Our 8 day, "Classic Cuba" tour with intrepid was unique indeed! It was like a time warp minus Dr Who when we landed in Havana and were driven in to our hotel in a 1950s style car. The hotel itself was in bad need of an update; featuring furnishings from Granny's heyday. After a short tour of the city we headed to the countryside of Vinales. The only accommodation in the valley was home stay, so we were all farmed out with different families. It was a lovely area to explore the surrounding valley. Next stop was the seaside resort of Maria La Gorda where we relaxed in seaside huts, snorkled and drank rum.
Cuba has a government system based on 1st world values but trapped in the 1950s. The rule is the closest thing to modern day communism in our world today. Everyone receives $20 salary a month, staple food, housing, education and health care. They depend of tips to supplement their income and allow for black market purchases. Things are changing now though, recently, the people have been allowed to own their own businesses, cars and houses. We found the locals to be very healthy, content and happy, so there has to be something to this way of life.
TIPS
- Have cash (very hard to withdraw money from atms). Be wary of exchanging US dollars as you will be penalised. Credit cards using US system will not be accepted. Not many places accept credit anyway. Always try to have correct money as vendors don't have change.
-Choose a longer tour. 8 days was not long enough to see what Cuba is all about.
- Don't eat the cheese!
- Tour guide should be able to get most things for you on the black market.
- Havana Club 12 year rum is the drink of choice.
Cuba has a government system based on 1st world values but trapped in the 1950s. The rule is the closest thing to modern day communism in our world today. Everyone receives $20 salary a month, staple food, housing, education and health care. They depend of tips to supplement their income and allow for black market purchases. Things are changing now though, recently, the people have been allowed to own their own businesses, cars and houses. We found the locals to be very healthy, content and happy, so there has to be something to this way of life.
TIPS
- Have cash (very hard to withdraw money from atms). Be wary of exchanging US dollars as you will be penalised. Credit cards using US system will not be accepted. Not many places accept credit anyway. Always try to have correct money as vendors don't have change.
-Choose a longer tour. 8 days was not long enough to see what Cuba is all about.
- Don't eat the cheese!
- Tour guide should be able to get most things for you on the black market.
- Havana Club 12 year rum is the drink of choice.
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