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Mouse_at_Large
路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 馃榿
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 馃槜
Anyhow some random photos......
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 馃槜
Anyhow some random photos......
