Is cuba worth it?

Hello hedo world..

Hope all is well. Happy New years!! While at hedo 3 I met 2 couples.. both were canadian and both have gone to cuba. Now as an American I am unable to leave from America to go to cuba. Most people, actually everyone i spoke to says fly to canada and then to cuba. This make me nervous. If a plane has to make an emergency landing in the US, I am screwed, am I not? I was told I could lose my teaching certifications.

Now I come up with a plan.. kinda. Go from JFK to montego Bay, then montego to cuba. If there is bad weather what are the chances the plane could be diverted to America? Both tickets together would cost me 800.00 round trip. Thats not bad. I never seen cuba as a vacationing spot- but apparently it is. I would loveee to go.

has anyone who is AMERICAN, gone to cuba-- if soo how did you do it? And is it worth the money? How much money would we be talking about? Not looking to get personal I am just curious.

This would be great if people could answer this post. Thanks all:scuba:

haven't been but I'm guessing you might have some visa problems getting into Cuba if your American....I know several countries wont let us in

You guys can go to Cuba no problems. Americans and the $$$ are welcomed in Cuba although you will have to "convert" them to the Cuban Covertable at a rate of 0.9.

Cuba is a fantastic country and we have been there many times. You can also fly via the Cayman Islands www.caymanairways.com and have a twin center vacation.

Havana is great for 4 or 5 days for the culture but Varadero and some of the hotels on the coast have the best beaches in the world.

Americans are not allowed into Cuba because of the embargo, its illegal. But- i was just told that Americans can go through cuban immigration and NOT have a visa stamped. as if you never went there to being with. I hear amazing beaches, horriable food

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Originally Posted by youtalkin2me

Americans are not allowed into Cuba because of the embargo, its illegal. But- i was just told that Americans can go through cuban immigration and NOT have a visa stamped. as if you never went there to being with. I hear amazing beaches, horriable food

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Superclubs manages two resorts in Cuba:
Amazing Beaches
Friendly people
Good Caribbean/Latin food
Awesome (professional level) entertainment
Premium booze/no Ganja!
Very inexpensive
Leave the resort and feel totally safe going anywhere in the nearby villages or cities
Many Canadian/European tourists
Awesome for a low-key vacation for Canadians/Europeans on a budget

cuba is a great country to visit the people are very appreciative of americans. i agree the food is terrible but you will never ever find a better mojito. the National hotel in Havana is the place to stay for culture etc but it is kindof run down. getting in and out of the country is no problem and they never would stamp your passport. remember you will have to have cash for everything. it is pretty cheap but you will spend all of what you take. i highly recommend going for 3-4 days. after that you may want to get back to mexico or a resort.
to make hotel reservations you may have to go thru a canadian or mexican travel agent.

There are so many great places to see within the same distance as Cuba. I can't see why anyone would want to go and help support Castro and his cronie's. He is a murdering dictator. Spend your money elsewhere.

Hey ....... We are Canadians ........ We went to a wedding in Caya Cocco 3 years ago...the airports are very militant, their security had no visible guns, but their looks were enough to keep people honest. The beaches are beautiful powdery sand for miles, the food was terrible, the staff was excellent and put on professional shows at night. We were at an adults only resort but very quiet, place was deserted by 11 p.m. We are party people so it was to quiet for us. Didn't make it to main land, was 2 hour drive plus had to go through customs again. As Canadians our passports were not stamped either, something about not being able to go to U.S.A for 6 months after being to Cuba if passport was stamped. Very cheap out of Canada, 400$ to 7004 all inclusive for a 5 star for 1 week flight included. Would return but to Veradero

In regards to tbone... I have no problems witht he cubans. To be honest.. America started most of the problems but I digress. I heard from the canadian couples that cuba has the best beaches they seen. I been to jamaica and paradise island, isn't mexico and turks and caicos ultimately the same? I meen the best i seen is St. Thomas and it was mucho money. Cuba is cheap and has a lot of culture to it, especially havana. To those who went-- IS IT WORTH IT? or is it the same as every other Caribbean country?

Are there topless or nude beaches/resorts in Cuba?

I have personally been to Cuba and we did a week there and I was disappointed to say the least...I haven't done much travelling but it was sooo not worth it. yes the people were friendly enough but I found that I actually got bored there. And the reosrt was dead by 10:00 most nights plus the weather was awful (not Cuba's fault obviously) but when the weather was bad there was nothing to do...couldn't go swimming half the time because of jelly fish (again not cuba fault) and to pool was too cold plus it was 1/2 hr to the nearest town...not the place for me but someone else could verywell have a blast there...Havana is wonderful...I wish we spent more time there

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Originally Posted by SXMCOLover

Are there topless or nude beaches/resorts in Cuba?

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There is an island off the coast of Cuba called Cayo Largo (still owned by Cuba...has it's own airport tho) Many nudists on the beaches. I do not think nude sunbathing is allowed on mainland Cuba...definitely not allowed in Varadero. I was not impressed with Varadero...nice beach but lousy food, but LOVED Cayo Largo! The beaches there are unlike anything in the Caribbean. They are very arrid and rather 'ugly' at first because they don't have traditional palm trees. But they have these little rocky coves all along the beach. Hard to explain. If you give me your email I will send you pics and answer any questions you have on Cuba.

PS. Cubans have no problem with American travellers. It is U.S. that has the problem with you supporting Cuba with your tourism. They need tourism and will welcome you. You will be surprised at how well educated the Cuban people are. They are not brainwashed by Castro like you are told they are!

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Originally Posted by youtalkin2me

In regards to tbone... I have no problems witht he cubans. To be honest.. America started most of the problems but I digress. I heard from the canadian couples that cuba has the best beaches they seen. I been to jamaica and paradise island, isn't mexico and turks and caicos ultimately the same? I meen the best i seen is St. Thomas and it was mucho money. Cuba is cheap and has a lot of culture to it, especially havana. To those who went-- IS IT WORTH IT? or is it the same as every other Caribbean country?

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I have a problem with murderous COMMUNIST DICTATORS, not the people of Cuba who are the victims.

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Originally Posted by brightlights

There is an island off the coast of Cuba called Cayo Largo (still owned by Cuba...has it's own airport tho) Many nudists on the beaches. I do not think nude sunbathing is allowed on mainland Cuba...definitely not allowed in Varadero. I was not impressed with Varadero...nice beach but lousy food, but LOVED Cayo Largo! The beaches there are unlike anything in the Caribbean. They are very arrid and rather 'ugly' at first because they don't have traditional palm trees. But they have these little rocky coves all along the beach. Hard to explain. If you give me your email I will send you pics and answer any questions you have on Cuba.

PS. Cubans have no problem with American travellers. It is U.S. that has the problem with you supporting Cuba with your tourism. They need tourism and will welcome you. You will be surprised at how well educated the Cuban people are. They are not brainwashed by Castro like you are told they are!

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I'm not TOLD anything by my government. I have eyes and common sense. Again, I don't have a problem with the people, in fact I feel sorry for them. I have a problem with Castro.

Here is why I would never go to Cuba and support that bastard and why Hollywood freakshow, Castro lovers like Sena Penn should move there and never come back.

http://www.therealcuba.com/page5.htm

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Originally Posted by tbone69

I have a problem with COMMUNIST DICTATORS, not the people of Cuba who are the victims. America started the problems? You don't know your history. I suppose Castro is your hero too.

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Actually, the problem is mainly between the Cuban Americans in Miami who lost alot of their wealth during the revolution and Castro. The Cuban people know that their system is far from perfect but capitalism also didn't fare them too well either!

Meanwhile, don't think a Hedo website is the best place to have this debate!!! Lol .

Presumably T bone was one of the 17 people who voted for this guy

http://politicalhumor.about.com/libr...bushresume.htm

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Originally Posted by A+J

Presumably T bone was one of the 17 people who voted for this guy

http://politicalhumor.about.com/libr...bushresume.htm

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You are going to compare Castro to Bush? Don't waste my time or anyone else's! Good God!

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Originally Posted by A+J

Presumably T bone was one of the 17 people who voted for this guy

http://politicalhumor.about.com/libr...bushresume.htm

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And because I oppose a murderous dictator, I MUST be a Bush supporter.
You are an IDIOT. Stay in Europe.

Hmmm...so in answer to your original question, Youtalkin2me, Cuba has beautiful beaches, wonderful people, lousy food and, as you can see, a very tumultuous political landscape!!!

If you have the desire...go...enjoy...and make up your own mind. Anyone can send you links, pro or con, fact or fiction, credible or propoganda--bottom line is we all make our own judgments based on our experiences and choices.

Let's face it...the fact that we are all on this Hedo board would have a lot of people calling us all sorts of nasty names.

Can't we all just get along???

I never understood the whole Cuba politics thing. Cubans are nice people and they have a nice *CATHOLIC* country. America (unfortunately) has failed to overthrow Castro, so the old fox and his brother will die of old age soon and that will be the end of it. Old age will accomplish what years of attempting to starve out Cubans was supposed to do. The crazy Spanish are dotting the coast of Cuba with CAPITALIST ventures and corrupting the Cubans with non-communist ideas. Good for them go CAPITALISM.

** Non-Philosopers please stop reading now or at least start drinking (and singing the Monty Python "Philosophers Song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_WRFJwGsbY " **

For the more philosophical amongst you (I know there are some of you) I think it comes down to Maslow's Hierarchy of needs. *After* the basic needs are taken care of people start to think more and more about things like freedom and self expression. For example the, unfortunate people of Haiti are not marching in the streets for freedom of the press and self expression right now. You can not starve people into democracy; they want it naturally *after* they have food, shelter and security. Starving, desperate people will follow orders from anyone who gives them a paycheck and a gun. This caused us problems in Iraq and continues to bedevil us in Afghanistan. First full bellies, security and paychecks, then Democracy talk... it just plain gets better results. We have learned so much the last ten years, sometimes painfully. But I think that we are becoming much more effective at spreading Democracy.

Anyway, here is a link for *philosophers only*

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow'...archy_of_needs

I know we really look forward to a week of relaxing at Hedo Kama Sutra and taking care of our most basic primitive needs :)

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Originally Posted by SXMCOLover

Are there topless or nude beaches/resorts in Cuba?

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last year we stayed in Varadero.Mrs sunnysideup69 was topless the whole week ,along with many other Canadians and Europeans ,never a problem. Beaches, resort, people were all great.Food was good but not great(kinda bland).There is a restaurant in Varadero called El Ranchero ,for 20$ you get 3 lobster tails, shrimp and fillet mignon with all the fixins PLUS all the mojitos you can drink with live Cuban entertainment.We will likely go back this year and would highly recommend the trip.

Ok here is what I dont like and i been seeing a lot of it. In regards to offshore, in his comments that I dont have great grammar. Im not really paying attention to how I type on a nudist forum. second of all lets act like adults and not talk negative about people unless you are standingface to face with them. If i wanted to have an argument, Id be standing in front of my 9th grade class.

Everyone else.. i am glad you all have opinions on gov't. but does it really matter here?? I just asked if cuba was worth it. Now can we all act like adults and not pick fights against people who we will probably never meet or know anything about.

PS: Offshore-- when you look like you do, I wouldn't make fun of ANYBODY. FYI

and please... put pants on

A couple of pictures...simple, rugged shoreline of Cayo Largo...the rocky coves provide little corners of privacy. You can walk miles and miles of pristine beaches but, as you can see, not the normal topograpy of the Caribbean.

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Originally Posted by jcg

For the more philosophical amongst you (I know there are some of you) I think it comes down to Maslow's Hierarchy of needs. *After* the basic needs are taken care of people start to think more and more about things like freedom and self expression. First full bellies, security and paychecks, then Democracy talk... it just plain gets better results. We have learned so much the last ten years, sometimes painfully. But I think that we are becoming much more effective at spreading Democracy.

Anyway, here is a link for *philosophers only*

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow'...archy_of_needs

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JCG....I find it a bit sad that Maslow thinks that the need for personal resources, and property comes before morality, lack of prejudice and respect for others. Don't you think that, with the latter traits, we could help each other to achieve personal resources and property? Perhaps that is where the difference between capitalism vs. socialism/communism--or even Western religions versus Buddhism--comes into play; i.e. how one "builds" his/her hierarchy pyramid?

I apologize for using this venue to respond, JCG...maybe I should have sent a private message...but very interesting indeed--thanks for that.

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Originally Posted by brightlights

JCG....I find it a bit sad that Maslow thinks that the need for personal resources, and property comes before morality, lack of prejudice and respect for others. Don't you think that, with the latter traits, we could help each other to achieve personal resources and property? Perhaps that is where the difference between capitalism vs. socialism/communism--or even Western religions versus Buddhism--comes into play; i.e. how one "builds" his/her hierarchy pyramid?

I apologize for using this venue to respond, JCG...maybe I should have sent a private message...but very interesting indeed--thanks for that.

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It's not that Maslow was against heroism. He just felt that expending energy on the higher needs without access to the basics, such as shelter/food/sex was not going to be productive. I think it was Napoleon who said "An army marches on i'ts stomach". He understood that in order to motivate people he had to meet their basic needs first and foremost, then light a fire in their hearts with appeals to "higher motives" beyond that.

Note that Hedo has the first and second tiers totally covered (lodging, food SEX, security and SEX)...did I mention sex twice, oh well I am desperately trying to stay on topic :)

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Originally Posted by jcg

. I think it was Napoleon who said "An army marches on i'ts stomach". He understood that in order to motivate people he had to meet their basic needs first and foremost, then light a fire in their hearts with appeals to "higher motives" beyond that.

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OMG, I just realized something, JCG. It's like men vs. women!!! Forget Commies and Buddhists and all this philosophical mumbo-jumbo....it's the Venus vs. Mars thing. You men are completely happy once your bellies and sexual appetites are satiated whereas us women tend to reach for the higher meaning and emotions within a relationship!!! I always knew we were the higher evolved species and now you have just proven it to me!

Who would have thought this board would be so enlightening!

P.S. I get it, JCG...just stirring up the pot. It's part of my charm!

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Originally Posted by brightlights

A couple of pictures...simple, rugged shoreline of Cayo Largo...the rocky coves provide little corners of privacy. You can walk miles and miles of pristine beaches but, as you can see, not the normal topograpy of the Caribbean.

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Am I allowed to say the pictures were pretty or do I have to say something smart and philosophical? If Cuba ever opened up and they put a Hedo at a place like that, we'd be there.

I have been to Cuba 4 times.

Varadero, Guardalavaca x2 and Cayo Coco.

It is a beautiful country and the people there are wonderful and well educated. The food was alright, nothing spectacular.

The night life is a nothing like you would find in Jamaica with the exception of Havana.

I am Canadians and have seen Americans on my plane ride over.

It is worth a look if you enjoy seeing the world.

Varadero was my least favourite of the locations visited.

JulieD

Is there such a thing as tours one can take once in Cuba? I have always wanted to visit the premier cigar production facilities and see the whole process of growing, curing, and hand rolling first hand. I suppose the same thing could be had in the Dominican, but Cuba has that whole Hemmingway, old school mystique.
Picking nits about politics and insulting our brethren on these boards is wrong. Gentlemen, knock it off. Ladies, if you’ve been bad, go to my room. :devil:

Why not get a cuba group going? Lets all go together and risk being throw in jail together? HAHA

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Originally Posted by caughtyoulookin

Ladies, if you’ve been bad, go to my room. :devil:

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Tee Hee!!!!:D

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Originally Posted by caughtyoulookin

Is there such a thing as tours one can take once in Cuba? I have always wanted to visit the premier cigar production facilities and see the whole process of growing, curing, and hand rolling first hand.

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Yes, tours are available depending on where you go within Cuba.

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Originally Posted by caughtyoulookin

Is there such a thing as tours one can take once in Cuba? I have always wanted to visit the premier cigar production facilities and see the whole process of growing, curing, and hand rolling first hand. I suppose the same thing could be had in the Dominican, but Cuba has that whole Hemmingway, old school mystique.
Picking nits about politics and insulting our brethren on these boards is wrong. Gentlemen, knock it off. Ladies, if you’ve been bad, go to my room. :devil:

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Yes, CYL, they have day tours to Havana from Veradero (about 90 minutes away). If you go to Veradero, you shouldn't miss Havana. They do have the cigar tours there and you can stroll through old Havana and see the little bar where Hemingway used to drink his Mojitos (Bodeguita del Medio) and the hotel where he stayed. He is very famous down there. If you're interested, I'm attaching a pic of the Partagas Cigar factory (you can see the tour buses in front of it) and Hemingway's Mojito bar, inside and out.

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Oh yeah, someone stopped the wild sex.
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yes, the USA embargoed the wild sex... ;-)

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