Monday, September 24, 2018

Hints for your visit to Cuba

Some thoughts for Americans who want to visit to Cuba.

My cousin has gone to Cuba many times and taken other family with her.  When she goes, it is to educate, and to take things to help the Cuban people through the Church.  She is willing to share her tips with you.
She has contacts there for visitors and will share them with you if you ask.
Here are some points of advice that I prepared for a group from my home town who went through a Rhodes Scholar program. https://www.roadscholar.org/n/program/dailySchedule.aspx?dID=1-79UT97

What my cousin said about talking with the people: "the people carry the police inside themselves. They have no basis for comparison because they don't know what they don't know. They talk with authority about things they don't know.” (no world news, no internet)
The government choses the people to whom you will talk with and interview - brainwashing
When you talk with Cubanos, will you hear the Cuban's point of view or government point of view?

Be careful with your money not to have it stolen.
Bring plenty of loose dollar bills for tips. 
Don't believe everything you hear.  
Try to escape their watchful eyes and see and talk to people on their own. Where no one can overhear you.
Don’t do anything you are told not to do, be careful with exploring on your own…
Don’t know Spanish?  How do you know that what the translators say is what the Cubans are saying? Make friend with someone who speaks Spanish to find out more.
Things to take for the people:   Earrings and any custom jewelry, medicines, guitar strings, tights and leotards, leave your clothes there...
Take for yourself: wipes, little soap and little towel. (lacking in Cuba)


Questions to ask:

Paladares (independent restaurants) owners- how much do you pay to the Cuban government? How much do the employees make? Can they get what they need for their business? Vendors - do you keep all your earnings? Where do you get your materials?
About US/Cuba relations... What do they think are obstacles to US/Cuba relations? End embargo?  What does that mean to them? Benefits do they see?  how will your life change? What is your greatest  need?  What do you want for your children? For the future of Cuba? What is your greatest happiness? What do you miss? (for the seniors) How do you feel about the Cubans who left Cuba coming back?  What change do you want first?  What do you want to stay the same?

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