Good Day World!
What’s the fascination for traveling to an anemic third-world country where you can’t even spend time relaxing on the beaches?
Since President Obama and Raul Castro have come to an agreement – of sorts – Americans started lining up for tours of this backward Communist country.
All Americans can now travel legally to Cuba -- with some limitations. Americans still can't simply book a flight and a hotel and head to Cuba.
You'll need to travel with a Cuba travel organization that has an official license from the U.S. State Department, like Insight Cuba and Central Holidays.
And, while your tour may include stops at museums, historic sites, or even the Bay of Pigs or a local Communist Party block meeting, purely recreational activities - like visiting the beach or scuba diving - are prohibited from tour itineraries.
Until and if the remaining aspects of the Cuba travel restrictions are lifted by the U.S. government, tours like these will be the only legal way for most Americans to visit the Caribbean island nation.
Of course, those restrictions don't apply to travelers from elsewhere in the world.
But what’s to see?
An impoverished nation with only 50’s era transportation doesn’t sound thrilling to me.
As for the guided tours, they can have them – I’d rather Google Cuba and check out the photos/videos at a safe distance.
For some reason, the sight of a city full of abandoned/abused buildings, and people living in primitive conditions, doesn’t float my boat!
SOME OTHER THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
If you get in trouble in Cuba there’s no U.S. embassy there to help you. Basically, your shit out of luck!
Your not in Kansas any more Toto! Cuba is ruled by an authoritarian, sometimes paranoid government. Many of the rights you enjoy in America don’t exist in Cuba.
Credit and debit cards issued by U.S. banks will not work in Cuba.
That requires U.S. visitors to carry cash or travelers’ checks with them, which can be risky. And for good measure, once you’re in Cuba, your dollars have to be exchanged for special “convertible” Cuban pesos, a parallel currency to normal pesos that will make your trip extra expensive.
I’d rather go to Hell (at least I’ll get to see friends and family in another environment) than take a tour of Cuba!
Still want to go see Cuba’s Old World charm?
Well Yuma (foreigner in Cuban), avoid Singaos (bad people) and watch your Baro (money) or you’ll end up Bruja (broke)!
Time for me to walk on down the road…