Varadero is a magical resort! Spending there whole week was just a perfect gift from myself to myself after finishing all school duties and completing my semester at Ivey.

 

Ocean was blue, the beach was white and sand was burning, all inclusive drinks 24/7 - just paradise on earth. Cuba is also told to be very safe and we were not scared to leave valuable stuff on the beach while swimming. Of course, I would not count on it very much, but I must say everything was there as we left it so no bad experience with stealing. Also, people were very friendly and smiling and you hear "Hola" from all around. In Havana, which we visited for a day, they were a little bit pushy and annoying with offering taxi and other services. Nevertheless, after refusing them the answer was very often "Okay, have a nice day." 

 

What should you know before going to Cuba?

#1: Say goodbye to the Internet and connection with rest of the world ;) You need to

       buy internet cards. Fun fact: the day we arrived they run out of them. Wi-Fi

       connection was not the best there, it had issues, but for texting your family

       you're alive and sharing pictures it was sufficient. Just enjoy the beach and warm

       ocean, you'll catch up with news later.

#2: Similar to Mexico - without negotiation don't go into the streets ;) and don't

       forget to tip the staff

#3: Blackout of the bank terminal for 2 days appeared to cause no stress to people,

       they seem used to the fact you cannot pay with card anytime you want.

       So I recommend having enough cash just in case.

#4: Connections of the bus company Viazul - sold out 2 weeks in advance.

#5: The average salary of locals is about 15 CUC/month (CUC equals cca USD) so

       they are trying to get the best from the tourists. Especially Havana was a very

       touristy spot. You can be offered "100 % Ray-Ban" sunglasses for 20 CUC, after

       you show hesitation you can get them immediately for 10 CUC. Just be careful,

       you will not find any big quality in the streets. Also, if you are offered to buy

       some tobacco in "small nice family shop" - it means their living room, I'm not

       kidding.

#6: Incredibly hot in April! Cannot imagine what must July/August look like

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Date of visit: 3.-10.4.2018

 

Very BIG special thanks to my buddy Pavel who was a little bit forced to take pictures with me and every second car I saw (yes, I do love old cars) and he did his job without any bigger complaining lol.