Cuba - Holidays are Fun
In Cuba, holdays are fun partly
because Cuba is an enigma. It is a country with huge
potential - fantastic climate, friendly people, ample
chocolate, rum and cigars; rich architectural heritage - yet
the country achieves perhaps one tenth of its potential.
Castro is on his way out and no-one knows what will follow.
It is assumed that more freedom will result over the next
generation, and more capitalism will be permitted.
Tourists were tolerated by Castro from the early 90's
only to fill the financial void left by
the withdrawal of soviet aid. You can imagine
Castro's fear; that the tourists would talk to the Cuban
hoteliers, shopkeepers and tour guides and tell them about all
the things they were missing out on in the outside world.
That has happened, and the Cubans vary in their response
from paranoid to philosophical.
 See Cuba Soon
"See Cuba soon" many people say "- before it is spoiled by
capitalism and tourists". Get your holidays in - while you
can.
Well, if you like run-down buildings, poor choice of
restaurants, almost no shops, lack of facilities, awful
buses and train services, and hotels which are often damp and
in need of repair then yes, go now! But, if you do decide to
wait a few years it probably won't be spoiled that
quickly!
 I suppose people are worried that Cuba might
lose its spirit; that the small musical ensembles going
from bar to bar and passing the hat will change.
That the occasional spontaneous dancing in the street
will disappear. That is unlikely. Dancing and music is in the
Cuban blood; I doubt that will ever leave them.
And what a joy they are to listen to and watch.
 Havana Or Out Of Town?
Cuba is a city like many others; a few night is enough
for a visit. Explore yourself or, I would suggest, get a guide
to show you round so you see everything. They can also guide
you (hopefully) to one of the few ok places to eat.
 If you then have a few more days holiday, visit
outside Havana; go to a countryside or seaside area and
enjoy the scenery for a few days and nights. Consider the
lush valleys of Vinales in the West, or the beaches of
Varadero just East of Havana.
A week to ten days holiday is a good length of time in Cuba.
So, if taking the long flight from the UK or Europe (a 8-9 hour
flight if you go direct), maybe have another week's
holiday somewhere else in the Caribbean.
The Bahamas, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are all
nearby. Don't think of visiting America on the same trip -
they won't let you in!
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