In January of 2017 I had the pleasure of visiting Cuba for a few days. I brought my mother as a late but worth while Christmas present. We just stayed in Havana mostly and enjoyed every minute of the newly opened country. Here are ten things that you need to know before you make the journey to the island of rum and regime.
1: Getting in is a breeze.
In 2016 the United States and Cuba reached an agreement regarding American citizens traveling to Cuba without penalty. Later in the year, airlines started making direct flights from select cities into Cuba.
Fun fact: If you were spotted going to Cuba in the past you could be fined up to 5,000 dollars by the US Government and face jail time.
In order to go to Cuba you need to fall into one of twelve categories. I would call this site journalism (sort of) so there wasn’t any lies being told. If, however, I felt inclined to, no one would have come along to verify. As a matter of fact we obtained our Visas from the Southwest Airlines desk in the Fort Lauderdale Airport with a simple Yes/No questionnaire regarding the reason for our visit.
Tip: If you’re thinking of going to Cuba, I wouldn’t sweat coming up with any sort of iron-clad alibi as though you’ve just committed a double homicide. Just say “journalist” and go about your business.
2: The people are kind.
When we were lost, people helped us find our way. When we smiled at people, they smiled back. Those who spoke English engaged us in conversation. This last one has been hard for me after living in Asia. I am very accustomed to people chumming up to you in English, only to try to sell you products/drugs/sob story etc. Some of this did happen in Havana, but it was not the norm.
Tip: Ignore anyone that offers to sell you cigars. Buy these from a factory or through a friend.
3: The People are crafty
Most people are well aware of Cuba’s old cars and how well the Cubanos take care of them with makeshift parts and true creativity. The craftiness does not end there however. The entire country is held together by odds and ends - like a birds nest with pieces of “this or that” weaving through the fragile construction.
The world could use more of this ingenuity.
4: The food is nothing like other hispanic nations that I have visited.
No tacos or burritos here. Get yourself ready for the national dish - the sandwich. They’re not spicy, they’re not on a tortillas, and they’re undeniably Cuban. There is a lot more to Cuba than sandwiches, but they sure seem to make up a considerable percentage in the average Cuban’s diet.
Additionally, there are plenty of seafood dishes, puffed fried dough, pizza and even Chinese Food with a very unique Cuban twist.
Tip: All of Havana was great, but definitely check out Chinatown (Barrio Chino). It has all of the Chinese characteristics of your typical Chinatown, but strangely lacks Chinese people in any considerable number.
5: Bring TP with you on even the most urban of adventuring.
No toilet seat and no toilet paper are common place in most hotel and restaurant restrooms. This is the case in many countries that I have traveled to, but rarely in an urban environment.
Tip: Buy a roll of TP from a grocery store and bring a sufficient amount to get you through your day.
6: Grocery Shopping is a trip.
Grocery stores are small and devoid of the array of products compared to their western counterparts. Often times they will be sold out of many of the most basic amenities like water, cola, beer, and toilet paper. Each store will also have different products which creates a scavenger hunt of sorts when trying to find all of the items that you desire.
Tip: If a store doesn’t have what you need, there is usually another close by.
7: Have a daiquiri or 6.
The Cubans invented the damn things, so bottoms up! I personally recommend El Floridita. The place was good enough for Ernest Hemingway, so I imagine that it’s good enough for the rest of us. The daiquiris here are not the shitty syrupy sweet slushes that Tex Mex joints try to pass off as the real deal. They are wonderfully cold, tart and delicious.
Tip: Grab a couple mojitos while your there as well.
8: Brush up on your Spanish.
This is not Southern Florida. These people have been largely cut off from English speaking media and people for over sixty years. Occasionally you will encounter some English, but it’s not common.
Tip: Download Google Translate Spanish in advance.
9: Stay up late, wake up late.
Hardly anything opens before 11 am, so why bother getting up early? Additionally, the city comes to life after the sun goes down, and stays that way well into the night.
Tip: Just walking around (one of my favorite thing to do when abroad) is a fantastic way to see the nightlife and feel the cities nocturnal heart beat.
10: Cubans come in all sizes, shapes and colors.
From the blackest black to the whitest white, Cubans are a diverse bunch. If asked prior to going to Cuba what a Cuban looks like, I would have probably said that they resemble a Puerto Rican or Mexican in color. Though this is true of some, it’s far from the standard.
Cubans are as diverse as us here in the USA, and I am thankful for it.
Tip: Just get your ass to Cuba and have a great time