I fit
in well with the people that I met in Cuba. Whether this is something that
would last over time, or whether I was just lucky, or perhaps it was a façade because
I was a “rich tourist,” I do not know. But I met the kindest and warmest people
and had a wonderful time. This was partly because I went out of my way to interact with
locals and ask questions. The people that I met seemed to really enjoy talking
about their lives and sharing with me places to go and do which are off the
beaten path. I even had a number of them invite me to come back, offer to find
me a Casa Particular (which is local housing for foreigners rather than a
hotel), etc. I was impressed by the hospitality. Perhaps if you live in the Mid-Atlantic,
you will understand why I found this so enchanting; compared to us, the Cuban people are so very friendly and kind. There are plenty of good people here, but in
terms of laying out the welcome mat, Cubans show us that we have a long way to
go.
Being a tourist in Habana Vieja with a local cover model from Nat Geo
The
Cuban style of dress is very similar to trends in the United States. The young
men and women could have stepped out of any US university campus or mall.
Additionally, there is an abundance of musical talent, and this is apparent in
many of the local restaurants, street corners, discotecas, clubs, bars, even
the hotel lobby. To make extra money (and especially in the lucrative tourist
peso, which is worth 24 national pesos), people of all ages will use their
talents to market CD’s, artwork, crafts, etc. You might pay $10 or $15 for an
original painting (oil, acrylic, you name it), which for the locals is a month
of wages. The further from the tourist path you are, the more likely this money
will circulate among the local population rather than getting siphoned into the
socialist bureaucracy. So I felt good about buying the few things I did buy for
my kids and family and actually wished I could have bought more. If you go to
Cuba, leave room in your suitcase for music, books, paintings, carvings, and
instruments – handmade wares that are pretty much a steal if you compare them
to prices back home. They might stop you in customs on the Cuban side if you buy too many, though,
because they think you are reselling them. So, be reasonable and not
extravagant.
A note
to the future traveler on culture:
To be careful of – the dual economy means that you are much
richer, freer, more privileged and more powerful than anyone you meet. So be
very careful of your presence and how it affects those you are interacting
with. Crime is very low in Cuba – almost non-existent – because of the careful
surveillance and constant control of people’s behaviors. While in Cuba, be
respectful of the fact that there are many questions that the locals are not
able to answer (by law) and which you really should not be asking (also by law)
and no one should flaunt their freedom, money or possessions in front of others
who do not have access. Downplay your affluence and don’t act either rich or
spoiled. It will only ruin your trip and isolate you from your potential
friends and experiences. It may also make you a target for manipulation. Be
smart and considerate when you
interact with others.
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