Thanks for being TRUTHFUL when talking about Havana Cuba! I been to Cuba 9 Times. The first time I stayed in a hotel for my first day and that night the doorman asked me did I like it hear. It was at a four star hotel. I told him I will be in Cuba for 2 weeks and only booked the Hotel for one night because I wanted to be and live amongst the Cuban people. The next thing I know he whistled to someone across the street and I looked at an apartment and moved in the next Day. I never stayed in a Hotel again. I have adopted a Family and they have adopted Me Since 2019, (my first trip) and now they are Mi familia...!!!
Wowwww!!! That is such an amazing story!! I love Cuban people and I'll always advocate for them! I'm happy you found a home there. I'll be going back time and time again as well. Cheers pal, thank you for commenting!
Excellent video, I've been to Cuba 4 times and Havana twice, I absolutely love it. It's the people. It's changed a bit since COVID, but so have many places.
I absolutely love your perspective and commentary! ("quick, put a Coke in his hand hahahaha") Ive been to Cuba 3 times and exactly like you said, my first trip in 2004 changed my life forever! Thanks for making this great video
Thanks for your comment! I appreciate it a lot when people get my humour haha. Cheers! Thank you for watching. Cuba is incredible and it's a place I'll always go back to and check in whenever I can. If you're interested in Portugal at all, there's a new series coming up that you'll like ;)
Best vlog of cuba i've seen so far. I'm cuban and will be going to Havana for the first time since i was 9. Would love to get a tattoo to mark my time there, would appreciate getting the name of the tattoo place you guys went to!
@@LuciaBarroso1410That's so nice of you to say!! I'm happy to share my love for Cuba. It's a beautiful place filled with wonderful people! The tattoo place we went to is called "La Marca" and they are so super cool! Please tell them I said hello!!
Amazinggggg!!! You should definitely go. But only go if you plan to explore! There's so so much more than resorts. In fact, I'd say the resorts are maybe the worst part haha
@@anneholscher it's called La Marca, and yup! Totally professional, clean, modern equipment and everything. Super highly recommend! They were so nice too, they actually gifted us a bottle of rum in the end because we all became friends haha.
@@PassportGods hahaha wow you went far in the video!! Thanks for that! I always try to sneak the best voiceover bits in the end, but maybe that's a mistake because like 90% of people never see it haha. Cheers! Thanks for tuning in
I would like to clarify some things that you might not be aware of: Along with horrific inflation, crime is also rising. Even so, Cuba remains statistically much safer than most. Take care at night and walk in pairs and leave your expensive cameras and bling at home. Do not walk back to your hotel or Casa drunk or alone. Money: The dollar is still king there with Euros being the 2nd most in demand. Keep in mind their black-market currently will pay you 360 Cuban Pesos for every dollar. Ask your Casa owner (if you rent a room in a Cuban home) if they can help you with an exchange (be discreet, do not ask this in front of others in the room since it is technically illegal). Try to avoid selling your dollars on the street, it can be confusing if not downright dangerous. The Cuban government must launder these dollars through other means but they STILL want your dollars or Euros. Try to bring small bills for tips and small purchases. Food: Their food is particularly suffering inflation and critical shortages. Normally, eating at these small window shops and fast-food carts can be fun and tasty but be careful: Cuban cafe owners can’t afford to change their frying oil every day and will often use and reuse their oil for weeks. The oil turns rancid and can put a screeching halt to your vacation as you spend your remaining days on the toilet. Cheap food often means old food. Worst of all; recently …stray cats and dogs, including pets have been stolen and sold as pork or other meats. Your “Cuban Sandwich” or Pulled Pork might be something entirely different! By the way, you can’t fool me…you are Anthony Bourdain reincarnated! He too loved Havana!
@@-Luka-Brazi hey thank you for this insightful comment! Always happy when someone adds some value or information for others that are looking to travel. As a disclaimer...I'd say the chances of someone eating stray dogs is extremely low lol and regarding the oil...maybe done eat deep fried food? Not sure about that one. I certainly don't want to discourage anyone from visiting cuba, I think it's an amazing country filled with wonderful people, and in my experience everyone seems to be invested in us having a great time. My biggest tip is to talk to and listen to local friends and their advice, and to exercise caution the way you would in any country including your home town... Either way, always happy to have more info in the comments section. Cheers pal! Thanks for watching and for commenting!
Perhaps I should have said “small, private food vendors” struggle with cooking and frying oil. Even if they have the money, they sometimes can’t find any anywhere. And they simply cannot afford to shut down their little business. I fell in love with Cuba 20 years ago and now have friends all over the island. Trinidad is still my favorite place with its beautiful beaches and fabulous winding cobblestone streets (I heard they kept the streets crooked and difficult to navigate to confuse and slow down the Pirates that occasionally showed up). My 7 year old calls Trinidad “Pirate Town”. Fuel shortages: There are “Collectivo” taxis that go to Trinidad but the fuel costs have made it sometimes difficult to find transportation. Not sure it Via Azul buses still go there. During Corona, a lot of these buses stopped going. Tip: You must see this place at least once: They built a disco-tech inside of a cave (La Cueva) looking over the historical city center.
@-Luka-Brazi this attitude always bugs me from tourists.. Turns out that in a communist society, and especially in cuba where tourism is the main source of income, that money that they receive pays for things that the people need. Like food, healthcare, medicine, transportation, infrastructure.
There he is with a cheeky little upload 😉 Nice video, dude. Looks like you guys had a great time. Best part of holidays is not doing what you already do at home. Not sure why people would want to spend a holiday in a whole other country at the hotel, or barely leaving it. Get out and mingle!
Heyyy! Finally another video haha. I couldn't agree more!! It's insane to me that anyone would go thru the trouble of flying to a different country just to be on another couch haha
Will probably get lost in the comments here but there are still indigenous communities, there are a Taino people doing vital restoration work all across the Caribbean. They're definitely a minority but they are not an extinct population : )
Hey thanks for this clip in 2024, I am going directly back to Havana, the real thing. Second time after 2021, after Covid. Your clip gave me a mini more hope to what to expect, returning to Cuba. Nice real presentation of the situation and the country, it's always been for me an ideal, that was bashed, and is bashed, year after year. Keep on!
@@VaansWorld Cool! I will certainly enjoy this second trip. It's amassing how you just need to just go to the public library and get some travel guides books just published...and no one seems to have opened it! So I found with this simple in and out, the most recent Lonely Planet, pocket guide that gives me hopes and precise cues on how to go cheap and local mode to see some spots. Finca La Vigia is a hope on this trip. A simple bus P7 to get there? :) Will see!! Keep on truckin'! Your clip was nice and reassuring! Cuba Libré!
If everything is priced in usd, how do you pay w canadian dollars? Do you factor in the currency exchange or pay the same amount in CAD as the USD price?
@@hyunpark4350 that's an excellent question! So many places will also list Canadian prices for things, and there was a daily conversion rate that everybody would use, so if you wanted to pay Canadian and asked them, they would show you the calculator and input that daily conversion rate and you'd get your answer. The conversion rate would be the same everywhere that day...I hope this helps!
Ok, this is really good. Dont stop.... and yes, this could be Boudain-level of perfect. A little bit more interaction with the locals, a little bit more indepth reviews of food and when you get enough subs, some polished production. It will be amazing. Keep on travelling.
@@leo.f.v.andersson Wow thank you for the encouragement! Actually all the improvements you mentioned will be in our upcoming Portugal series. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@Classics310 not true. Find the santerians 😉 And actually, casa de música they will offer it on the street, also the beach, and also in Old Havana. It's around..
Thanks for such detailed information... I have been trying a lot on UA-cam but have been unable to see any information about renting a motorcycle in Havana on a weekly basis. Any idea?
@@Ahmed-j1k7b when I was there it was difficult to rent any motorized vehicle just because of the scarcity of gasoline, so they stopped renting to tourists. Remember tho, that this was almost a year ago so things may have changed! Sorry I don't have any specific info on that.
Hey dude! I just spent 9 days in La Habana, Aug22-31 2024z I am missing it already. However I have a couple of things to add. They were not happy our Canadian money AT ALL. To them they sais it was valued at less than the Mexican pesos. They took USD/EUR or the cuban peso. I was there with my cousin and as solo women we got stopped and offered help a lot only to be asked for money afterwards- it got exhausting. Otherwise met some amazingly kind and helpful people.
@@NDiaz-et6hc glad you met some great people over there and hope you enjoyed it! Ya, lol their money situation changes monthly it seems (which is why I added that disclaimer in the vid). I've been twice, the first time they wanted only US dollars, and this time they wanted nothing to do with it - only Canadian or Euro. Thanks for keeping that info up to date for other comment readers! I'm a 6'2" Canadian guy so I'm sure that has a lot to do with how safe I feel everywhere, I usually add a disclaimer for that too lol. But usually that doesn't stop people from begging, for which I didn't experience any of that personally. I can imagine it gets annoying but I can also understand why they would do it, you know? Anyway. Thanks for watching! And commenting!
Thanks for the video. Did you use CAD exclusively in Havana? Also, did you exchange any CAD on the street in Havana for the 'street rate'? Everything I've read says that you really need USD or EUR for this.
@@paulmiller9997 I used almost exclusively CAD, except that I took some USD small bills for tipping. I did not use a street exchange, but I hear it's the way to go...
@@VaansWorld Thanks, I appreciate that. I think that for the street exchange, USD is king. Just trying to work out if the exchange rate hit is worth it, but I think it may be, in order to prevent being gouged by arbitrarily-set exchange rates at various establishments.
@paulmiller9997 you could be right, and I'd love to know if you find any info out about it! I guess it depends how much you plan to exchange, I would say anything under like 300 you might as well do whichever is the most convenient because at most you'll save probably like....$5 maybe? But I'm curious what you find!
I think EVERY country has its "areas", that its just not a good idea to go and "hang out" lol I live in Canada, and ya, I can think of several places, that if you just visited those areas, you would have a completely different view of Canada lol.
Oof, I would love to lol but I didn't choose anything specific on Maps or anything. We just walked around and followed our nose, so I can't be sure where we all went. Sorry about that! This is a good reminder to keep note of these things for people that ask.
@@Curtis56c From what they told me they basically sided with China, which means they don't recognize the Taiwanese passport as anything more than some fancy paper lol but I couldn't pretend to know the politics of it all. And also it will probably change every year lol
@@RenetTimemaster I mean, the US just recently put a ban on all us dollars coming from Cuba, so no bank in the world is allowed to accept American money coming from Cuba. They still do many things that greatly impact daily life in Cuba so I'd say it's far from being a thing of the past. You'd still have difficulties flying directly to Cuba from most airports in the US
Nice video, I am off there next week. I must say the currency situation sounds confusing, I've read so many different stories about what is what. What can one expect to pay for a beer there these days?
Don't stress too much on currency, you'll be ok. Just bring a range of bills, make sure they're in mint condition also. A beer kind of ranges wildly depending where you go... anywhere from completely free to $5US lol I'd say on average maybe 1 or 2 bucks. Enjoy your trip!!
I'm not sure, but something about your representation doesn't seem right. I've visited both before and after Corona, and I've never stayed in a hotel or resort. My best experiences were during the carnival period in Havana. However, Cuba is by no means cheap. Claiming it is would be incorrect. Food is not easy to come by for the Cubans themselves, and it's the same for us, though we can afford whatever is being asked. I agree with many of your points. Don't stay in a resort because that isn't the real Cuba. Just walking around Havana is an experience unlike any other city in the world. It is generally safe, but there are many hustles too. There's some fake police running around, and my friend and I both experienced this on separate occasions. So, if you come to Cuba, just come with the right mindset. What has been said about WiFi is a fact. Know what to expect and you will be fine. I love my Tukola, and I always bring a lot of chocolate to give away. The people I've met over the years do ask me to bring certain goods, which I gladly do. For myself, I always bring a few rolls of nice soft toilet paper. Sue me! 🙂
Hey! Thanks for watching and sharing your knowledge!! You're right, Cuba being cheap is definitely a matter of perspective. It's highly subjective. I'll remember that in my subsequent videos
I also hear Cuba has great healthcare. And education. And very little poverty. And it’s not polluted. And it was blocked from world trade for decades, still is I think. How do they do it? 🤔
Not true the pepole are starveing 1 months wages 17 usd Food is very expensive Everyone wants to leave but cant i was their 5 weeks ago my wife to be Is in hanvana. 😢😢😢
The Cuban people make the equivalent of $60 US dollars a month and that lasts them about 2 weeks. Those meals that you had for $3 dollars including your breakfast a typical Cuban cannot afford. As for how beautiful Havana is, it has been that way thru the 30’s 40’s and 50’s except it was clean and not full of garbage piled up in every corner!
@@MonsieurSchue Oh I'm sure they were for sure, but when sitting at the table it doesn't feel that way. Talking to the locals it seems they put together their own resources. One place we went to had a full pig rotating over a fire lol but they didn't want that on video, understandably
So... you're mad that I got a tattoo in Cuba, and somehow - through some truly insane mental gymnastics - this tells you that I am doing the Cuban people an injustice. Is what you're saying?
You're talking up how great Cuba is. Cuba is a country that has repressed their people just like China and North Korea and other bad actors. It's easy to go behind the walls of luxury that tourist have while the citizens of Cuba cannot even step foot on that property. Look at the streets, the buildings and the way the Cuba people are dressed and it is eye opening how bad things are. You were standing on streets where Fidel and his cronies lined up people back in 59, 60, 61 and had them shot in the streets the way Hitler killed Jews in Germany. Learn the history of the county and understand that you were standing is a place were there was and still is a lot of human suffering. Go ahead and stand in a street corner in Cuba next time when you go back with a sign and just say stop the abuse and see where it gets you. A tattoo in prison while to beg the Canadian government to go save you. Good luck.
You are very confused about what this vlog is about. This whole video is celebrating the Cuban people. It's about them and their beautiful culture and art, not about its oppressors. I'm happy that you've taken the time to educate yourself about their political struggles, but I also want to challenge you to see beyond that. In fact, in a way celebrating the Cuban people and their culture is standing up for their freedom and human rights as we recognize them as individuals. The tattoo artists we met were so proud of their work and well loved by the community in Havana. We talked for hours and listened to them share stories about their daily lives, joys and struggles and how hard they've worked to share their art. I am proud and honoured to carry a tattoo designed by such talented Cubans.
I been to cuba over 30 times stay in hotels cayo coco and also casas in town of moròn , nice and safe great street parties people really friendly and I've had 3 tattoos done out there with flies landing on them as he's doing them lol😅 don't be scared go have fun , I love it 😀
I wish you success and thank you for this beautiful comment that reveals the truth about tourism in Cuba during my visit to Cuba. In all honesty, Cuba is better than America and Canada and better than Europe in terms of security, stability and respect. I found the Cuban people to be an educated people despite the siege by America, Britain and Europe, and they want to control This is an important strategic island in the sea, and this is what they are doing now in the Red Sea in Yemen. Cuba will remain, Latin America will remain, and America, Canada and Europe will end. The corrupt financial system that destroyed the people and everyone is under the control of the banks. Everyone is in debt and the infrastructure is destroyed. In America, Canada and Europe, millions of unemployed people. This is it. The truth is, during my visit to Vietnam, it is a better and safer country than Canada, America and Europe. This is the truth. We must speak the truth. When some tourists from Canada, America, and other countries come to Cuba and say the food is not good, this is not the truth. Yes, there are some problems, and with all ease, these problems are solved with regard to the types of food. The problem of tourists coming from America, Canada, and some countries asks about narcotic substances. Such as cocaine and other unhealthy issues, and this does not exist in Cuba. It is common in the Dominican Republic and in all of you and other countries in Latin America. For this reason, some people go to these countries when narcotic substances are present in them that have destroyed society. I consider Cuba to be the best country in the world, and I consider Vietnam to be the best country. In the world, Singapore is considered the best country in the world, as are Malaysia and Indonesia
If it so great why don't you hear or see people moving there. Prior to 1959 people moved there constantly. The hotels were decorated with American actors. I'm Cuban I know. The food sucks there compared to how it was at one time.
@@fireballrobbie1744 ....because people don't have to pack up their lives and move to places that are great, in order for them to be great. And because politically it's a difficult move. And ya, the resort food is terrible. But you can find great meals in Cuba. If you're Cuban, you should know that. It's mind blowing people's capacity to be negative towards Cuba. Mostly from the American audience...
Huh? This comment makes no sense. So if I go to Iowa and have terrible food, that means the food in the USA isn't good...Is that what you're saying? That's genius
This man has no clue about the awful conditions that Cubans live under on a daily basis. Watch videos from Cubans living under inhumane conditions. This video is all bs.
This is an idiotic comment. This video isn't about that. This isn't a "whats it like to be Cuban" video. This is for people who want to travel to Cuba... It's in the title. I'm well aware (from talking to them myself, first hand, in person) what their living conditions are like... Anyway, keep fighting the good fight there arm chair know it all
You are right about one thing - it's important for tourists to educate themselves about Cuba before visiting. However, that wasn't the point or the topic of this video. The economic struggles of a country do not diminish the beauty of its culture and its people. Cuba has always been and continues to be a beautiful place, filled with talented artists and hardworking people. During my visit, I socialized with as many Cubans as I could. I listened to their personal stories, asked about the impact of tourism in their country, and discussed Cuban politics. So, is Cuba worth visiting? My answer is yes. Please visit Cuba and celebrate their vibrant culture with them!
UF Gator has it right. You people who aren't Cuban don't realize how bad it is and the fear that the Cubans live under. Men from all over the world fly there for the prostitution. You can't drink the water. The regular people are on food rations. What are you people talking about. Stop being so selfish. Castro was a killer. He has committed human rights violations for 62 years. Stay out of my birth country. Try not seeing your family for 62 years because you can't go back.
My wife tobe is cuban we eate at our apartmen a few time we went out 1 meal cost us 50 usd + taxi fair not cheap the chicken is bad as it not refidgerated during transport from brazil No transport system only taxi or a local to take you to and from airport cost 40 to 50 usd one way no buses or trains to city from airport
Is this a clever comment? Did you think about it at all before posting it? Imagine we all just didn't go to Cuba, to save them from this 'misery.' Do you think that would help them? Have you been there? Have you asked them how they feel about Tourism or are you doing the classic North American thing and assuming you already know...
yea to be real this guy has some insanely naive takes. yes at the top 20 or so restaurants in the city (that everyone knows), the food will make Havana feel normal. all thanks to the mipymes that can legally import black market (small businesses.. if you stay in your lane). gross injustice to suggest things are great outside of the mipyme situation
So, in summary, you would prefer I make a video discouraging people from going to Cuba, and about all the terrible things that happen there...? And you call me naive? Use your head. If Cuba loses their tourism they are literally screwed...And when was the last time you were there talking to the people that live there about how they feel about tourism, and what kind of video they would like to see about their country? lol like kick rocks...
you rave about the food and eating out without mentioning these are very expensive at NYC prices for a small portion, the water is non potable that makes that food and especially for tourists, dangerous, i got giardia in cuba and i was being super safe in my drinking and eating. yes, you can find food but at very high prices and the price is not equal to the quality on a world scale, you should admit the truth! dont hold it back, ! rm,
Well, we different experiences that's all it is. Also ..admit the truth? Who tf do you think you are lol "Admit the truth" haha get wrecked. I never bs my audience
Ya exactly. Everyone knows the food in cuba is not good, there’s a reason it has that reputation. Their food handling practices are horrendous and many don’t have access to proper refrigeration. Last time I went my guts got destroyed, spent a lot of time at el baño lol. Beautiful place but need to he honest about it
What do you mean that there is no indegenous Cubans? Guanábacoa a municipality of Havana created in 1550 by the Spanish governor Ángulo as a refuge for the American Indian as he called it. A local census done in 1975 there abouts discovered that 10% of the municipality is of indegenous origins but were counted as philipinos or Chinese or of Vietnamese extraction. Is very important that you do a little research as to the ethnic background of Cubans which has been describe as a mixture of basically foreign whites an native indegenous women or Cuban women that were already some degree of mixture with with Indian and white also the black population that arrived in the early 19th century added another dimension to the already established native mixture. Please I urge you to get some information and don’t stay with first impressions.
Thank you for challenging this, I agree that factual information is important. But...You literally just copied and pasted a paragraph that basically states there are no indigenous Cubans left. And I didn't just guess or make it up lol our tour guide told us this information and I looked it up.
Thanks for being TRUTHFUL when talking about Havana Cuba! I been to Cuba 9 Times. The first time I stayed in a hotel for my first day and that night the doorman asked me did I like it hear. It was at a four star hotel. I told him I will be in Cuba for 2 weeks and only booked the Hotel for one night because I wanted to be and live amongst the Cuban people. The next thing I know he whistled to someone across the street and I looked at an apartment and moved in the next Day. I never stayed in a Hotel again. I have adopted a Family and they have adopted Me Since 2019, (my first trip) and now they are Mi familia...!!!
Wowwww!!! That is such an amazing story!! I love Cuban people and I'll always advocate for them! I'm happy you found a home there. I'll be going back time and time again as well. Cheers pal, thank you for commenting!
Free healthcare, education, and housing. It’s like some kind of utopia
OMG I want to do that! Hook me up with this apartment please :)
So nice! Thank you for showing around. And it was a very beautiful surprise to see you guys again .. after a long time 🌻
Heyyy!! Thank you for watching 😊 I'm glad you enjoyed the video!! It's nice to be making videos again
Holy crap I love the Bourdain-esque voice overs. Brings back good memories!
Wow that is a massive compliment! Thanks for watching!!
He did a good job imitating Anthony..
Just came back last week, absolutely love it. And he’s def right about leaving the resort. Food is bomb didn’t have one bad meal there.
Hey! I appreciate your comment! I'm glad I'm not the only one lol
Another really great informative video....beautiful scenery. Food sounds awesome!❤
I was just in Havana in December and it’s life changing.. amazing, love it!!
I had to subscribe and follow when I saw this video! SO SO GOOD!! Really appreciate it
Wowww!! That's great to hear! Thank you :):)
You nailed it man I was on the island last year and heading down again in Jan I loved it
@@yellowknifer1 amazing!! It's such an underrated island right? I love it there
Ur style of reporting is so much like Anthony Bourdain, you even sound a lot like him👌🏾❤️
@@MavisHarris-r6o haha thank you! I'm not trying to be that way, but people often say this 🤣 I take it as a compliment tho, Bourdain rocked!
Your voice is remanding of one very favorite of mine travel documentation Anthony Bourdain!
Great video. Perhaps the best i have watched so far.
@@mutoromanof8487 wow!!! That is a HUGE compliment!!!
Excellent video, I've been to Cuba 4 times and Havana twice, I absolutely love it. It's the people. It's changed a bit since COVID, but so have many places.
@@HOLDSWATH Thank you for your comment! You're so right it's the people, they're incredible. Cheers!
Wonderful Video 😍😍😍 Que Bella es Cuba and you ayyy Papi 😁👏🫶
Bros enjoying the commy aesthetic for a few days before he goes back home and lives in relative luxury
@@sublimesense7761 I wonder if this comment felt as stupid to type as it would if you had said it aloud...
I absolutely love your perspective and commentary! ("quick, put a Coke in his hand hahahaha") Ive been to Cuba 3 times and exactly like you said, my first trip in 2004 changed my life forever! Thanks for making this great video
Thanks for your comment! I appreciate it a lot when people get my humour haha. Cheers! Thank you for watching. Cuba is incredible and it's a place I'll always go back to and check in whenever I can. If you're interested in Portugal at all, there's a new series coming up that you'll like ;)
Best vlog of cuba i've seen so far. I'm cuban and will be going to Havana for the first time since i was 9. Would love to get a tattoo to mark my time there, would appreciate getting the name of the tattoo place you guys went to!
@@LuciaBarroso1410That's so nice of you to say!! I'm happy to share my love for Cuba. It's a beautiful place filled with wonderful people! The tattoo place we went to is called "La Marca" and they are so super cool! Please tell them I said hello!!
I really like Cuba. I've been a couple of times.
I was on tha fence this may have convinced me to go see what’s up
Amazinggggg!!! You should definitely go. But only go if you plan to explore! There's so so much more than resorts. In fact, I'd say the resorts are maybe the worst part haha
@@VaansWorldof course ! i’ll most likely end up getting an airbnb
thanks for the info
@@_scenexo_ enjoy buddy!!
Wich tattoo parlour did you go to? were they sanitary and save? I am in Cuba currently looking for a proper one!?😃
@@anneholscher it's called La Marca, and yup! Totally professional, clean, modern equipment and everything. Super highly recommend! They were so nice too, they actually gifted us a bottle of rum in the end because we all became friends haha.
@ amazing, thank you so much!!
@anneholscher you bet!! Enjoy Cuba! Im jealous haha
The real respect “the real!” This video is beyond ideology, politics or perception - it’s that ole time flavor, the goddamn truth!
It’s almost like the way Cuba runs their country is how every country should be…. Would be a beautiful world indeed 🙏🏻
Love this! The voice overs 😅 "I went on and on.."
@@PassportGods hahaha wow you went far in the video!! Thanks for that! I always try to sneak the best voiceover bits in the end, but maybe that's a mistake because like 90% of people never see it haha. Cheers! Thanks for tuning in
I would like to clarify some things that you might not be aware of: Along with horrific inflation, crime is also rising. Even so, Cuba remains statistically much safer than most. Take care at night and walk in pairs and leave your expensive cameras and bling at home. Do not walk back to your hotel or Casa drunk or alone.
Money: The dollar is still king there with Euros being the 2nd most in demand.
Keep in mind their black-market currently will pay you 360 Cuban Pesos for every dollar. Ask your Casa owner (if you rent a room in a Cuban home) if they can help you with an exchange (be discreet, do not ask this in front of others in the room since it is technically illegal). Try to avoid selling your dollars on the street, it can be confusing if not downright dangerous.
The Cuban government must launder these dollars through other means but they STILL want your dollars or Euros.
Try to bring small bills for tips and small purchases.
Food: Their food is particularly suffering inflation and critical shortages. Normally, eating at these small window shops and fast-food carts can be fun and tasty but be careful: Cuban cafe owners can’t afford to change their frying oil every day and will often use and reuse their oil for weeks. The oil turns rancid and can put a screeching halt to your vacation as you spend your remaining days on the toilet. Cheap food often means old food.
Worst of all; recently …stray cats and dogs, including pets have been stolen and sold as pork or other meats. Your “Cuban Sandwich” or Pulled Pork might be something entirely different!
By the way, you can’t fool me…you are Anthony Bourdain reincarnated! He too loved Havana!
@@-Luka-Brazi hey thank you for this insightful comment! Always happy when someone adds some value or information for others that are looking to travel. As a disclaimer...I'd say the chances of someone eating stray dogs is extremely low lol and regarding the oil...maybe done eat deep fried food? Not sure about that one.
I certainly don't want to discourage anyone from visiting cuba, I think it's an amazing country filled with wonderful people, and in my experience everyone seems to be invested in us having a great time. My biggest tip is to talk to and listen to local friends and their advice, and to exercise caution the way you would in any country including your home town...
Either way, always happy to have more info in the comments section.
Cheers pal! Thanks for watching and for commenting!
Perhaps I should have said “small, private food vendors” struggle with cooking and frying oil. Even if they have the money, they sometimes can’t find any anywhere. And they simply cannot afford to shut down their little business.
I fell in love with Cuba 20 years ago and now have friends all over the island. Trinidad is still my favorite place with its beautiful beaches and fabulous winding cobblestone streets (I heard they kept the streets crooked and difficult to navigate to confuse and slow down the Pirates that occasionally showed up). My 7 year old calls Trinidad “Pirate Town”.
Fuel shortages: There are “Collectivo” taxis that go to Trinidad but the fuel costs have made it sometimes difficult to find transportation. Not sure it Via Azul buses still go there. During Corona, a lot of these buses stopped going.
Tip: You must see this place at least once: They built a disco-tech inside of a cave (La Cueva) looking over the historical city center.
@@-Luka-Brazi oh hell ya I'd love to go to Trinidad! It looks amazing!
@-Luka-Brazi this attitude always bugs me from tourists.. Turns out that in a communist society, and especially in cuba where tourism is the main source of income, that money that they receive pays for things that the people need. Like food, healthcare, medicine, transportation, infrastructure.
There he is with a cheeky little upload 😉
Nice video, dude. Looks like you guys had a great time.
Best part of holidays is not doing what you already do at home. Not sure why people would want to spend a holiday in a whole other country at the hotel, or barely leaving it. Get out and mingle!
Heyyy! Finally another video haha.
I couldn't agree more!! It's insane to me that anyone would go thru the trouble of flying to a different country just to be on another couch haha
@VaansWorld the struggle is real 😫 ...look forward to your next one. Hope you guys are well.
@@barkslife Cheers buddy! I hope you're doing great as well!
Will probably get lost in the comments here but there are still indigenous communities, there are a Taino people doing vital restoration work all across the Caribbean. They're definitely a minority but they are not an extinct population : )
Hey thanks for this clip in 2024, I am going directly back to Havana, the real thing. Second time after 2021, after Covid. Your clip gave me a mini more hope to what to expect, returning to Cuba. Nice real presentation of the situation and the country, it's always been for me an ideal, that was bashed, and is bashed, year after year. Keep on!
@@fredste-marie1854 Cheers to you! Thanks for watching. I hope you have an amazing time :)
@@VaansWorld Cool! I will certainly enjoy this second trip. It's amassing how you just need to just go to the public library and get some travel guides books just published...and no one seems to have opened it! So I found with this simple in and out, the most recent Lonely Planet, pocket guide that gives me hopes and precise cues on how to go cheap and local mode to see some spots. Finca La Vigia is a hope on this trip. A simple bus P7 to get there? :) Will see!! Keep on truckin'! Your clip was nice and reassuring! Cuba Libré!
Great video!
@@realsavour Thank you!!
imagine if the US didn’t keep this country poor, so much potential!!!!!
@@kylecargill1248 What a dream!!! It would be such a dream
🎉🎉🎉 so excited!
Your honest and truthful look at Cuba and the people definitively earn a follow from me.Thanks
Wow thank you for telling me! It's my honour to have you on board!
Im going there in a week, i am thrilled
@@DeadPlanets0 amazing!!! Enjoy your time there!!
If everything is priced in usd, how do you pay w canadian dollars? Do you factor in the currency exchange or pay the same amount in CAD as the USD price?
@@hyunpark4350 that's an excellent question! So many places will also list Canadian prices for things, and there was a daily conversion rate that everybody would use, so if you wanted to pay Canadian and asked them, they would show you the calculator and input that daily conversion rate and you'd get your answer. The conversion rate would be the same everywhere that day...I hope this helps!
I love Cuba
Been 3 times already
Going back in 2 weeks for a month
@@tonymaldonado1659 a month!! That's amazing! I'm so jealous lol
Super place to visit if you have an open mind and some empathy
@@williamspain3860 I couldn't agree more!!
Ok, this is really good. Dont stop.... and yes, this could be Boudain-level of perfect. A little bit more interaction with the locals, a little bit more indepth reviews of food and when you get enough subs, some polished production. It will be amazing. Keep on travelling.
@@leo.f.v.andersson Wow thank you for the encouragement! Actually all the improvements you mentioned will be in our upcoming Portugal series. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@VaansWorld I am looking forward to it, great to hear that you still are going strong. Portugal is a very cool country :)
Cuban people are so nice it's incredible. A place worth visiting only con is that you can't smoke or find weed anywhere.
@@Classics310 haha couldn't agree more! It too bad cause they have the perfect environment for growing 🤣🤣🤣
@Classics310 not true. Find the santerians 😉
And actually, casa de música they will offer it on the street, also the beach, and also in Old Havana. It's around..
@@arthurraleigh5812 yeah but I'm not trying to get lifetime in jail in Cuba for smoking weed 😂
@@Classics310 1000% lol probably not worth the high. Plus, you're literally surrounded by world class rum
@@VaansWorld yeah and the cervesa cristal Is freaking amazing not tryna get locked up in Cuba's cells for low grade weed 😂
Could you share the tattoo shop name?
@@juliapires-arqbotelho yup! It's called La Marca, and they are amazing. Totally clean, modern, friendly...
Thanks for such detailed information... I have been trying a lot on UA-cam but have been unable to see any information about renting a motorcycle in Havana on a weekly basis. Any idea?
@@Ahmed-j1k7b when I was there it was difficult to rent any motorized vehicle just because of the scarcity of gasoline, so they stopped renting to tourists. Remember tho, that this was almost a year ago so things may have changed! Sorry I don't have any specific info on that.
Hey dude! I just spent 9 days in La Habana, Aug22-31 2024z
I am missing it already. However I have a couple of things to add. They were not happy our Canadian money AT ALL. To them they sais it was valued at less than the Mexican pesos. They took USD/EUR or the cuban peso. I was there with my cousin and as solo women we got stopped and offered help a lot only to be asked for money afterwards- it got exhausting. Otherwise met some amazingly kind and helpful people.
@@NDiaz-et6hc glad you met some great people over there and hope you enjoyed it! Ya, lol their money situation changes monthly it seems (which is why I added that disclaimer in the vid). I've been twice, the first time they wanted only US dollars, and this time they wanted nothing to do with it - only Canadian or Euro. Thanks for keeping that info up to date for other comment readers! I'm a 6'2" Canadian guy so I'm sure that has a lot to do with how safe I feel everywhere, I usually add a disclaimer for that too lol. But usually that doesn't stop people from begging, for which I didn't experience any of that personally. I can imagine it gets annoying but I can also understand why they would do it, you know? Anyway. Thanks for watching! And commenting!
Thanks for the video. Did you use CAD exclusively in Havana? Also, did you exchange any CAD on the street in Havana for the 'street rate'? Everything I've read says that you really need USD or EUR for this.
@@paulmiller9997 I used almost exclusively CAD, except that I took some USD small bills for tipping. I did not use a street exchange, but I hear it's the way to go...
@@VaansWorld Thanks, I appreciate that. I think that for the street exchange, USD is king. Just trying to work out if the exchange rate hit is worth it, but I think it may be, in order to prevent being gouged by arbitrarily-set exchange rates at various establishments.
@paulmiller9997 you could be right, and I'd love to know if you find any info out about it! I guess it depends how much you plan to exchange, I would say anything under like 300 you might as well do whichever is the most convenient because at most you'll save probably like....$5 maybe? But I'm curious what you find!
I think EVERY country has its "areas", that its just not a good idea to go and "hang out" lol I live in Canada, and ya, I can think of several places, that if you just visited those areas, you would have a completely different view of Canada lol.
@@Curtis56c Ya lol for sure. I live in Toronto, there's definitely some spots you wouldn't want to go to
Awesome video.
Could you share some addresses of local restaurants?
Oof, I would love to lol but I didn't choose anything specific on Maps or anything. We just walked around and followed our nose, so I can't be sure where we all went. Sorry about that! This is a good reminder to keep note of these things for people that ask.
Can you please give me the title of, that song, when you were having a tattoo done.
Wonder what the issue is with Taiwan?
@@Curtis56c From what they told me they basically sided with China, which means they don't recognize the Taiwanese passport as anything more than some fancy paper lol but I couldn't pretend to know the politics of it all. And also it will probably change every year lol
I've been 4 times in 12 months. It's gotten less safe. Thank
Fully I have a safe social scene I navigate in.
@@shaolin1derpalm that's sad news to hear. Glad you have a good social scene 👍!
@VaansWorld it isn't without its need for caution, but I have worked hard to get respect without the need to be an ATM.
I hope to go to Cuba one day
@@samuelmyers5084 I hope you can too!! It's a magical place! Do whatever it takes to go there, you'll love it
Dont take uk pounds very hard to change
Take only USD find someone to change it for you 1 USD =300 pesos
@@MobileGifte lol that's the exact opposite than what every local told us in Cuba, but maybe it changed recently
Where was the tattoo shop????
It's called "La Marca" right in downtown Havana
Good advice. If you go to Cuba, take little gifts to give away.
@@brainworthy for sure!
The Cuban ban has nothing to do with America now. It was the 1960s America that had a problem.
@@RenetTimemaster I mean, the US just recently put a ban on all us dollars coming from Cuba, so no bank in the world is allowed to accept American money coming from Cuba. They still do many things that greatly impact daily life in Cuba so I'd say it's far from being a thing of the past. You'd still have difficulties flying directly to Cuba from most airports in the US
US waging economic war and has been since the 60s
Nice video, I am off there next week. I must say the currency situation sounds confusing, I've read so many different stories about what is what.
What can one expect to pay for a beer there these days?
Don't stress too much on currency, you'll be ok. Just bring a range of bills, make sure they're in mint condition also. A beer kind of ranges wildly depending where you go... anywhere from completely free to $5US lol I'd say on average maybe 1 or 2 bucks. Enjoy your trip!!
😮😮😮
I'm not sure, but something about your representation doesn't seem right. I've visited both before and after Corona, and I've never stayed in a hotel or resort. My best experiences were during the carnival period in Havana. However, Cuba is by no means cheap. Claiming it is would be incorrect. Food is not easy to come by for the Cubans themselves, and it's the same for us, though we can afford whatever is being asked.
I agree with many of your points. Don't stay in a resort because that isn't the real Cuba. Just walking around Havana is an experience unlike any other city in the world. It is generally safe, but there are many hustles too. There's some fake police running around, and my friend and I both experienced this on separate occasions.
So, if you come to Cuba, just come with the right mindset. What has been said about WiFi is a fact. Know what to expect and you will be fine. I love my Tukola, and I always bring a lot of chocolate to give away. The people I've met over the years do ask me to bring certain goods, which I gladly do. For myself, I always bring a few rolls of nice soft toilet paper. Sue me! 🙂
Hey! Thanks for watching and sharing your knowledge!! You're right, Cuba being cheap is definitely a matter of perspective. It's highly subjective. I'll remember that in my subsequent videos
I also hear Cuba has great healthcare. And education. And very little poverty. And it’s not polluted. And it was blocked from world trade for decades, still is I think. How do they do it? 🤔
Right? It's a complete mystery to me lol and to do it without the US is so cool to me
Not true the pepole are starveing 1 months wages 17 usd
Food is very expensive
Everyone wants to leave but cant i was their 5 weeks ago my wife to be
Is in hanvana. 😢😢😢
The Cuban people make the equivalent of $60 US dollars a month and that lasts them about 2 weeks. Those meals that you had for $3 dollars including your breakfast a typical Cuban cannot afford. As for how beautiful Havana is, it has been that way thru the 30’s 40’s and 50’s except it was clean and not full of garbage piled up in every corner!
@@MobileGifte you just described America papi
@@GilbertChediak do they have 580,000 homeless people in Cuba? We have that in America, and they can’t afford your breakfast either
I don't understand what you meany by there is mainly Canadians or Russians in Cuba? You mean as locals or visitors?
@@dimev4516 as tourists, sorry I should have clarified!
Ok, I understand now. You mean on the resort.
@dimev4516 honestly, kind of everywhere lol everywhere I went, at least. Havana is the same
So Havana's (private owned) restaurants weren't impacted by the food shortage?
@@MonsieurSchue Oh I'm sure they were for sure, but when sitting at the table it doesn't feel that way. Talking to the locals it seems they put together their own resources. One place we went to had a full pig rotating over a fire lol but they didn't want that on video, understandably
The best are the jineteras
Lol
Nice to have more content. Thanks. 😎❤️🇹🇼‼️
Thanks for watching!!!
Nice video man!its rare that we see real reviews without western projections plus including the efects of sanctions.
Thank you!! I'm just speaking my mind haha
Well good video man.
Ehhhh thanks Richard! I hope you're doing well buddy!!
Go to Cayo Largo
You went to Cuba to get a tattoo. Really? You don't know anything about Cuba. This video does the people of Cuba harm.
So... you're mad that I got a tattoo in Cuba, and somehow - through some truly insane mental gymnastics - this tells you that I am doing the Cuban people an injustice. Is what you're saying?
You're talking up how great Cuba is. Cuba is a country that has repressed their people just like China and North Korea and other bad actors. It's easy to go behind the walls of luxury that tourist have while the citizens of Cuba cannot even step foot on that property. Look at the streets, the buildings and the way the Cuba people are dressed and it is eye opening how bad things are. You were standing on streets where Fidel and his cronies lined up people back in 59, 60, 61 and had them shot in the streets the way Hitler killed Jews in Germany. Learn the history of the county and understand that you were standing is a place were there was and still is a lot of human suffering. Go ahead and stand in a street corner in Cuba next time when you go back with a sign and just say stop the abuse and see where it gets you. A tattoo in prison while to beg the Canadian government to go save you. Good luck.
You are very confused about what this vlog is about. This whole video is celebrating the Cuban people. It's about them and their beautiful culture and art, not about its oppressors. I'm happy that you've taken the time to educate yourself about their political struggles, but I also want to challenge you to see beyond that. In fact, in a way celebrating the Cuban people and their culture is standing up for their freedom and human rights as we recognize them as individuals.
The tattoo artists we met were so proud of their work and well loved by the community in Havana. We talked for hours and listened to them share stories about their daily lives, joys and struggles and how hard they've worked to share their art. I am proud and honoured to carry a tattoo designed by such talented Cubans.
I been to cuba over 30 times stay in hotels cayo coco and also casas in town of moròn , nice and safe great street parties people really friendly and I've had 3 tattoos done out there with flies landing on them as he's doing them lol😅 don't be scared go have fun , I love it 😀
you are not bittered at America at all. lol
Haha 😅
💎
❤️ 🇨🇺
Ehhhh my guy! Don't worry everything was in even numbers...
New videos!
Yay! Finally haha
I wish you success and thank you for this beautiful comment that reveals the truth about tourism in Cuba during my visit to Cuba. In all honesty, Cuba is better than America and Canada and better than Europe in terms of security, stability and respect. I found the Cuban people to be an educated people despite the siege by America, Britain and Europe, and they want to control This is an important strategic island in the sea, and this is what they are doing now in the Red Sea in Yemen. Cuba will remain, Latin America will remain, and America, Canada and Europe will end. The corrupt financial system that destroyed the people and everyone is under the control of the banks. Everyone is in debt and the infrastructure is destroyed. In America, Canada and Europe, millions of unemployed people. This is it. The truth is, during my visit to Vietnam, it is a better and safer country than Canada, America and Europe. This is the truth.
We must speak the truth. When some tourists from Canada, America, and other countries come to Cuba and say the food is not good, this is not the truth. Yes, there are some problems, and with all ease, these problems are solved with regard to the types of food. The problem of tourists coming from America, Canada, and some countries asks about narcotic substances. Such as cocaine and other unhealthy issues, and this does not exist in Cuba. It is common in the Dominican Republic and in all of you and other countries in Latin America. For this reason, some people go to these countries when narcotic substances are present in them that have destroyed society. I consider Cuba to be the best country in the world, and I consider Vietnam to be the best country. In the world, Singapore is considered the best country in the world, as are Malaysia and Indonesia
Hope the next one is not a year from now.
Hahaha! I have another one that I'm working on now 🤞🤞
If it so great why don't you hear or see people moving there. Prior to 1959 people moved there constantly. The hotels were decorated with American actors. I'm Cuban I know. The food sucks there compared to how it was at one time.
@@fireballrobbie1744 ....because people don't have to pack up their lives and move to places that are great, in order for them to be great. And because politically it's a difficult move.
And ya, the resort food is terrible. But you can find great meals in Cuba. If you're Cuban, you should know that.
It's mind blowing people's capacity to be negative towards Cuba. Mostly from the American audience...
@@VaansWorld Cuba is Garbage from any audience. Unless if its a far leftist audience that loves seeing destruction & poverty.
The food isn't good, if youre going to Havana
Huh? This comment makes no sense. So if I go to Iowa and have terrible food, that means the food in the USA isn't good...Is that what you're saying? That's genius
Come visit the health care is great if you have money
Cuba should have paid usa for the grain and supplys .
This man has no clue about the awful conditions that Cubans live under on a daily basis. Watch videos from Cubans living under inhumane conditions. This video is all bs.
This is an idiotic comment. This video isn't about that. This isn't a "whats it like to be Cuban" video. This is for people who want to travel to Cuba... It's in the title. I'm well aware (from talking to them myself, first hand, in person) what their living conditions are like... Anyway, keep fighting the good fight there arm chair know it all
My friend, I think you are not even watching the video, he talk about it right in the beginning of the video....think before commenting.
You are right about one thing - it's important for tourists to educate themselves about Cuba before visiting.
However, that wasn't the point or the topic of this video.
The economic struggles of a country do not diminish the beauty of its culture and its people. Cuba has always been and continues to be a beautiful place, filled with talented artists and hardworking people.
During my visit, I socialized with as many Cubans as I could. I listened to their personal stories, asked about the impact of tourism in their country, and discussed Cuban politics.
So, is Cuba worth visiting? My answer is yes. Please visit Cuba and celebrate their vibrant culture with them!
UF Gator has it right. You people who aren't Cuban don't realize how bad it is and the fear that the Cubans live under. Men from all over the world fly there for the prostitution. You can't drink the water. The regular people are on food rations. What are you people talking about. Stop being so selfish. Castro was a killer. He has committed human rights violations for 62 years. Stay out of my birth country. Try not seeing your family for 62 years because you can't go back.
My wife tobe is cuban we eate at our apartmen a few time we went out
1 meal cost us 50 usd + taxi fair not cheap the chicken is bad as it not refidgerated during transport from brazil
No transport system only taxi or a local to take you to and from airport cost 40 to 50 usd one way no buses or trains to city from airport
"A cheap holiday in other people's misery...."
Is this a clever comment? Did you think about it at all before posting it? Imagine we all just didn't go to Cuba, to save them from this 'misery.' Do you think that would help them? Have you been there? Have you asked them how they feel about Tourism or are you doing the classic North American thing and assuming you already know...
Food is GOOD?????!!! seriously? The country that literally has a famine , you dare to talk about "great food" ?
Fake news
yea to be real this guy has some insanely naive takes. yes at the top 20 or so restaurants in the city (that everyone knows), the food will make Havana feel normal. all thanks to the mipymes that can legally import black market (small businesses.. if you stay in your lane). gross injustice to suggest things are great outside of the mipyme situation
So, in summary, you would prefer I make a video discouraging people from going to Cuba, and about all the terrible things that happen there...? And you call me naive? Use your head. If Cuba loses their tourism they are literally screwed...And when was the last time you were there talking to the people that live there about how they feel about tourism, and what kind of video they would like to see about their country? lol like kick rocks...
you rave about the food and eating out without mentioning these are very expensive at NYC prices for a small portion, the water is non potable that makes that food and especially for tourists, dangerous, i got giardia in cuba and i was being super safe in my drinking and eating. yes, you can find food but at very high prices and the price is not equal to the quality on a world scale, you should admit the truth! dont hold it back, ! rm,
Well, we different experiences that's all it is. Also ..admit the truth? Who tf do you think you are lol "Admit the truth" haha get wrecked. I never bs my audience
Ya exactly. Everyone knows the food in cuba is not good, there’s a reason it has that reputation. Their food handling practices are horrendous and many don’t have access to proper refrigeration. Last time I went my guts got destroyed, spent a lot of time at el baño lol. Beautiful place but need to he honest about it
Stop ripping off Anthony Bordain
@@ヨママ lol. Idiotic
@@VaansWorld how? you are totally doing that
@@ヨママ in what way?
@@VaansWorld I think you already know. Unless you are truly delusional. Which is possible
@@ヨママ see? Idiotic. That's an idiotic response. Give me literally 1 thing that I copied from Bourdain to back up your statement
What do you mean that there is no indegenous Cubans? Guanábacoa a municipality of Havana created in 1550 by the Spanish governor Ángulo as a refuge for the American Indian as he called it. A local census done in 1975 there abouts discovered that 10% of the municipality is of indegenous origins but were counted as philipinos or Chinese or of Vietnamese extraction. Is very important that you do a little research as to the ethnic background of Cubans which has been describe as a mixture of basically foreign whites an native indegenous women or Cuban women that were already some degree of mixture with with Indian and white also the black population that arrived in the early 19th century added another dimension to the already established native mixture. Please I urge you to get some information and don’t stay with first impressions.
Thank you for challenging this, I agree that factual information is important. But...You literally just copied and pasted a paragraph that basically states there are no indigenous Cubans left. And I didn't just guess or make it up lol our tour guide told us this information and I looked it up.