7 Days in Havana

I've watched enough videos of Cuba to have some idea of what I was getting myself into, but the reality on arrival hit harder than I imagined. I want to share some of my impressions and some things I'd suggest to be aware of if you're thinking of visiting.

Firstly, immigration was a breeze and even customs. I'd read so much about bags being checked for electronics, and scrutiny towards camera equipment, but there was no mandatory X-Ray or search through my luggage. Though clearly experiences can vary a lot. Next, I was supposed to pick up a sim card I had purchased online, but contrary to the website the office was only operating within specific hours from Terminal 3. My taxi driver, responded to my frustration with a smile and "welcome to Cuba". Luckily, for no additional cost, he helped me pick up my sim and drove me to Old Havana. The drive there filled me with a range of emotions, from heartbreak to anger. I had heard of economic hardship and the results of US sanctions, but seeing it in person, the trash, the crumbling buildings, it was all too much.

The next day, Nika arrived, and we spent a week exploring Old Havana. Eating, speaking with locals, admiring art, sharing a few donations for school children, and taking a salsa lesson. A week is not enough to understand even Havana, let alone Cuba. One thing to note is all you really need is enough dollars and a good host, and luckily we had both. I'm not sure there are so many bad hosts. Actually, there are many reviews raving about how kind and helpful hosts are and we found that to be very true at both of our stays. Our hosts helped us exchange money, find transportation, places to eat, make reservations, and more. They come highly recommended. That being said, we didn't go for the most budget stays, and even lower budget stays at hostels come highly reviewed as well.

Some things to know: Good food is expensive. A meal for two often cost us about $10-15 each. But we were also eating at places that were marketed towards foreigners. More local places will likely cost a couple dollars. That said, I've never spent or tipped as freely as I have in Havana. The people are warm and deserving of so much more. Still, there will be some who see you as a walking bag of money. Do not follow them if they ask you to, and be wary of any who are too eager to converse. There are enough bad (desperate) actors, that it's fair to just say "no, gracias" and keep on your way.

I'll have a full video soon on our experience. Let me know anything in particular, you'd like me to include.

Wishing you calm and joy,

Naser

Here’s a brief short I posted: