Cuba, Havana

Unlike any other country in the world. There are so many things about it, good and bad, that it’s hard to write something useful in a short story. Always best to talk about your own experiences.

I only met nice and decent people

I’ve heard stories about visitors being screwed over, I only met nice and decent people. I chose to stay in Casas with local families instead of a hotel and they were all very nice and hospitable. The attitude of the Cubans is a very mellow one I think. You somehow notice a feeling of togetherness which I haven’t experienced in many other places. I guess that’s the result of 50 years of socialism. Walking down the narrow, bustling streets, filled with American classic cars, I thought was a delight.

Faint internet signal on my phone

But looking up to the decaying buildings, the disfunctioning communication network, lack of internet and the reluctance of people to be interviewed, you can also see that there are many problems. And that people are still afraid of their government and its repercussions. Yes, things are changing. It is possible to partly own your business now. And the last time I was there I could even get a faint internet signal on my phone.

Cuba's unique style
Cuba is slowly opening up and that’s a good thing. At least that’s what the people I spoke to said. But they somehow realize that they also have a special thing going. A unique style they don’t want to just give up and totally Americanize once the borders will open. I guess things would have been different without the ongoing and ridiculous embargo. Without it, Cuba could have changed into a different country somewhat more gradually. Now it will happen very fast, when it happens.

But for now Cuba is still Cuba. I enjoyed it very much.