[genjuro]

A few things make me want to go there : learn Cuban Salsa, I just like it better than other Salsa styles. The cuban girl who is the instructor of the salsa class, the way she moves her hip, legs and whole body, just yummy ; the stupid cold weather in Toronto, I'm sick of it more and more everyday, it becomes a big pain to drive after snowing and everytime when I get into my car, it's so freezing, takes a good few minutes to warm up my ass (yes, I do turn on the heating of the seat).

Anyway, I've been looking at sellofvacations.com and targetvacations.ca. Price for a week travel package after tax, including flight , hotel, some meals is around $1k, the lowest I see is about $800. It's ridiculous that the cheapest flight alone on the same date would cost $3K, WTF???

I only have one week , planning to leave on Dec 27th. I'm interested in siteseeing, experience the culture, learn Salsa, party, and of course sample girls, lol. I don't know how big the country is, and how long it takes from Havana , where the hotel in the package deal is, to other sites. Is it realistic thinking to be based in Havana for most of the week, and go to other cities/towns, like Trinidad for a day trip and stay for one night? I'm not that interested in beach, it's all the same to me.

Does the debit card, credit card work there? AC power plugs and sockets, is it the same as in US and Canada?

I'm gonna get a travel book for this. The Cuba Guide by National Geographic seems a good one. Too bad it dones't cover the best venues to meet girls and get actions, lol.

Any suggestion will be appreciated.

[Lumiere]

I have been there for new year 2001-02.

Stay at hotel telegrafo. It's superb. You will have to book it now though or it will be full.

There is a big party in a square near the centre on new years. Maybe parque cervantes. Not sure but the guys at telegrafo will know.

Check out the original Bodeguita Del Medio which is walking distance from the hotel as is the floridita bar (where the Daiquiri was invited)

Dont know about credit cards, it was illegal for cuban people to own credit cards or cheque books when I was there.

I took US dollars. However, the US dollar was one of the 3 official currencies back then and it isn't now. More up to date info on currency here :

http://wikitravel.org/en/Cuba#Buy

That page makes it clear that you should NOT take dollars with the intent of converting them there as there is a 10% surcharage which you will not incur if you take and change other currencies like the canadian dollar, british pound etc.

Tons of other info on that page.

Electricity is 110V/60Hz or 220V/60Hz (North American, European, or Italian plug)

[Lumiere]

BTW Trinidad is NOT do-able as a day trip. Varadero / Playa Del Este, yes. Trinidad, no

[genjuro]

Lumiere, thanks a lot for the information!

I've booked the flight/hotel package to Havana. The hotel is in Playa del este, 30 minutes bus to Havana Vieja. I'm planning to spend maybe 2~3 days in Havana, then go to Vinales. The scenary looks amazing.



Not sure if I want to go to Varadero, it's 140km away and I'm not that into beach. Will do salsa, party and meet girls besides sightseeing. I heard Playa del este is the only resort where you'll see not just toursits , but also many local people, specially for new year. Might need to rent Casa Particular if pick up a local girl. I'll see.

[lavidaloca]

Avoid varadero its just a tourist dive.

[tomtud]

(12-13-2010 05:39 PM)lavidaloca Wrote:  

Avoid varadero its just a tourist dive.

I would have to agree and disagree with your statement and opinion. Varadero has a beautiful long beach, and is quite safe as its difficult to get into from the entrance.

On the other hand, you are correct, lots of tourists, and if you want to hang with locals it ain't so easy as it is frowned upon by the police to see locals interacting with tourists for many reasons such as prostitution etc. Yes, exceptions do exist. As well, if you venture outside of Varadero you will see a different Cuba, and interact more freely.

I have been to Cuba a few times, and can tell the original poster that during NYE the temperature albeit is better than Toronto, it can get chilly at night and swimming in the water can be cold.

As for using your debit card and visa etc,, I was able to withdraw money from a Cuban bank ATM, it was multi-lingual and gave me a better exchange than the hotels. However, my visa didn't work in one store, but worked in the ATM go figure....

Salsa dancing in Cuba, well you'll learn from the pros.... In Toronto, salsa lessons cost in the range of $60 per hour, while in Cuba, the monthly salary ranges from $20-$30 per month. Now, if one is interested in doing an intensive salsa regiment to learn it, it'll be wayyy cheaper than in Toronto. What is the price you are paying for salsa lessons and website?

As for meeting girls, you will have guys who can find you them, or you can just find them yourself by being friendly. Ask around, where is the hot spot to party on any particular night and go from there.

If you venture towards playa Matanzas, there is a place called La Salsa. Lots of girls. My buddies went on a Saturday night, and girls outside were asking them to help pay their cover, thinking they would get some easy action, well in the end of the night the did. However, when they walked in the club, there were many more girls and even hotter ones, so buyer beware!!!

[lavidaloca]

(12-13-2010 08:56 PM)tomtud Wrote:  

(12-13-2010 05:39 PM)lavidaloca Wrote:  

Avoid varadero its just a tourist dive.

I would have to agree and disagree with your statement and opinion. Varadero has a beautiful long beach, and is quite safe as its difficult to get into from the entrance.

On the other hand, you are correct, lots of tourists, and if you want to hang with locals it ain't so easy as it is frowned upon by the police to see locals interacting with tourists for many reasons such as prostitution etc. Yes, exceptions do exist. As well, if you venture outside of Varadero you will see a different Cuba, and interact more freely.

I have been to Cuba a few times, and can tell the original poster that during NYE the temperature albeit is better than Toronto, it can get chilly at night and swimming in the water can be cold.

As for using your debit card and visa etc,, I was able to withdraw money from a Cuban bank ATM, it was multi-lingual and gave me a better exchange than the hotels. However, my visa didn't work in one store, but worked in the ATM go figure....

Salsa dancing in Cuba, well you'll learn from the pros.... In Toronto, salsa lessons cost in the range of $60 per hour, while in Cuba, the monthly salary ranges from $20-$30 per month. Now, if one is interested in doing an intensive salsa regiment to learn it, it'll be wayyy cheaper than in Toronto. What is the price you are paying for salsa lessons and website?

As for meeting girls, you will have guys who can find you them, or you can just find them yourself by being friendly. Ask around, where is the hot spot to party on any particular night and go from there.

If you venture towards playa Matanzas, there is a place called La Salsa. Lots of girls. My buddies went on a Saturday night, and girls outside were asking them to help pay their cover, thinking they would get some easy action, well in the end of the night the did. However, when they walked in the club, there were many more girls and even hotter ones, so buyer beware!!!

If hes asking guys to find him girls. Its 99% likely the guys are just gonna bring local girls who are his friends or hes seen working the night shift. (Both of which are prostitutes) Reason being is that way he gets a commission. Now you might think you can get around this by offering the guy a commission yourself in exchange for him finding a normal girl. Well hes just going to take double commission and get you that same prostitute. If you wanna meet good girls new years eve is fantastic. I've been twice for it and normal people come out to party in droves. Definately is the best night I've been to for partying in Cuba and I've been valentines day, christmas and new years. Day game is king here. Night game is shoring for the most part with the exception of holidays when normal people also party. On a side note. I'm going to be living in Cuba this summer and will be able to give you guys all a better run down of everything beyond just little provinces where I have typically been.

[Lumiere]

Varadero is the least Cuban place in Cuba its true. Lots of all inclusive places for tourists.

I never stayed there but it is worth going there on the day trip just for the golf course.

[genjuro]

(12-14-2010 12:12 AM)Lumiere Wrote:  

Varadero is the least Cuban place in Cuba its true. Lots of all inclusive places for tourists.

I never stayed there but it is worth going there on the day trip just for the golf course.

That's exactly the reason I didn't book a vacation package to stay there because I'd really love to see the real Cuban and its culture. But a day trip would be fine, just go there , see the playa and party, maybe spend a night, but a week? That's totally out of the question to me.

[genjuro]

(12-13-2010 08:56 PM)tomtud Wrote:  

Salsa dancing in Cuba, well you'll learn from the pros.... In Toronto, salsa lessons cost in the range of $60 per hour, while in Cuba, the monthly salary ranges from $20-$30 per month. Now, if one is interested in doing an intensive salsa regiment to learn it, it'll be wayyy cheaper than in Toronto. What is the price you are paying for salsa lessons and website?

As for meeting girls, you will have guys who can find you them, or you can just find them yourself by being friendly. Ask around, where is the hot spot to party on any particular night and go from there.

If you venture towards playa Matanzas, there is a place called La Salsa. Lots of girls. My buddies went on a Saturday night, and girls outside were asking them to help pay their cover, thinking they would get some easy action, well in the end of the night the did. However, when they walked in the club, there were many more girls and even hotter ones, so buyer beware!!!

Thanks for the tips!

The vacation package doesn't include Salsa lesson. I'll need to find it after I get there. I Don't think it's a problem since there must be many classes like that for tourists. I'm taking Cuban salsa class in Toronto. For a group class, lt's like $15~$20 a lesson. For a private lesson, it's ranged between $60~$75 per hour.

Last weekend at a party, my Colombian friend and another Mexicana amiga told me that I'm a pretty good dancer (although not as smooth as those pro or semi-pro level people) ! I'm feeling more confident now about my Cuba trip!

[slubu]

Bumping an old thread. Anyone have any new thoughts on Cuba for new years?

[rcraig33hb]

If you haven't booked yet, send me a PM! I can set up you at a really good spot close to Playa del Estes. Feel free to search and read some of my reports on Havana!

Either way, hope you have a good trip!

[Jura]

Check out the south. Great mix of nightlife, beach and moutains/outdoor.

[Tigre]

Fisto's take is what you should start with. It's the unvarnished truth and gives you an idea of how you will feel while on the island.
http://swooptheworld.com/cuban-girls-and...hindsight/

New Years Eve may be underwhelming. A lot of people stay in and celebrate at home with family.

Consensus among PUA blogs I've read is Cuba is one of the worst places in the hemisphere for that.

It may suit certain niches (people who go crazy for cheap rum and cigars; sport fishermen). For night game it's a waste of time, and online game basically doesn't exist there.

[lavidaloca]

Pass on New Years. I don't even like going on New Years. Too many tourists. Most of the hot girls will have their "novios" in town at that time of year as well. Whereas a month later they are spending their boyfriends money while he is back working in Italy, Canada, England etc. Bus system will be over taxed as well. Taxi's will have lots of business and will cost more. The advantage is there is a lot more money so more people going out. Honestly, Tigre has probably said it best it probably is a very niche place. There is a brewing higher end bar / lounge scene in Havana which attracts local elite and correspondingly attractive woman. But even with more money / better looks its not that easier to beat the guys in these venues who are living there long term such as the ambassadors, military off spring, musicians etc.

Slubu, I'm of the impression you also practice law. As a word of advice your law practice will not be remotely operable from Cuba. I just spend 2 weeks visiting Bayamo, Holguin, Cienfuegos, Camaguey, Santa Clara and Havana.

[Rod]

Hello I've just got back from Cuba after ten day holiday .. Unfortunatly with the gf but I'm
Red pill and a perv at heart so here are my thoughts :

Havana is a shit hole . Expect to be pestered continuously for taxi rides , cigars, trips here there and everywhere .
The locals are friendly , it's not 'unsafe ' but they are cheeky .. This gets tiring after about 2 days.
It's very hot , took me a few days to get used too.
Areas of Havana are like waking around in old
Skool Romania .. Dirt everywhere, broken sewers , acrid smells , stray dogs etc.
Prices are cheap / very reasonable but finding places to actually spend the money can be tricky .. The shops have very little to offer .

The intersting stuff :

Ok so I did the 'tourist' thing ie hotel , coach transfers etc . But all the time I was letching and my general thoughts were it's a real mixed bag ranging from fat dark haired chicks to tall thin light tanned girls .
All seemed friendly . I'd i was too return id try it on with all the chamber maids / bar staff / hotel lot for starters and then try street game . I can't imagine you'd get blown out harshly as they seem happy to talk but do beware they may want to ultimately sell you something or direct you somewhere ( for 1 peso of course )

I saw some goddesses on the streets but mainly the average was quite low .
Maybe rocking baller game would work to literally just blow the hot ones away with your cash and style . Remeber it's a poor Country but they didn't strike me as 'desperate '.

One final thought , there's lots of jail bait out in school uniforms ( it's standard issue ) but the ones with the brown skirts ( iirc ) are 'senior ' and at technical college ie. Legal saw many holding hands with normal dudes in their 20s ..go get yourself a Lolita looking 18yr old in a school uniform lol

There's loads I haven't mentioned but in summary I found it too be an odd place but like I say I was with the gf so game was on a back burner . Maybe I'd revisit and try to get a flag .i imagine it's doable .
After Havana I went to a resort .. Rubbish for game unless you strike out with a traveling pair of hotties .