture is amazing, the poverty humbling, the hospitality magical. It's very hot, I went to Havana and the humidity is very high. I stayed at someones house (they rent out rooms to make ends meet) which is by far the best way of experiencing Cuba. If you want to get out of havana, then either hire a car, or as i did, a driver (just someone with a car who wanted to make some money). They came with us and stayed overnightm drove us 200 miles and showed us the sights. And they were great company. And now I count them as a friend.

It's a great place to meet people. Sometimes the constant calling of 'hey my friend, do you want to buy a cigar' gets a bit annoying, but if you are polite they leave you alone. It feels safe too. And it is quite cheap (apart from the drinks...but you must have a Mojito!!).

Dont expect fine cuisine. The food is at best just good. And language isnt really a pronlem. Most people there will want to talk to you to practice their English, or just find out what is happening in the premier league (yes, really!!).

I advise you all to go now before it is too late. It really is like time has stood still. Lots of old cars, people dancing in the streets, music and cigars. Visit Vignales if you have a chance, it's 200 miles away, and some of the campstes are worth staying in, basic but very cheap. The cliff face with the dinosaur mural in Vignales is worth a visit (it's next to a campsite).

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To enjoy your stay more, here are a few tips:

Take some old clothes with you that you dont want and givethem to the locals. If you follow my advice and stay in someo
nes house, then give them cosmetics, clothes and toilet roll etc. It will be greatly appreciated.

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Be aware that the 'friends' that you make on your first day who take you to a bar get a 'cut' from the barman, and the drinks will be more expensive. You will have a good time, just ask the price of the drinks before you start buying them for everyone in the bar!

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Don't be afraid to talk to people.

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The cycle buggies are a great way of travelling around havaba, and you can haggle with them if you want them to wait for you.

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You must go to La Bodega and have a Mohito. Ernest Hemmingway went there and there is a quote of his on the wall. Infact, there are quotes everywhere in this place. Defiantely worth a visit.

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There is lots of history. If you want a guide, just ask someone standing on the street.

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The market near the old cathederal is worth a vist. again, be prepared to haggle. This does get a bit touristy.

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One small tip, I got a flight through www.priceline.co.uk and it cost me £350! please see my review on thi wonderfull website...


I will add more later as my memory kicks in! So come back later!

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