"CUBA" Cuba by swesn

Cuba Travel Guide: 6,711 reviews and 12,522 photos

CUBA 2003 >>

... +| Part of RTW 2002-2003 |+ ...

One country, three currencies
The land that is Castro and cigars
Crumbling colonial houses
And classic Chevrolet cars

Where everyone is meant to be equal
Every business, state-controlled
Food products, weighed and rationed
Rules and regulations, to be followed

Be surprised by the contrasts
Be shocked by the disparities
Be humbled by their lives
Be touched by their sincerities

... written by trisha

Tobacco field in Vinales

From MEXICO 2003...

My Cuban experience was one of mixed feelings.

I gapped at the colonial houses and 1950s Chevys with the giddy excitement of a child let loose in a toy-store. I was constantly floating around with the thought "I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M IN CUBA!". I puzzled over the disparities between what are offered to the US$-carrying tourists and what the locals can afford. I learnt bit by bit, how socialism is like on this island. I saw what was or was not on offer in the ration shops, Cuban-peso stores and local eateries. I queued with the locals and ate the same awful food and questionable syrup drinks.

Having such an eye-opening experience myself, I could not understand the determined and blatant ignorance of the sun-sand-sea-sequins tourists who come to Cuba for a week or two.

For more photos, please click

HAVANA

VINALES

TRINIDAD

CIENFUEGOS

To FRENCH POLYNESIA 2003...

A smoking 'CHE' and his fan

Also, please travel with my articles at :

THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY
( .. La Habana .. Vinales .. La Habana .. Trinidad .. Cienfuegos .. La Habana .. )

Last visit to Cuba: Apr 2003
Intro Updated Sep 4, 2004
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Reviews (52)

The replica steam train and the observation tower - Cuba

TRINIDAD : VALLE DE LOS INGENIOS Off The Beaten Path (3)

This region used to be the sugarcane plantation region. There are remnants of sugar mills, 19th-century manor houses,... more travel advice

The Caribbean sea at Peninsula Ancon - Cuba

TRINIDAD : PENINSULA ANCON Off The Beaten Path (3)

Peninsula Ancon is about 12km from Trinidad. On the top of a hill of Trinidad, you can see the Caribbean sea... and... more travel advice

HAVANA : CALLE OBISPO IN LA HABANA VIEJA Shopping (5)

Calle Obispo is touted as the main shopping street of Havana. OK, this is NOT Rodeo Drive. Indeed, there appear to have... more travel advice

CASA PARTICULARS Hotels (1)

Best to organise a place to stay in Havana before you arrive. But, for other towns, there are many touts standing at... more travel advice

Transportation (11)
See All RENTED CARS
Favorites (1)
WATCH A CUBAN MOVIE
Local Customs (8)
See All HAVANA : INTENSE DISCUSSIONS AT PARQUE...
Restaurants (9)
See All HAVANA : CHINATOWN

Things to Do (7)
See All CIENFUEGOS : NEOCLASSICAL DELIGHT
Tourist Traps (1)
VIÑALES : MURAL DE LA PREHISTORIA
Warnings Or Dangers (6)
See All FOREIGNER'S SPECIAL PRICE
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Travelogues (1)

Written Aug 2, 2003

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Comments (11)

JessH Oct 17, 2007 at 11:44 PM Report Abuse

Hi Trisha. I really enjoyed your tips and stories about Cuba; my ratings are definitely with you. I hope to visit this beautiful country one day soon! Greetings from sunny Dubai / Jess :-)
PA68 Mar 8, 2007 at 4:52 AM Report Abuse

Enjoyed your Cuba places very much. heading over there in three days time and visiting all the same places. Thanks for sharing!
susanpingu Jul 31, 2006 at 12:54 PM Report Abuse

Very interesting travel page on Cuba - I think I get the most "feel" for the Cuba experience from you! Thanks!
PeterMitchell Jul 26, 2006 at 11:04 AM Report Abuse

I sampled Cuban cigars and Havana Club Rum in Havana in Fall 2003. But, I didnt find either to be superior to my favorite non-Cuban cigars & rum. I'm just as happy smoking Avos or Arturos, and drinking Matusalem or Zacapa.
laney5 Jul 25, 2005 at 6:15 AM Report Abuse

Really enjoyed your Cuba pages- very useful info!
Luisanna Aug 24, 2004 at 9:54 AM Report Abuse

Having many Cuban friends and their stories......it just makes me want to go there....Very nice page....Luisa
Sharrie Aug 14, 2004 at 7:02 AM Report Abuse

U do get around, chinese girl ;-)
manuelEB Feb 24, 2004 at 6:06 AM Report Abuse

Hola!!! TE acuerdas de mi?
AnjaV Aug 2, 2003 at 12:43 AM Report Abuse

Querida Chinita....You made one of the best Cuba pages at VT...You really do understand what Cuba is about!
Umfufu Jul 13, 2003 at 12:49 PM Report Abuse

I agree with Nomada... wonderfull page and showing that your dont NEED pics to make / give good info !