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  1. Mouse_at_Large still immune to Speedmaster attraction Feb 13, 2020

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    In 2013 I had a really nice holiday in Cuba. 4 nights in the Iberostar Parque Central in Havana then 10 in the Blau Varadero (flights with Virgin Atlantic). Holiday hint - if you are staying at an all inclusive hotel like the Blau Varadero, take a Bubba Mug or similar insulated drink container. Saves trips to the bar for refills :D

    I found the whole experience very pleasant, however, I'd make a couple of observations. I'll preface this by saying that I have no strong moral or philosophical opinions regarding the ruling regime.

    Havana is fascinating, and the people are generally friendly and helpful. However, the place is falling to bits. Apparently this is due to a lot of the modernisation carried out during the cold war era being constructed with eastern european spec materials, especially reinforced concrete that is now crumbling in the tropical/subtropical climate, There is simply not enough cash available to properly maintain the buildings and infrastructure.

    The "classic" American cars - yes there are some nicely maintained ones and you can hire them. There are also a lot of horrible deathtraps powered by evil marine diesels and the like.

    I get rather annoyed by people who bemoan that the "opening up/commercialisation" of Cuba will ruin the character of the place. There may well be a lot worth preserving, but the fleeting enjoyment of tourist (imho) should not trump the aspirations and living conditions of the inhabitants who are just about making do under the current conditions.

    Oh, and China pretty much owns the place these days :whistling:

    Anyhow some random photos......

    087.jpg IMG_20130710_114253.jpg IMG_20130710_152115.jpg IMG_20130710_174451.jpg Jac Cuba 014.jpg Jac Cuba 133.jpg
     
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  2. Wivac Terribly special Feb 13, 2020

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    Same hotel we're staying at in town then moving down the coast. Duly noted on the drinking containers, good call, thanks!
     
  3. dennisthemenace Hey, he asked for it! Feb 13, 2020

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    One that wasn't a deathtrap, with the original V8. 114.JPG
     
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  4. Rochete Feb 13, 2020

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    That's all fake, homemade from factory scraps with stolen vitolas and boxes. Absolute rubish. 100% of what's sold outside the official shops is fake even though might look legit.
     
  5. dennisthemenace Hey, he asked for it! Feb 13, 2020

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    I might have known that you would want to get your two cents worth in. How many taxi drivers do you know in Cuba?
     
  6. Rochete Feb 13, 2020

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    That's of no relevance, the 'cheap cochiba box' trick is something every Cuban knows since five years of age. Every habanero, if curious and interested, has seen how and where those 'cigars' are made LoL
     
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  7. Martin_F Feb 13, 2020

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    Don't see any Diplomaticos in there, you're missing out!
     
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  8. Partagas Feb 13, 2020

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    Yeah, light on those! Just some Dip 2's singles in my single's drawer or my wineador! Think I have some Dip RE's, too in there somewhere.
     
  9. Waltesefalcon Feb 14, 2020

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    03Hemi likes this.
  10. 03Hemi Feb 14, 2020

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    "Diplomaticos" absolutely one of the top 3 cigars to smoke!
     
  11. 03Hemi Feb 14, 2020

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    A little trivia.
    90% of the tobacco grown on the farms go to the government for the cigar factories, the farmer only gets to keep 10%, of which they supposedly role into cigars and sell themselves.