skydancerwi
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Hi Cubalish, I'm from La Habana, Cuba. And there are still many family members there. I stay at the family homestead instead of hotels, like El Nacional, etc. My cousin Eduardo runs a tourist bus which goes to central Havana, from the province of Matanzas. Picks up tourists then takes them to Varadero. But their is one thing tourist are imposed upon to tolerate. Cuban hours ans scheduling change at the drop of a hat...example : Eduardo made a special stop at the family home to pick me up, and all the tourists; mostly German, and a few Italians and Scandinavians were left on the bus. We had not realized that, so Eddy says,'well come on, I have tourists waiting on the bus, so our family was so embarrassed at Eddy's behaviour that they invited every one on the bus to come in for Cuban coffee, and
"medianoches"; a type of Cuban Sandwich. You may run into such oddity or flexibility of doing business. Castro keeps changing the currency, so be sure you know what it is NOW, to take advantage of the exchange from Dollars or Pounds to pesos. Take a lot of chocolate. Cubans love chocolate so they'll do a lot of favours for chocolate. For example taking suitcases to the taxis, etc. The Cubans are very odd about what they consider familiar and what is not.
There are people who play music on the street while singing. Some of these people do it for tips, however others do it because the just like to. So you can't really tell the difference. However if you try to tip he one who is just singing, he'll become very offended, and will let you know it
right away. Some of these street singers will follow you great distances, just because...they are not staking you in any way, they just feel that you may be happier by hearing a Cuban song.
Castro is very tough on crime. so stealing is up there on the list. If a Cuban is caught stealing from you, he is sent to a Cuban prison, and these are absolutely horrid. So people behave.
You'll find the people very friendly and generous, almost childlike at times, because they are so straightforward ans welcoming by nature. However their other side is also extreme. If a Cuban is offended he/she will demand an apology straight away. They are hot and cold people. So you have to read the signs they give you and decide for yourself what is okay and what is not. Every night, there is a great Gala, event, which celebrates the times when Pirates frequented La Habana. So there are fireworks and dancing and reveling through out the evening until late at night. This is at the harbour : La Fortaleza, El Morro. Varadero is a beautiful sea, with white sands. The water a clear turquoise.
Most tourist go there for a swim, great Cuban food and festivities. Cubans will jump at the word "Festivities", because truly, we are all very friendly and love to share. Again though there is a precarious balance to watch for. The Cubans will give you their heart, but will have nothing to do
with people who are elitists, or disregarding of their natural generosity. But it'd be almost impossible to not recognize their genuine heart-fulness. Because they are very frank. Sometimes too frank. And they expect the same in return.
El Centro de la Habana, is wonderful. You simply can not be bored. The island's other provinces are beautiful. but a lot calmer. Quite a contrast from La Habana Propia.
Anything you need to know, a native will tell you, with a sense of familiarity which is amazing. It is not unusual, for a native to walk up to you and ask you"why are you sad, you are not smiling, what may we do for you to change that?"
I have a feeling that Cubans on the island see life, (even though they are really whittled down by the punishment of America's embargo, which is not lifted even now),As one Big Great reason to celebrate. And they do. Even to the point of wanting everyone else to be happy.
All in all, I think you will enjoy the intimate, friendly Beauty of our Island. I just hope you do not run into the bus my couisin Eduardo, drives from La Habana to Varadero Beach, because if you do, expect to have to bear quite a few Cuban eccentricities. And one of them, may very well be, taking an off route which takes you to the Family Homestead, where you'll have to sit for a while, drinking Cuban Coffee, queso blanco, etc. That can really throw off a foreigner. And even if you get angry for this type of FLEXIBLE behaviour, to say the least, nothing will change their minds. Should you complain, they'll tell you : "Pero que con eso, chica, cual es tu apuro?" Which means : :But what is getting to you, girl, what is your hurry?" Then they'll walk away from you, doing nothing about about it!
Well, find out the rate of exchange before you travel, and just enjoy our festive little island. You will have a magnificent time! And as far as the Cuban temperament is manifested, it is very friendly, intimate and generous of inviting you to join in the fun!
Have a great Holiday...I wish I were you. But I'll go back again, I don't know when. "Que te diviertas!!!"
Grecia. |
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