I am so thankful for my experiences. Really I am. Cons are everywhere. I got married to a Kenyan when I was stupid and naive in 2009.I was 36-never married and a single mom. Long story short, in a matter of 2 yrs I was conned out of $4000. I lived with him IN Kenya for 6 months with my son. I went to Cuba in June 2011, and so enjoyed my time, i wanted my life back, and filed for divorce 2 days after I got back from Cuba. Aug. 8/11 I was divorced.
While in Club Amigo Guardalavaca in Holguin, Cuba, I met Javier who was a tour guide for the Paradise Island catamaran excursion. He talked to all the women, and he was a nice guy. Not good looking-short, overweight and hairy. We did meet up on my last day down at the beach, and we barely talked. When he did, he asked for water. So, I gave him water, and walked away. He has emailed me-and have read here that someone else does the emailing, and that is fine. I don't care. Obviously he is right there too coz he emailed things only he and I would know. I did tell him about my divorce and told him I am not eager to marry another foreigner, and I am not sending him money. And I still heard from him again. its not often, coz he sends me email from his friend's computer in Banes. He does want me to meet his mother, has told me he likes me more than a friend, and I am still not eager to jump into something else. I'm thrilled I was duped by an African, coz I won't be duped by a Cuban.
He's only a friend, and I will be going back to Cuba in 46 days. In the meantime, does anyone know Yasmany in CluB Amigo? He travels around on roller skates. He's good looking, acts shy, and curly hair like a chia pet. Well, he married a Canadian girl last yr, while he was dating another Canadian. The 2nd girl never knew until recently about him getting married. Yasmany's wife never knew until recently about this other girl. Facebook is amazing! Yasmany's wife divorced him 3 mos. after they got married.
Awesome thing is, both girls met on facebook, and this week are both heading to Club Amigo to confront him. Nothing worse than a woman scorned....
Oct 08, 2011 Rating
Jibacoa by: Anonymous
This is not me....enough said!
Thank You!
Sep 29, 2011 Rating
A recent review .... by: Anonymous
This comment was on Tripadvisor: Is this you or one of his Loves? It was a review of this girls trip. If this is not you...then you know for sure he is loving others.
"It was very basic no nightlife so if your going to party it's not for you. Very quiet and peaceful with only one a la carte and one buffet. The food was fine but not fancy and the people were great I met the love of my life Leonel and now we are a couple so if you see him tell him I love him and will see him soon. Txxxx
Stayed April 2011, travelled solo
Aug 21, 2011 Rating
Texting by: Anonymous
Thanks Vic....that is expensive!
Aug 20, 2011 Rating
Texting a mobile phone by: Anonymous
Is it expensive for a Cuban to send a text message to a mobile in Canada?
Answer by Vic webmaster About 1.00 CUC from Cuba for a SMS abroad (160 characters)
Aug 17, 2011 Rating
Jibacoa by: Anonymous
Yes, I have been to both resorts and have seen the same love game at both, if you don't fall for the game then the area is a nice place to relax....Hawaii is a good plan.
Aug 17, 2011 Rating
Cameleon by: Anonymous
Cameleon is next to Breezes. I was staying at Cameleon. Think I'll go back to Hawaii instead! The snorkeling was good there as well!
Aug 15, 2011 Rating
Calling by: Anonymous
Yes calling is too expensive. Regarding emails, he is emailing many people, and yes many other women. Keeping in-touch with all who are promising. I was emailing a guy down there, then googled his name and came up with another girl asking about the same guy. He told us the same things LOL! Now I know how it works and just keep him as a friend...nothing more - ever. They have their own girlfriends or wives in Cuba. You are just an opportunity...Do not take it seriously, you will get hurt.
Aug 15, 2011 Rating
Lionel by: Anonymous
No ...he hasn't asked for anything yet but doesn't text me very often or call me as he says it costs too much. I don't expect him to phone but a text a week would be nice!
Aug 14, 2011 Rating
Question by: Anonymous
Is he asking you to pay his accommodation at Breezes?
Aug 14, 2011 Rating
All the Same by: Anonymous
They are the same...I too stayed at the Cameleon and saw one of the guys that operates the catamaran getting very cozy with a married woman. It is all a game. After she leaves, there will be someone else to chase...
Aug 14, 2011 Rating
Resort next door by: Anonymous
I became very friendly with the lifeguard at Cameleon..(L) when I was staying there and he has been asking me to go back to spend more time with him (resort next door). After reading these comments I expect he has many women friends on the go all year round and just wants to use me as well....not sure if it's worth travelling all the way South to see him again then. Sad:-(
Aug 26, 2010 Rating
We Need A Rogue's Gallery To Identify The Con Men. by: Anonymous
I think it would be a good idea if this website had a Rogue's Gallery where ladies could post pictures of con artists who are playing lots of women at the same time, while extorting gifts or money by telling the victim she is his "Mujer'.!
We do not have to include names. just a location, resort, which hotel, and description of how he operates, his method of seductiion, what patter he uses, and how he has conned you.
After all we work hard to pay for those holidays which are not cheap.
Cuba is anything but cheap. It is spend spend. What we do not need is to have a Casanova- con artist playing us, and charming us while extorting gifts or money while tell you,you are 'His Mujer'.
We pay through the nose for transport, phone and internet communicaton. Accommodaton etc. Why do we need to be conned by a crook as well. Because they are crooks.
We need to know how many other women believe they are his 'Mujer'.
There are good and bad men in every country.
However we need to protect ourselves by showing up those who are out to trick and con women and play many women at the same time.
It's also a health issue. Think of how many women some of them are playing at the same time and what nasty viruses they could be spreading around.
Aug 24, 2010 Rating
I agree by: Anonymous
I agree with the last comment....How else are we to know...For the one who called the ladies Cowards, if she read the original post she would have discovered the lady did not have sex with him. She was not there trying to play anyone or use them. She found someone that she liked and he liked her. She was not Playing him...but he was Playing her....and many, many others. It is a business to him. She did not know this at the time. Now she does. And life goes on......She was smart to ask the questions she did! Eyes Wide Open
Aug 23, 2010 Rating
How Else Can They Know This Idiot Is Playing Everyone? by: Anonymous
You call these ladies 'Cowards'
But Hang On A Minute!!
He's the sxxxxx who's sleeping with lots of women and playing all of them?.
If it were not for this website how many women would not know they were being played?.
How many women would be at this moment purchasing this sxxxxx a new phone, part for his laptop, DVD or iPod.
This sleazy piece of work is incredibly busy putting it about.
If it were not for naming and shaming how would these women know that the sxxxxx was screwing not one but as many as 50 at a time?.
If they had not named and shamed him how would they know they need to take themselves to the nearest Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic for a sexual health check up as soon as possible.
I hope he loses his job. He is a risk to female tourists.
If I were his manager I'd fire him. The Cuban Government is trying to crack down on prostitution male and female whores.
I think that this site has done all those women a huge favour by naming and shaming a male whore who God knows how many women he has slept with and passed on some nasty virus to.
Aug 20, 2010 Rating
Cowards by: Anonymous
It's funny and annoying how you ladies think this guy was going to be prince charming.
You are so offended he played with you when you did the exact same thing or worst. You went to Cuba, had some sex, gave some gifts/money (maybe as payment for your good times).
What were you expecting? to get a husband out of it? There has to be something wrong in your heads if you think this "playboy" (as you call it) was going to be the man of your dreams.
You ladies are hooked with this guy, and are so hurt thinking you were "played" that cowardly have to put it on the internet and expose him, the place he works, the name of his friends and personal details about him. I hope you knew when you did it that it can cost him his job and a bad reputation to the place he works just because you went on a trip, wanted a little bit of Caribbean hot romance and then expected a “long distance boyfriend”.
Cowards, you should post your names, where you live, where you work so all your family and friends can also know all the things you have been doing on your "vacation".
Aug 18, 2010 Rating
Busted! by: Anonymous
No thank you! Im glad we both escaped without major damage to the bank account. Too bad there isn't a page to post pictures and emails of these "playboys" to warn the rest of the tourists. I still think we should plan a trip together! lmao could you imagine!
my email is kmreaction@rogers.com (if you email that one I will give you my actual address...that is my saftey one I use if I have to post online)
Take Care!!!
NOTE : up to 4 pictures can be posted when you start a new page. Not on the comments pages When you post pictures of persons respect the privacy don't do it without their agreement
Aug 18, 2010 Rating
xxxxx (name deleted for privacy reasons !) by: Anonymous
I also got emails saying very little...nothing much other than about the weather and being busy at work.
Well you just saved yourself a lot of money! I am happy that we collided...what were the chances of that! million to one? You were being taken for a ride...but you were smart enough to get on the internet and ask your questions. Take Care =) and thanx
Aug 18, 2010 Rating
LOL by: Anonymous
I've deleted them all. And all his emails too. I wondered why he never really answered any of my questions, just wrote about nothing really, I bet he was sending one giant mass email to all of us. Keeping it simple so not to mix us up lol. I wonder who XXXXXXXX really is...girlfriend maybe? Mother of his child? What an ass
NAMES DELETED FOR PRIVACY REASONS, Vic webmaster
Aug 18, 2010 Rating
XXXXXXXX ( name deleted for privacy reasons) by: Anonymous
I only got a few pictures because he was too busy sending them to you....you must be a better catch than me LOL! WOW computer games and equipment! Yes, a better catch. He can play them with the computer he got from me! Actually I would like to see the photos...and send some. Not sure how to do that privately.
NAME DELETED FOR PRIVACY REASONS! Vic Webmaster
Aug 18, 2010 Rating
wow he's sinking and he knows it by: Anonymous
He sent me many pictures...If I could I would send them to you but Im sure you have seen them already. Poor guy my ass! Poor us for being played by this playboy. So glad I did not make the mistake of going back down...I was just pricing out some computer games and equipment for him last week! So glad I dodged that bullet. Ladies...DO NOT fall for his talk!
Aug 18, 2010 Rating
XXXXXX (name deleted for privacy reasons!) by: Anonymous
He told me he does not send you pictures and what you say is not true...poor guy
NAME DELETED FOR PRIVACY REASONS! Vic webmaster
Aug 18, 2010 Rating
lmao by: Anonymous
I wonder just how many of us got that email last night! Too funny! This was my message:
HI,POR QUE ESTAS HACIENDO COMENTARIO DE MI EN INTERNET,QUE COSAS QUIERE SABER YO PUEDO DECIR, PERO POR FAVOR NO PONGAS NADA MAS DE MI EN INTERNET,FUERON MUY FEOS COMENTARIO Y ESO ME PUEDE TRAER PROBLEMA AUNQUE NO LO PARESCA EN MI PAIS ES DIFERENTE.
NO VUELVAS A PONER NADA SOBRE MI EN INTERNET,POR FAVORRRRRRR PLEASEEEEEE,PLEASE,NO LONGER ME COMMENT.
ESTE ES LO QUE ESCRIBIO,PORQUE NO ESTUBO BIEN NO QUIERO QUE ABERIGUE MAS NADA NI ESCRIBA MAS DE MI EN INTERNET,PLEASE,PLEASE,PLEASE,POR FAVOR
Funny...I didn't get any "besossss" at the end hahahahaha
Aug 18, 2010 Rating
XXXXXX (name deleted for privacy reasons! ) by: Anonymous
LOL! He emailed me as well last night! xxxxx, you have been busted! This is so funny! I hope more of his victims read this forum....He is a smooth operator...as well the the rest of the staff.
NAME REMOVED FOR PRIVACY REASONS! Vic Webmaster
Aug 18, 2010 Rating
omg by: Anonymous
Hello ladies. Yes I am glad I got this information too, and just in time as I was looking at booking my trip in the next 3 weeks. Very funny. He actually emailed me last night very upset, he seen this web page and asked why I was writing such rude and hurtful things about him, that they are all lies. He is the liar. I emailed him back and told him I'm on to him and would not be returning to see him. I do however love that resort and will be going back eventually, but will keep my distance from the water sports area (I have my own snorkel equipment anyways!) Ladies, I propose a group outting? Wouldn't that teach him a lesson he soon forget!
Aug 16, 2010 Rating
XXXXXXX (name removed for privacy reasons ) by: One of his girlfriends
I am talking about XXXXXX who works at Breezes Jibacoa. He works at the Nautical Center. He takes people out on the Hobbycat. Is this who you are asking about? He is 39. Works with XXX, XXXX, XXXXX and XXXXX.
NAMES DELETED FOR PRIVACY REASONS Vic Webmaster
Aug 15, 2010 Rating
XXXXXXX (name deleted for privacy reasons) by: One of his girlfriends
Just to let you know...I was visiting with XXXXX June 6 - 13...so you must have been right after me. We had been emailing for about 2 years. Last visit he said he loved me. I was not buying it.
He has sucked you in already by putting you at ease, your guard is dropping. He is nice and he is cute. Do you like his Maui tattoo? You are planning on seeing him again, giving him things out of kindness and a soft heart. This is now costing you money. Vacations are not cheap.
He will want sex from you if nothing else. He gets checked out by the doctors regulary for sexual transmitted diseases...got to wonder why so often. He told me every 6 months or more. He must be a busy guy...
He will not ask for anything...not for a while. Then he will give hints or come out and ask and he will say he will pay you back (but out of a soft heart you may say forget it..I did.)
He did say he wants to find someone that he can marry in order to leave Cuba. Now, here is what you want to pay attention to: He was saying he heard that in Canada, (if he was married to a Canadian) when you get divorced he would get 1/2 of what the other person owned. I laughed and said that is why there are prenuptuals.
Has he asked you yet about your work and wages?
You are nothing special. After you leave, there are many other girls that are available and he will talk the same way to them as he did you and me. He has been doing this for 10 years!! He was expecting me this December...I will not be going.
The other staff working with him...they all know what is going on. You were right in wondering why the guy down the beach knew you were XXXXXX's friend...the proper phase would be "XXXXX's property". For me, the sailor and lifeguard at the next resort knew about me...they talk amongst themselves daily. We are at a big disadvantage when they speak Spanish around us and we do not understand.
I thank you sincerely for posting your question otherwise I would not have known what he has been up to. I hope you get this information before you go to Cuba to see him.
NAMES REMOVED FOR PRIVACY REASONS Vic Webmaster
Aug 14, 2010 Rating
XXXXXX (name removed for privacy reasons ) by: Anonymous
Here is an idea...let's tell him we are going down to Breezes on exactly the same date...even the same flight! Wouldn't that be hilarious!!! I bet he would tell you that is not a good time to come down. LOL! Wonder why?
NAME REMOVED FOR PRIVACY REASONS Vic webmaster
Aug 14, 2010 Rating
XXXXXXX (name deleted for privacy reasons) by: Anonymous
One more thought...Trying to cultivate a relationship with a tourist is "a business" for people like XXXXXX. (I wonder how many girls he is emailing).
A Cuban friend I have in Canada gave me advice when I went to Cuba, he said: "No matter how nice they are to you, it is always for a reason..."
He was right! Keep you eyes wide open! You have been burned before...you will be burned again with XXXXXX.
NAMES DELETED FOR PRIVACY REASONS Vic webmaster
Aug 14, 2010 Rating
XXXXX ( name deleted for privacy reason) by: Anonymous
...and the pictures you get from him...he is using my camera... The picture of him on the catamaran...I probably took! Walk away and go somewhere else in the world...like I am going to do.
NAME DELETED FOR PRIVACY REASONS Vic webmaster
Aug 14, 2010 Rating
XXXXXX (name deleted for privacy reasons) by: Anonymous
Oh and to keep you up-to-date...He has a nice computer now. I took down a Motherboard for him. He plays his video games all the time. The most important things to him in order are: His Family, His Job, His Computer.
It is funny because when I am down there, I was just there in June 2010...all the other workers around him knew me as XXXXXX's friend too...just like you.
NAME DELETED FOR PRIVACY REASONS Vic webmaster
Aug 14, 2010 Rating
XXXXXX (name deleted for privacy reasons) by: Anonymous
Yes, I know XXXXX. And now I know the way he acts and the lines he uses, he uses on other girls. Everything he said to you...he said to me. Did you know he has a girlfriend in Cuba? He emails me as well, he ends his emails with "Besos Y abrazos. XXXXX, XXXXX....you have been found out, busted! You are a player!! He is working you. You have found your answer! Take Care! I am glad I stumbled on this posting because now I also know.
NAME DELETED FOR PRIVACY REASONS Vic webmaster
Jul 20, 2010 Rating
Hello by: Anonymous
I am on the Breezes Jibacoa page on FB (Im the one who posted that Im going in Sept)...hit me up Id love to chat
Jul 20, 2010 Rating
Ask before you go any further. by: Anonymous
There is a Breezes Jibacoa Facebook page, most of the people on there go on a regular basis sometimes 10+ times. I would suggest joining it and asking people who might now him what he is like. There are lik 45 members and I am one too. I went there a few months ago and got to know another staff member very well, but I would not plan on anything serious because like many people say on here... too many of them lie just to get out of their country. You never know if its real of not until its too late. If you join the grop I would chat with you about what goes on in more detail. Please ask before you go... it would be worth it forsure!!!!!!!!!!
Jul 04, 2010 Rating
It's Not Just the Jiniteros Who Scam Tourists by: Kelly
Scamming or using a tourist is not confined to the Gigolo. I have met a Doctor who was equally good in charming you to buy drinks for her and her friends.
Not familiar with Holguin I was taken to the home of Dr. XXXX by a tricycle taxi who met me at the bus station. Situated on the 8th floor of a dull Russian type block, five kilometres from the centre which annoyed me as I was there for Romero de Mayo, a week long May Day festival of arts and culture.
Dr. XXXXX's apt. could have been anywhere in the world, comfortable, with t.v. phone, computer, hi-fi, all mods cons.
She worked at the local hospital and was quite a party animal. More eager to go out each night than her medical student daughter was.
However I found myself having to buy Dr. XXXX and her friends drinks all night. she would make arrangements for the following night and casually invite neighbours and friends to join us for a particular dance or music event.
I became annoyed by her benevolence at my expense so found myself making excuses and slipping away from the Dr.X and her friends and family. Had I been mug enough to go along with it I would have run out of funds before the end of the week.
Fortunately I found a far better casa close to the centre run by two lovely ladies who never asked me for anything.
NAME DELETED FOR PRIVACY REASONS Vic webmaster
Jul 04, 2010 Rating
Tips On How To Avoid the Scammers by: Anonymous
a visit to Cuba will include meeting hustlers, scammers and beggars.
In Cuba however, the disproportional exchange rate between the CUC and the CUP has accelerated this; so there?s a big incitement to get hold of the CUCs.
So you shouldn?t be surprised if the taxi-driver asks you if he can have your sunglasses or shoes.
As part of the procedure, and as the good strategist, they will normally first:
ask you if you brought a spare item with you to Cuba,
explain the difficulty of getting hold of the item.
explain why it?s hard to get by without it, and
what good use they would make of it - if they had one.
And not until then will they ask you if they can have it.
Well, you can meet hands with palms-up everywhere, but the general rule must be: ?Don?t give ?.
But then there are exceptions to that rule:
If the person is disabled, retired or otherwise on a social pension and indicating that he or she is hungry and if you have the time, you could buy a street-burger or the likes for them. Chances are that they are truly hungry.
Castro acknowledged the problem in one of his 8 hour-long speeches on March 8th 2005, and since then, the minimum pension has been almost tripled, raising it from 55 to 150 CUP = 6 CUC per month.
However that?s still just 25% of the average monthly earnings, and considering the pension age (55 for women and 60 for men) and the average living age of 77 years, Cubans will live the last quarter of their lives on a pension.
At times you may feel like most Cubans think that you?re made of money.
And let?s face it. In reality. To them - you are!
I?ve travelled in other low-income countries, so after a day or two, I was accustomed to the scams & beggars.
However; some friends of mine had their holidays somewhat disrupted.
So I?m writing about the scams in the hope that my advice will give other people a better chance of a great holiday.
Now first of all, if you want to be treated like a tourist, just go for the ?Tourist look?: Short trousers, a T-shirt with ?I ♥ Cuba?, fancy sunglasses, a sun-cap preferably with a trademarked logo, 1 or 2 cameras, a money bag and sandals.
If, on the other hand, you prefer to blend in you could try out:
Long trousers, nice shoes and a shirt!
As a tourist you?ll get offers by the minutes ranging from buying cigars to making new friends or even for dating extraordinarily, beautiful women.
If you?re not interested, here?s advice:
Say no with a smile
Why?
Well, first of all this is probably your holiday and you?re supposed to have a good time. So why not make life a little easier for yourself and for everyone else.
I know that I never go on a vacation to be grumpy, annoyed or angry - I really don?t have to travel to be like that :-)
Keep in mind that these people literally do it for a living - to get by. Are you going to envy it or to blame it on an individual?
So take it easy, relax and smile.
After all - it?s Cuba.
Jul 04, 2010 Rating
These Scammers Try It On Every Say by: Kelly
Thank you for sharing the story of those scammers Friends 2. I encountered the same problem with my friend but not so blatantly.
On my second visit we made a visit to a small town, I had to pay for the bus, the casa and food etc.
You get to feel you are being used. It's an expectaton they have that you'll pay.
One evening I was shortchanged at a bar, I handed over 5 CUC and the guy gave me change from 3 and said nothing. I stood my ground and demanded the rest of the change. 'No change' he shrugged.
My friend asked what the problem was (though he must have been aware). 'Oh give me a pack of cigarettes and have done with it' he said. Now the cigarettes would have cost around 5 local pesos 0.5 of a CUC.
By doing that I began to see him in a different light. At then end of the evening he would also walk away with the bottle of rum, without so much as asking me.
I realised he was probably going on to the local Casa de La Trova to share the rum with friends. It just annoyed me.
How could you establish a genuine relationship of trust with a man who tries those little tricks, I realise they are petty. But they are an indicaton of how they see us, the Yuma, the cash cow, the ATM.
And women have to be very aware that is how we are seen.
Bear in mind they get free housing, healthcare, education and don'nt have to pay tax.
They're not so badly off at all.
Jul 03, 2010 Rating
The stories I promised by: Friends 2
Like I mentioned earlier I wasnt always with them, and they did tell me the odd thing that happened, which made me suspicious anyway, so I was always on the lookout.
Lets call the two Cuban Dave and Alex lol, dave was the brazen cheeky one, while alex was the nice didnt ask for anything one.
The three of us was on the beach, and my 2 friends had arranged for them to join us, after a couple of hours Dave kept pointing his fingers to his mouth and rubbing his tummy, giving the indication that he was hungry, while Alex looked on with what appeared to be embarressment, I was thinking, bloody cheek, so my friends asked him/them if they were hungry, and they said yes.
By this time I left, as I was getting annoyed.
Anyway, they took them somewhere for a meal, and they ordered thier food, they ordered 2 lots of pizzas each!!!!, and they pulled out a carrier bag, as they were going to eat one and take one back to where they lived.
My friends accepted this, thinking, awww poor guys, they must be really starving to do this.
When we met up later, they told me about the carrier bags but not that they had ordered 2 lots each.
Fast forward a few days, and I joined them for the evening, I was on the lookout for plastic carrier bags lol, as I thought, no way are they going to get away with this.
So we stopped off at a restaurant, and we ordered, but when the waiter brought the food, there appeared to be loads, the waiter placed 2 plates each of food in front of the 2 men, I looked at my friends, we looked at each other, thinking what the hell is going on....
I turned to the waiter and said, 'there has been a mistake, we did not order all this food' the waiter looked at us then the cubans, and said 'they had ordered it'
My friends were embarressed, I was fuming, as they never had the decency to ask if it was okay to order all this food, they just naturally assumed.
I told the waiter to take it back, as we werent paying for it, we will pay for the one meal each and thats that, the waiter is getting irate as he has this food, and no one is going to pay for it.
I then let rip at my friends,and at the two Cubans, saying all manner of things to them, ie are you taking the pi55 etc, with that I threw my share of the bill on the table and walked out.
When I saw my friends later, apparently the cubans apologised and gave some story about mis comunication etc, and the silly idiots fell for it.
I did try and talk to them, but they kept saying, 'but they have nothing', surely we can give them a meal and drink etc', I said yes thats okay, but they are ordering like no ones business, they havent even asked if its okay, can we afford it, they have just assumed that we will pay, they will always want more unless you say no.
Looking back they do realise they were duped, but at the time they were seeing them thru rose coloured glasses.
Jul 03, 2010 Rating
Its not just the 50 yr olds by: friends 2
I am replying to anonymous's post with regards the OP who posted the original thread. <<< 'But you're most likely older than most of us on here>>>' I dont think she is, and TBH its neither here or there what age you are, whether your 30 or 50, they will still suck you in.
I too have seen silly 50/60 year olds, but not just in Cuba, but other poverty countries, and Cuba has nothing on them lol
My 2 friends who I have written about are in thier early 30s, very attractive, the 2 Cuban men must have thought thier prayers were answered when they met them.
I will reply to Kelly's post also, but I cant write too much as I will run out of characters, so I will write another msg, but by kelly mentioning 'her friend' who was screaming that he was hungry reminded me of another story that has happened with my 2 friends.
I have found out a bit more from them, as I wasnt with them all the time when they met up with thier Cubans, but my god it gets worse.
They still wont tell thier stories, but said I can come on and write bits of it, if it will help others to be aware.
I did ask how they could be so stupid, but they really tried to make allowances for them, thinking it was the only way they can survive, but by reading other stories, they know now that its all a game to them.
I will be back later with a similar story to kelly
Jul 02, 2010 Rating
Lsten To Your Instinct. by: Anonymous
It's always right. Only you know what you should do.
And it has nothing to do with age. Your gut instinct will tell you he is a user who wants out of poverty and will use any means necessary in order to achieve this.
You mention mature comments. But you're most likely older than most of us on here. You've been there before, been around the block.
You know what you are getting yourself into.
Some women never learn regardless of age they keep on making the same mistakes again and again. It's a human trait to be in denial and sometimes it's too late and the damage has been done before they realise they have messed up their life ..yet again.
You mention the 'mature' comments. I'd say they are wse comments.
I do not know about the others but I am mid-twenties and from my visits to Cuba it's always the women in their 50's who are financing the resort gigolos who are renowned worldwide for conning gullible women.
Go to any resort hotel in Varadero or Guardalavaca on any day of the week, and you will see the hustler arrive sheepishly.
He will tell you he's a model, he works on a resort in another province. He's tall handsome effeminate, waiting for his 'g/friend' who has paid for his week at the all inclusive.
He will tell you she is in her 30's :).
But the woman who gets off the Transtur bus is more mid 50's than 30's and could be a grandmother. And she is very large!.
She knows he is conning her. That he is basically a male whore.
But she has developed a skin tougher than the leather on old boots and she is immune from, will ignore the giggles and stares from of fellow guests because she has paid for this young man and will get her money's worth.
She has no shame, but neither has he.
He is selling his body as he has before to many older women. She is purchasing it. He works on a resort.
There is no love.
This is a transaction and both know it.
They are both using each other. she has the money and has purchased hm for the week. It's the oldest profession in the world, and it's called prostitution.
Jul 01, 2010 Rating
time will tell by: Anonymous
Thank you for the mature comments. I guess time will tell. He emails me every other day or so sends me pictures of everything. I did tell him my car needs repair and I can not come back like I planned in Sept. He said my car is more important and he will always be there, he's been there 10 yrs and no intention of going anywhere. My car is fine I just wanted to see his answer. No harm in staying in contact with him. As I said I've been a bank machine once (to a Canadian by the way) my money is my money. I am planning to go in Sept with some friends. So again, time will tell. If. Nothing else I'm learning a new language that ill be able to use at work lol
Jul 01, 2010 Rating
Love Should Never Have A Price Tag. by: Kelly
What I would say to ladies on here is listen to your instinct. They are always right.
If you start to feel rushed, coerced, manipulated. Made to spend money you do not have on expensive flights, are told he is 'very disappointed' that you will not be travelling to see him in peak season.
Then you have to seriously reconsider the type of relationship you are in.
True love will not coerce or manipulate. It does not have a price tag or condition.
It's costs nothing.
Think about that.
Jun 30, 2010 Rating
Kelly by: So Difficult To Know What's Real In Cuba
I was in Havana a few years ago and met a professional dancer.
He seemed like a really nice guy if a little effeminate. He rushed things too much for my liking. By the second date he had invited me to meet his mom, tiny apartment, mom very keen that he have an opportunty to further his career. Large pig grunting on tiny balcony.
Anyway one day we had arranged to meet outside of my hotel at what I thought to be 12 midday, Dos in Spanish. Waited for 20 minutes, no sign of him so I decided he must have meant 'Dose' - 2pm and returned at 2pm to find him seating and fuming with anger,
"Where were you"? he screamed.
"I am very hot and very hungry".
"Your hunger is not my ....ing problem" I yelled back.
With that he marched me to a Cuban coffee shop, opened his wallet, and slammed two Cuban pesos (local money) on the table and ordered us coffee. It was an act of defiance and dignity and it was sweet.
However the relationship did fizzle out.
I felt a little weighed down as if he were excess baggage, and I did not want to have to fork out the fortune it would take to fly him to Montreal. OI guess I did not love him enough.
And even if I did, how would I ever know he was with me out of the purity of his heart or perhaps another motive entirely?.
Jun 29, 2010 Rating
Your friends are very lucky to have you! by: Francescsa
Anonymous friend, a wise woman like you is an asset to any lovestruck lady.
I have been playing it cool since meeting my friend a year ago last May in a small non touristy town.
He has not asked me for anything (so far!). One night I would buy the drinks, another night he would splash out any buy a bottle of rum. Our 'romance' consisted of an innocent few hours chatting on a bench in front of the ocean, usually in the chilly rain!.
We emailed for almost a year. I got this great last minute deal of a £200 flight to Varadero, the flight to his town would have cost more than that!.
So when I did not hear back from him I was almost relieved and had a fantastic week in a small hotel packed with crazy drunken Russian men and their beautiful sober wives, and the Cuban Baseball team, all fabulous fun, such a laugh.
He was furious with me.
He did not contact me for two months. Then he started emailing me again and says he's 'very disappointed' I won't fly to meet him in July, stay at a casa his mother has found, we could cook together each night.
Why do I not find the prospect of that to be at all romantic?
Last thing I want to do on vacations is cook every day. And for how many??
I spelt it out to him I was not paying £700 for a flight in high season, I then fired the questions. His job, who lives at home, hobbies etc etc. That if he wants a sugar momma he needs to move on etc. I am not the one.
It remains to be be seen if he responds. If he does I will be surprised.
I'll keep you posted!.
Jun 29, 2010 Rating
2nd bit by: Anonymous friend
Here is the rest of the story, I had run out of characters lol......
The penny was starting to drop with my two friends, but I think they were trying to give them the benefit of the doubt.
I said the only way was to test them out when we got back home, and before they decided to go back, whether they stayed in Casas or at a hotel.
Three months later one of them dug a hole for himself and asked for money (theres a suprise), but before he did, he had sent her an email telling her his mum who lives 100s of miles away is very sick with cancer, I said to my friend, 'here comes the sting', she had a go a me calling me insensitive,and hard, so I said, lets wait and see.
I told my friend to email him back and pretend that she hasnt been able to work for a couple of weeks as she has had back problems, and might have to go into hospital for surgery, and of course she has to pay for that, and still cant work for some weeks after.
I know it was a horrible reason, but the only one I could think of quick as she wanted to send a reply off asap, and by getting in there first and making out she has no money, as she hasnt worked, then if he was going to ask,(the sting) then surely after reading that, he wouldnt ask, would he?
My friend got a reply about 5 days later, guess what? yep, he had the cheek to ask her to send some money, knowing darn well that she had already written to him telling him she cant work, and might need an OP.
The penny actually dropped with my friend, she now realised that he doesnt give a damn about her, or her 'Back Operation' ;-) as he only wants to read/hear what he wants to hear.
She sent off a really harsh email to him, in other words saying, 'I cant believe you have had the cheek to ask me for money when you know I cant work' etc, 'no matter whatever I give you, you will always want more', and more words to that effect.
End result.... she hasnt heard from him for a couple of months now.
It was the only way to do it, was to test him out, as she was getting so involved with him, and I didnt want her to lose any more than she has already lost.
Jun 29, 2010 Rating
agree with both by: Anonymous friend
I agree with anonymous and francesca, with regards to the Casas, and going back to my two friends who I have mentioned, thier 'men' wanted them to stay in a casa next time they come over, and it had nothing to do with either of thier moms, as thier moms werent around.
I am sitting there with them, (spare part)lol, and they were going on and on how much cheaper to live and eat in a Casa for 4 of them, yes, four, they were including themselves.
I butted in, as I do, and tried to explain, in fact we all tried to explain that it wasnt worth it.
It was like talking to a brick wall, we were trying to tell them that we're we/the G/Fs stayed its A1, and we get everything as its all already paid for.
So if the G/Fs came back and paid thier flight,Casa/food/drink, and of course kept them for the week, then it would be so much more money.
They still couldnt accept it, I have found that they only hear what they want to hear, and when you try and explain, infact one of my friends actually wrote down on a piece of paper the cost of A1, and how much cheaper it is, they still wouldnt have it.
I was losing the will to live by this time, as I could see they were thinking only of themselves, good food and drink for a week, dont have to work for a week, and get treated like royality.
Jun 29, 2010 Rating
It's far cheaper to stay in a hotel. by: Anonymous
From my personal experience of visiting Cuba it's always cheaper to book a hotel as part of a package, as opposed to accepting his (or his mom's 'kindly'offer of acommodaton).
The offer of the casa will always work out at least three time more than you'd pay had you booked a package in advance.It always turns out to be not so kind at all and you are being taken to the cleaners.
If you take up the offer of a room in their house or their neighbour's house you will stll be fleeced big time and end up paying a lot more than the 25 or 30 CUC per night. You will also be expected to feed him and his family.
Far better to stay in a hotel, which can work out as little as 12 CUC a day all inclusive when booked as a package from Canada, and you will not have the endless expenditure that staying with a Cuban family involves.
Rememeber the Yuma is always seen as a Cash Cow to provide for him and his extended family!!.
In a hotel you also have the option of privacy and you are not expected to have to pay for their drinks each night when they naturally expect you to take them out.
Jun 29, 2010 Rating
Totally Agree Wth You Francesca. by: Anonymous
Well done Francesca for spelling it out in your emails.
Why should women be bullied by Cuban men who think we have limitless funds to fly there in high season when fares cost double or triple what they would normally cost.
I get the feeling that much of what he writes is being dictated by the domineering pushy mother.
Most households in Cuba today are single parent family homes where it is a struggle if the father has done a runner and is not supporting his many offspring. Even more difficult if they live in a rurual area or village where there is little work.
So a Yuma really is like hitting the jackpot, and even if you tell them you have n plans to marry they still see you as a potential God send as a future maintainer of the family.
No doubt the mother will orchestrate everything from finding a casa or room for your visit and you will be expected to fee the whole family.
A Yuma is seen as a bank! who will maintain not just him but his family.
I have been to a small town and see silly older women maintain a workshy gigolo and his family, incluing his wife.
In once case she was French Canadian old enough to be the man's grandmother.
So well done to any woman who has the dignity to ask questions and investigating what is really gong on before blindly jumping in and getting involved.
Jun 28, 2010 Rating
Francesca by: Cut Through The Waffle - Cut To The Chase
I'm a firm believer in cutting through the waffle and cutting to the chase.
If you're too scared to ask direct question.
Too scared of what the answers might be, then you're in denial about the reality of your relationship.
If a man is genuine he will be afraid about being honest with you.
You see a lot of game playing going on in resort hotels. The charmers behind the bar and in animation.
The chubby older plain ladies from Montreal Quebec and Toronto, checking in their Cuban workshy charmers young enough to be her son.
I have cut through the waffle in emails, the usual 'Te Quero Mucho'
'Te Amo'
"Te Estranjar'
scripts and asked:..
'Are You Working At the Moment'
'What Do You Do?"
"Do You live at home? With You girlfriend, mother?",
"Tell me about your family? What does your father do? Do you have brothers and sisters".
"How Do You Pass Your days/evenings".
"What Are Your Hobbies"
"What's Your Ambition in life?.
Then the reality will seep through.
We can go on kidding ourselves, reading the formulaic scripts for years, months on end, and that's so very tedious.
Or we can choose to have a relationship based on reality.
Jun 28, 2010 Rating
Do Not Rush Back - Take Time To Get To Know Him by: Francesca
I am certainly no expert on Cuban men, but I agree with the last two posts. Especially the one by anonymous.
When he does not ask for presents you have to be careful as he could be a seasoned scammer.
What I have discovered is that you have to avoid the men who work on resorts.
They meet one woman after another.
Each week coach loads of new arrivals and many of these women are very available and let them know it. Men who work at resorts are spoilt very cunning casanovas.
I met a man in a small town 800 miles from Havana last year. We clicked, and spent every evening for a week meeting and getting to know each other.
We have been emailing for a year now, I am still getting to know him. I found a late deal last minute last November from Italy to Havana, I also booked an internal flight to his town which cost as much as the international flight.
I emailed him and did not receive a reply so I cancelled the costly internal flight.
The day I was due to leave he emailed me to apologise for the delay due to no access to the internet. He said he would meet me at the airport and was so happy that I was returning.
By then I had made alternative plans to stay at a small hotel in Varadero where I had a relaxing enjoyable week.
He was furious and called me to tell me so in an hour long conversation.
You cannot let them to rule or dictate to you. Now he is telling me how very disappointed he is that I am not flying to see him in July.
I told him no chance!
Cuba is like a furnace in July, plus airfares from Europe are triple the price.
I made it clear to him I had no plans to marry, ever. Nor would I ever export a Cuban man to Europe.
You have to be honest. If you do not hear from them again then you've done yourself a favour, he was no loss anyway.
If he does persist after a year of communicating then there might be a chance he is genuine.
Jun 26, 2010 Rating
My thoughts and opinions by: Anonymous
For what its worth, I really do hope that he is genuine, but I am very doubtful.
I am not going to say your silly, or you should have known better, as we all make mistakes in life.
Firstly, no Cuban gives another Cuban something for nothing, ie the phone, the friend will not give him a phone, its worth too much to give it away, some cubans give something to another cuban to use or keep a phone, like a surety, or they rent it off them.
You say you asked him what he want you to bring, he replies nothing but you, that is the makings of a seasoned scammer, he has got wise to the fact that you dont ask as he wants to come across as a genuine boy, as he knows that the tourist will offer anyway if he plays dumb.
Some Cubans do have a home PC through thier landline, but they are mostly provided for or given the cash to pay for by thier 'Yuma'
I am speaking from experience as an outsider as such, as I have been to Cuba with my g/fs, 2 of them fell for 2 cubans, I have suggested that they tell thier story, but they wont, as they read this forum sometimes (after the fact), and have read some ugly replies to others, so they are wary of getting the same responses.
I cannot give away too much about thier stories in case they recognise themselves, but me being an outsider could see things that wasnt right.
Lets just say that they both met 2 Cuban men, they were friends, one was so brazen that he would ask outright, the other played the game and kept quiet never asked for anything, acted suprised, disgusted that his friend could ask his 'g/f' for this and that, but he was more clever than the one who did ask.
I tried to warn my friends at the time, but I suppose they thought I was jealous as I never got a Cuban, so it fell on deaf ears.
BTW, I need to mention that these 2 friends were not sad fat old women, but very attractive ladies, stunning looks and figures.
Now, 18 months down the line they have seen them for what they are,the brazen one ended up digging a hole for himself, the clever one played the long con, and my friend never saw it coming.
If you want to know more, as like I say I cant put too much on here, you can give me your email addy and I will talk to you, or perhaps get one of them to talk to you.
I know that not all cubans are jinteros, but 99% are,they think thats the way to survive, but the tourists are now getting wise to it all, unfortunately some will still fall for it.
Its a pity there is not a 'name and shame' forum, where you all could put thier names, details, and even pics to warn others.
Jun 26, 2010 Rating
You Can't Accept the Truth! by: Bill
If you cannot accept the truth and wish to head for yet another disaster in your life, then that is entirely your perogative, it's your life after all.
No one on here is being 'negative' they are just being honest. But it appears that you cannot accept or take the truth.
You come on here seeking approval for your foohardiness and stupidity.
Of course he's using you as he no doubt conned the elderly couple he's writing to.
What do you expect people to say?.
Oh yeah! Sure go right ahead spend many thousands of Dollars importing this Casanova so he can send money home to his wife, girlfriend, and family?.
You know none us are going to say that because it's a stupid gesture. You have not learnt from you past mistakes, have you?.
You say in your post that you've been conned before. So you're not some wide eyed naive teenager. Far from it!.
If you wish to purchase a parasite from a tourist resort in Cuba then go ahead.
You will regret it one day! You know that.
You've been there before.
And you only have yourself to blame when he does a disappearing act as soon as his residency papers arrive.
Jun 26, 2010 Rating
wow by: Anonymous
I was not looking for encouragement however I definately was not looking for name calling and such rude remarks as yours Bill. I am truely sorry you're as negative as you are, you're life must be miserable. As I said, I'm not some fat stupid broad looking for a romance. I am not so stupid as to send money and put myself through hardship. I was simply asking questions but the inability of people to answer without degrading the original poster is too much for me. Have a lovely miserable life.
Jun 26, 2010 Rating
There's One Born Every Minute ! by: Bill
You say you've been stung before. So why have you not learnt from the past experience?.
Are you a masochist or what?.
Have you not taken the time to read through the pages on this excellent website?.
Stories of hardship, hurt feelings, bankruptcy, emotional and financial devastation?.
How old are you?. I do not think you're so young that you do not realise you are being used bigtime.
You've been used before and you're falling for the same old tricks and manipulation once again.
Players flock to work at resorts. They know it's where they'll have no problem locating mugs like you who are gullible to fly them out of poverty to a new life in Canada.
And do you think for one moment the story will end there like Cinderella and happy every after?.
Grow up woman!!
Once he gets his residency you won't see him for dust!!
And you know that!.
As others have rightly pointed out.
If you have the kind of money to invest in a Cuban gigolo con man then why not do much better and invest in an African or Haitian orphan who is hungry and suffering from a life debilitating disease.
Cuban resort workers are very well fed. And they have more women that they can deal with.
Woman you are being used, played, and you know it, and you're a mug who will live to regret your stupid actions.
If you're seeking encouragement for your stupidity on this website you are not going to find it.
Read through the pages for God's sake and see what the women have been put through. What you have been through before.
Are your brains and common sense situated between your legs?.
It would seem so!.
Jun 25, 2010 Rating
contact by: Anonymous
Well he emailed me last night. I emailed him back and within 10 mins he responded again. I hinted around and asked if there were anything special I could bring him, he said no he just wants me to send pics of myself and of my city and countryside etc. He sent a few pictures of himself on the hobie cat. I know he already has a cell phone. We exchanged SD cards while I was there and swapped music and ringtones. I asked him today for the contact info of his friends in Calgary (an older couple that visit the resort 3 times a year) to see if together we could try and get him here (they want him to visit Calgary as he wants to see snow just once)....I will see how he responds to that. Again, Im not stupid I dont waste my money on anyone (Ive been burned before and do not trust many) but he does seem genuine.
Jun 25, 2010 Rating
All You Can Do Is Wait And See by: Anonymous
There's nothing you can do apart from wait to see if he contacts you.
Remember resort staff meet thousands of single women every year. They are well versed in chat up lines and charm.
Just be careful, do not be too eager, give it time.
You will know soon enough if he is genuine or not. Your instincts will tell you.
If he drops hints about a cellphone for 'better communcaton', or sending money so that he can email you, then be careful, it's a sure sign he is a scammer.
A genuine man will want nothing from you. Nor will be put pressure on you to return.
Jun 25, 2010 Rating
hmmm... by: Anonymous
Are there any question I can ask to try and feel him out? A co worker of mine emails her friend in Cuba a few times a week who has internet at home. It's a female friend she visits a few. times a year. She says its still hard but not impossible to get access. If they have a land line they "could" get online. I'm not stupid nor easily duped. I'm not one of these older, over weight love struck women who can't get a man. I always prepare for the worst while hoping for the best. I'll keep in contact with him, see what transpires.
Jun 25, 2010 Rating
Beware the Loving Emails! by: Jenna
There's a whole cottage industry set up which produces those loving emails when a jinitero meets a tourist.
What the tourist does not realise is that the 'Te Quiero Mucho..'Te Amo' endearments are not being penned by her amante but typed by his girlfriend or mother who sole ambition is to get him on an Air Canada flight to Toronto Montreal or Quebec.
The mom or g/friend has access to the net through her studies or work, it's never from him nor from his home. Cubans do not have access to the net. Only universities or hospitals or government offices do.
If he told you he has a laptop which belongs to his 'cousin' he is lying, it's more likely he has a wife or g/friend who s studying at a university and it's she who will be emailing you.Or a mother with access to the net at her job.
Remember you are not the first Yuma that Augustin has tried it on with.
There's a whole industry associated in getting them out of Cuba.
Resort Romeos try this with a new tourist every week.
Eventually some of them do get lucky.
Jun 25, 2010 Rating
Karen by: Be Careful!
I agree with Vic. He sounds dodgy. I also see red flags.
Few Cubans have acccess to the internet in Cuba. If you do receive an email from him it is likely to be written by his wife, girlfriend of mother.
He will not be writing to you. It will be his wife or novia who has access to a hospital computer.
Wives and novias are always in on the scam when money is involved and if you pay his way to Canada or Europe they will have hit the Jackpot!.
A well known scam is to get the tourist back asap. 'He' will tell you about the lovely casa or room his mother has located for you.
It will be pricey.
Now if you can afford a return flight which will set you back at least $500 from Toronto or £500 from the UK, then go ahead. You will have to add another $500 on top of that for accommodation which he/his mother/wife/g/friend will benefit from.
Hear him out. If he writes and tell you his mother has found you a great casa, be wary, it's a scam.
They know you will return with 'Regalos' presents and they will clean up financially from the money you pay them for your accommodation.
If you really want to test him tell him you have no money right now, have a mortgage/bills to pay off. So cannot envisage a return trip for at least a few years.
If you do not receive a reply to that message you will know he is a scammer.
