Should I Find My Own Accommodation When I Return To Cuba

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Should I Find My Own Accommodation When I Return To Cuba

by Jennifer
(Holland)

I met my friend when travelling in Cuba last year. He is from Mayari which is not conveniently located near any airport and is off the beaten track so involved more expense than travelling to the typical tourist resort.

We have been emailing each other for over a year. He seems sincere, However, how is someone to know if it is real 100%.

When I read through the stories on here I become concerned.

My friend has been pleading with me to return in every email. Telling me how much he misses me and loves me.

He says he has managed to find me a really nice casa particular with cooking facilities.

I asked him how much the casa cost and he said oh it was 'Muy Barrato'.

I then asked again in another email as I was concerned about the many stories of a Cuban being on commission when they find you a casa.

He said it cost 15cuc. which seems reasonable.

However I will be travelling in the low season and staying for at least two weeks.

There are good and bad casas in every town. I've been doing my research. Do you think I should just turn up and find my own acommodation?.

Or call a recommended casa listed in one of the guide books when I get there.

I am not saying he is a Jinitero. He has been emailing me for over a year now. However how do I know that he is not on some kind of commission by arranging this casa for me?.

Also last year when we met he said I could stay with his family.

I have asked him to send me the address and phone no of the casa he has found me, as I was thinking of going there directly myself without him, because I've read so many reports of being charged more whenever a Cuban takes you to a casa.

Your advice would be appreciated.
Thanks.
COMMENTS by Vic webmaster Havana-guide.com

Well lots of questions Jennifer. My feeling is that your biggest problem is that you have no trusted person in Cuba. A person that you can trust and that will protect you from scams. Let me say this, it's not easy to find such a person.
They are honest with you, do not scam you. It takes time to find such a person. In the mean time you will encounter lots of 'frens' (friends)
Most of them will try to cheat you in one way or another. A lot of the Cubans have the cheating in their blood, it is the daily struggle for survival that has made them this way. Foreigners are an easy prey, but between Cuban there a lot of cheating too...constant survival thinking!
Concerning the casa
On the countryside you can find a casa for 15 or 20 Cuc. But check this: is it a legal casa he is recommending? Legal casas have a blue triangle sign on the front door, have a license and have paid taxes. An illegal casa can ask lower price because they pay no tax. There are also 'Casas Cubans only', where Cubans can pay in moneda nacional, Peso Cubano, this casas are not accessible for foreigners. It's possible that he recommends the house of his parents or friends, in this case you need a visa familiar (A2 VISA) or the casa owner can get in deep trouble. (confiscation of the house) It's very difficult to know if he is earning a commision. Finding your own casa is always the best, but not always easy, how do know you will pay a fair price? To investigate this can take some time. What make me suspicious is that he proposes the casa and all the benefits of it. I always feel a bit suspicious when a Cuban proposes a deal.
Casa Particular Cuba

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Should I Find My Own Accommodation When I Return To Cuba

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Sep 13, 2010
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Yours Were So True Vic
by: Jennifer

You mentioned that I should be wary when a Cuban recommends a particular casa and enthuses about how great it is.

Well I discovered that it was not my friend who was recommending particular places but the writer of the email whom he trusted.

There a particular Doctor in his town who has access to the country's healthcare web website and who charges villagers for this service but more deviously he is altering the text and including casa suggestions.

I only discovered this when I read between the lines and noticed the very different style of writing between senders of his emails From Dr. xxxx or his wife Yxxxx I always felt I was under pressure. there would be demands to know the exact date of my return, and a casa suggestion which was not listed in any of the guide books.

A mistrust was also being created when I'd receive emails from a totally different man, not my friend, I assumed it was a trick being payed on me to catch me out so actually canelled my last trip to his town.

Now I realise that it is Dr. xxxxx who has been creating this web of deceit.

He is not only tricking local (poor) Cubans. He is also thieving from SLD the Cuban Health website and conning the people who pay him CUCs and also their overseas friends.

What a Scumbag!.

Sep 10, 2010
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Yes another ranting email from her..
by: Jennifer

I blocked this woman but for some reason her vile message keep coming.

I even had a long drawn out email from Axxxx who it seems is her partner. He is the same guy who sent me an email from a total stranger a man I did not know. I presumed it was sent by my friend and cancelled my last trip there.

If anyone on here knows of a contact in SLD that I could report these people to please let me know. They are abusing the netwok of the Cuban Health System by charging people a dollar to send emails and then sending out abusive emails all day. It should be stopped.

Te sugiero que no escribas mas por esta cuenta ,te repito que tu dinero
tal ves le haga falta a otros para divertirse pero a mi no yo con mis
encantos tengo y no siento ni me arrepiento de que el utilizara este
correo porque la diferencia entre ustedes y nosotros es que tenemos amigos de verdad y no tenemos que gastar ahorros para comprar amigos,ni novios ni amantes ahora si hasta nunca.

Note webmaster
All names deleted for privacy reasons and to avoid
future problems.

Sep 10, 2010
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She Does Not Give Up
by: Jennifer

I responded to her to say she was nothing from than a 5 dollar Jinitera whore on the make.

I told her I had found my own place and that my friend was happy about that so long as I was comfortable and he would not be hustling me with another casa just to make a commission. I told her to stop emailing me and that I would block her. I did block her but three more emails from her managed to slip through to my spam box.

Here is one:

Ni si quiera te voy a saludar porque segun tu correo no lo mereces porque
eres una falta de respeto ,si de algo puedes estar segura es de que por
esta cuenta nunca se le va a volver a escribir porque solo le hice el
favor porque por otra via le cuesta un dolar, para tu conocimiento
yo vivo en una buena casa ,con mi esposo y mis niños, hasta internet tengo
en en mi hogar al punto de poder hacer favores, no me hacen falta tus 5
pesos para nada porque en mi pais yo gano mas que eso y posiblemente
profesionalmente sea mas que tu porque segun tengo entendido usted es
periodista pero yo soy Licenciada ,Especialista y Master,has logrado que
haga lo que nunca me ha gustado y es tener que decirle a los demas lo que
uno es porque para mi es importante la calidad humana no lo material.Hasta
nunca.

Sep 10, 2010
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Here s What She Sent Me Proporting to be From Him
by: Jennifer

Hola: Mi amor no hayo el dia que tu llegues por casi no duermo pensando en nuestro encuentro, tenia como cinco dias que no te escribia poro tu sabes que aqui la comunicación se me hace dificil por que tengo que valerme de amigos para que me dejen comunicarme contigo y muchas veces para no molestar tanto tengo hasta que pagarlo, pero eso no importa el problema es que estamos en contacto, ahora tengo otras propuesta con más condiciones, no te pongas brava, pero pienso que esta casa tiene salida independiente baño dentro de la habitación con agua fria y caliente,privacidad y seguridad, tambien tiene ofertas de cosas gratis como algunas merienda y
comida, el señor de la casa es amigo mio, hace falta que tu valores esta oferta que me agrada, para tu economia y ahi no tengo problema y quiero sentirme bien contigo.
hay otras casas que uno tiene que con vivir con personas dentro de la propia casa y esta es independiente y podemos hacer
lo que queramos y entrar a cualquier hora por la salida independiente que tiene sin problema, busca esta casa que esta en internet de tu País de la red inglesa. Dirección:.. Telefono:.. cuidate mucho,te espero y deseo en lo mas profundo de mi sentir tenerte entre mis brazo, deseo lo mejor para ud. Te amo un beso grande donde más te guste.

Sep 10, 2010
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Troublesome Meddlers
by: Jennifer

I was disgusted to receive an email sent apparently from my friend but not the usual email add.

It was from a woman called Yxxx who sent in in his name, suggesting another casa recommending the great rate etc. Uncharacteristicaly for him there was a vulgar line I did not like..kisses in the place that you like'.

He would never say that to me in an email. Not his style.He knows emails are read and would not and never has said something vulgar like that in person or via email.

I wrote back to him at the usual address and he aplogised said it was an old email and he had not included the vulgar expression, it was yxxx who was trying to create a problem. Last year I had the same problem with a guy called Axxxx who sent me an email from a man I did not know. I was angry and cancelled my trip as I thought it was a trick being played by my friend.

It seems that Axxxx is the husband of Yxxxx.

So we have to be careful and learn to read between the lines of an email whch is not always from who we think it's from.

Yxxxx has now been bombarding me with abusve emails. I have treatened to forward her mails to the webserver manager at the Cuban Health Ministry SLD.
Note from the webmaster
All names are deleted for privacy reasons and to avoid future problems.

Sep 08, 2010
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You're A Good Woman Grace!
by: Jennifer

You're a kind hearted lady, and I am happy to hear that you are not a pushover either.

I think we have both see the kind of hustler mentality in Cuba. that agressive expectation which many of them have. I seriously hate that. By responding to that hand out mentality you are creating a nation of beggars, and that is not what Che fought for and died for.

Read through the many pages on here. Women who have been duped by hustlers who are playing them and many other women.

Silly women who've laden these con men with cellphones, IPods expensive sneakers. Then they realise they are being taken for a mug.

We have to be firm in Cuba. They all know of a great casa, sure they do, they are all on a commission.

Find your own casa and you are in control and know you're not being played. After all it has cost you enough to get there, and we do not have free housing healthcare and education as they do. We also have a lot more stress in the West.

I would like to pen a dark comedy - 'Te Quiero Mucho' - A Cuban Comedy, and feature all those vile hustlers. The witch at the fron desk on the take.

The married baseball player with the cellphone and expensive camera with the smirk as he asks for Iphones and flirts with married women.

Their acceptance when you challenge and confront them and how they quietly vanish to hit on another mug.

Those vile individuals deserve to be exposed. They give Cuba a bad name. Castro never wanted Cuba to be a nation of beggars. Do not play into it.

Giving gifts only encourages the beggar mentality.

Let them have some dignity. Friendship cannot be bought.

Sep 07, 2010
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Tee shirt
by: Grace

Hi jennifer, I have some T/shirts left, the Che Chavara ones, buy one get one free lol, only joking :-)

Its nice when you have a really nice relationship with the nice ladies, my lady is the same, cant do enough for me, I would love to give more, but I do hold back,as sometimes if your too generous, some people might think your soft, but I do bring stuff over and give to the father of the local church for him to distribute to others away from the touristy areas.
I get a baggage allowance as I have a charity certificate, as I do a bit for charity in other countries as well, so I am allowed extra weight, as long as its for charity,I go to india, and kenya, I visit orphanges, plus I have worked insome, its very harrowing, but does make you humble.

In that way I am very generous, I will give and give, but if asked, then they will see a different side of me, thats why he will never ask me for anything lol as one time he tried his luck, and he saw a different side of me, that he will never want to see again lol.
You are right though in what you are saying, it does cost a small fortune to come over, and like I mentioned before, I have had two jobs, hardly go out, just work and sleep, as I look forward to my 2-3 visits a year to Cuba,( in between going to the other counties for charity) but they have to be made to realise that its not a bed of roses living in the western world.

When I come back, I will give you an update, but still have about 3 weeks yet before I go.:-)

Sep 07, 2010
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Not Long Now!
by: Jennifer

How exciting for you - three weeks.

I agree with you when you say never go anywhere empty handed. Neither do I for that matter.

But I give to those who deserve it and who do not ask. for example the lovely ladies who have shown me kindness when I've turned up on their doorstep like a drenched rat following a 6 hour journey in torrential rain in a rickety old bus from Moa that let the rain in.

They did not have a room available, but they took me in allowed me to have a warm shower, and fed me the most delicious chicken casserole with a glass of wine and told me all the gossip since my last visit, then rang round until they found me a room.

Those are the people I bring presents to. He might get a t.shirt no more.

I do not think I owe him anything. After all it is cost me a lot of money to get there and stay there.

Sep 07, 2010
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reply to jennifer
by: Grace

Hi Jennifer, not long now, approx 3 weeks, and I will be there. :-)
All I have for him this time is some a teeshirt, razors, and shaving cream, and a pkt of chocci biscuits, TBH, I never go anywhere empty handed.

Good idea for your casa lady, small personal gifts is the way to go, but me being me, a Libra, I am very practical lol, so I think everyone is as practical as me, thats why I bring over my casa lady a couple of knives, tea towels, and those super dooper cloths which holds loads of water, she loves them, but I have some nice minature perfumes for her, and some nice chocolate, and tights, for some unknown reason the Cuban ladies loves tights and stockings,why you would want to wear stockings or tights in a hot country beats me, but there you go. :-)

Sep 04, 2010
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His 'present' will be me :)
by: Jennifer

I don't bring men presents ! It costs me damn well enough to get there. I'm the present.

With regard to the couple of lovely ladies hostesses at the casas, who treated me like a Princesa in Holguin Trinidad and Mayari.

For sure I'll pack some dresses, no big deal, our charity shops are laden with lovely dresses. The rails are bending with some cool little styles.

Same with 'jewelery' it will be baubles from a local fair, or Xmas market in Bruges, worth no more than a few Euros.

But it will delight them, in a way that an apron or kitchen knife never could.

For him? he can take a hike! I'm the regalo!!.

Sep 04, 2010
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They Respect Us More For Being Smart!
by: Jennifer

No doubt your friend's man was on a commission. But can you blame them?.

As the saying goes.."Let me walk a mile in that man's shoes before I judge him".

Anyways I emailed my friend to say that there was absolutely no need for us search for a casa 'together'. That I had been doing my research and found a lovely place cheaper than the one he suggested as she included breakfast. I also told him I appreciate his help but I am more than capable of manouvering my way round Cuba.

He wrote back to say that so long as I was happy and comfortable with the place I'd found then he was happy. That all he wants is for me to be back there as soon as possible as he misses me a lot and where I stay is of little importance so long as I am happy.

I also dress down. When you travel on a truck you do not don designer gear, (not that I'm into it anyway). But my oldest pair of jeans and a t.shirt and best Spanish I can get by in along with some pesos, is the way to go!.

Bet you can't wait Grace, not long now!.

Sep 01, 2010
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well done jennifer
by: Grace

Your so right, this site is a godsend to others, its not that we are bitter and twisted lol, just wise, and know the score, that hopefully help others.
You mentioning the extra pesos for finding the Casa reminded me of a little story one of my friends told me. ( the stories I could tell, would make war and peace look like a short story) lol
One of my friends went of with her man, stayed at a Casa that he recommended, at the end of the stay, she paid the bill.
She had left him in the room doing whatever he was doing, she was outside, then decided she was fed up waiting, so she went back into the room, and saw what looked like the Casa lady handing him something, but she says it happened so quick that now she's not too sure what she saw, but at the time, she said it looked like the Casa lady was handing him some money, but, she is now thinking it could have been a handshake, so when she described to me what actually happened, I then said to her, he must have been a contortionist for them to have a handshake in that position!!!!
Apparently, he had his back to the Casa lady, and the casy lady slipped something into his hand,without him moving, which he quickly put in his pocket, but she never said anything, as she really thought her brain was playing tricks.

It is sad that we have these thought about them, that we are always on guard around them, well,I am lol

When I go over, I dont take any jewellery, I take an old watch, and maybe wear a ring, I purposly wear some of the clothes I wore last time I saw him, but it shouldnt be like this, we shouldnt have to hide things, or be so distrustful, but unfortuntely thats the way things are in Cuba. 'la vida no es fácil', whether its in Cuba or any other country.

Aug 31, 2010
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I'm A Grown Up Who Can Find Her Own Way Round Cuba!
by: Jennifer

Grace I just received a short email from him to say that he completely understands if I do not want to stay at the casa he found for me and that we could "find a casa together when I arrive".

Now the though of traipsing round his town when weary from a flight of long bus journey with him, a Cuban in tow is not going to happen. No way Jose!!.

So I immediately responded to say how very grateful I was to him for his concern for my welfare but that since the orginal casa he recommended did not appear in any of the guide books and was actually 'Not Recommended' by some German bloggers,

I wrote that I have now found a lovely casa with great views and she is including breakfast in the deal for less than the house he recommended.

I told him the last thing I want to do is to be trawling from house to house when jetlagged, and weary from a long journey.

But nonetheless, I thanked him so much for his kind concern for my welfare.

I also reminded him that before I met him early in 2009 I had travelled the length and breadth of Cuba by bus, auto stop and truck.

I had visited some wonderful places, such as Trinidad, Cienfuegos, Bayamo, Holguin, Sierra Maestras, Santiago, Gibara, Moa, Baracoa and Mayari where we met.

That I had survived unscathed had a great time, and will survive again. I'm a grown up girl after all.

I kept it very polite. what I did not want to say is what we both already knew..i.e. that if am mug enough to trail round his town with him in tow it's asking for as much as 5-10 CUC per night to be added to the rate of the casa.

I will access the situation on my trip, ( this site has been a God send in creating awareness), and if he does not match up it's 'Adios Amigo'. He won't see my heels for dust!.

Aug 28, 2010
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Even The Baseball Stars Are Pushy!
by: Jennifer

Last Spring before I met my friend we broke our journey in Cienfuegos. We booked into a small two star hotel, which was reasonably priced.

To our surprise the Cuban National baseball team were staying there so we got to know them.

We could not believe how they were not allowed a drink so we would sneak them the odd beer. Weird!.

One of them was a real charmer, tall, handsome, a Micheal Jordan lookalike. All the women staff drooled over him, he was a star in Cuba, but a real flirt.

He hit on me. Told me he was married but still wanted to flirt. I told him there was no way I'd date a married man.

He flirted even with a married lady who was in the hotel with her husband.

Mind you she was hitting on him in front of her hubby. Shameless hussy!.Even asked for his email in front of her husband.

He would call me at 7am every morning after they left on tour.

Even from Havana where he had to walk the dog as an excuse to call me.

He even brooke his journey to Santiago where they had a match, and travelled through the night to see me before meeting his team next day. I had my doubts and certainly in no way encouraged him.

He got upset when I was cool with him.

He thought I'd be overjoyed to see him and expected me to accompany him on to Santiago, just like that.

When I refused he turned on his heel stormed out slamming the door behind him and sulked all the way down the road.

Good riddance I thought. He kept emailing me. In the end I blocked him.

He expected me to fly to Havana to see him, despite being married. In your dreams I told him.

The wife was no beauty, in her pic. she looked mumsy, overweight, older than him, but he was certainly up for romance.

Not me, my man has to be available with no excess baggage.

Aug 28, 2010
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I'm Learning Fast!
by: Jennifer

I totally agree with you Grace we have to play a game, much as I hate to say it, it's the only way to survive in a relationship with a Cuban.

I spelt it out clearly to him that although I was grateful to him for finding me a casa that I would not commit to it as I was looking at other places.

I told him I was a grown woman capable of finding her wn way around. I would call him when I had settled in There's no way I would ever go to a casa with a Cuban in tow. That is just asking for an extra 5CUC to be added on.

He knows that marriage is absolutely out of the question and there is no way that I would fly him out of Cuba. You're right it never ever works out.

I've seen women being taken for a ride as soon as they land here, they spend their nights in the clubs and are unable to find work because of their lack of language.

A college friend met a Colombian guy who begged her to marry him every day. Having met his overbearing mama and problematic brother she said no way. They were together for 5 years and still she would not marry.

His visa finally ran out and she wrote to his MP and asked him to find the guy a job in a lab, he was a mathematical genius. It worked but guess what she never heard from him again. Just as well she never married him.

Cuban met are not backwards in coming forward. I briefly met a guy in Havana, he managed to elicit my email. His frst email had CONTACTO as a headline.

Apparently he was representing a band 'the best in Cuba', he needed her to help promote them in Europe. She wrote back to say she was not a promoter, knew nothing of the business, that there were thousands of great bands in Cuba and forwarded him a contact for the Minister for Culture.

He apologised in the next email. But they all try it on.

'You need your wits about you', as my mum would say, when in Cuba.

Aug 27, 2010
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We have to play the game jennifer
by: Grace

Hi jennifer, I think we two should have our own website lol, as we seem to be the only two posting at the moment.

You could make a killing selling the vintage items on an auction site like ebay, just think, they could help to pay for your next trip :-)

Where I live we have a £1 shop, where everything is a pound (£1) and you would not believe what you can get for a £1, ie, false nails that the cuban ladies love, fishnets stockings, make-up, eyelashes, moisturiser, even the good names, I have even picked up sewing kits, that has every coloured thread, needles, pins, scissors etc, and it costs a £1, they go mad over them, as they dont have anything like that, I take over some of these and give to the people I know.

I also take over some Nike gear (hookey) slang word for copy lol, to barter for cigars, ( genuine ones), its not that I am a hustler, but I have something they want, and they might have something I want. Dont forget jennifer, I have learned from the master lol

My 'fren' lives near santa clara, I met him when I was travelling with my friend, like you met yours, he did not come from a touristy area, but part of him had touristy ideas lol, so we arrange to meet somewhere that we both can be together without big brother watching us.
But I have suprised him a few times by just turning up at his family home, and he has always been there.

Like I said before, I accept it is what is is, I dont want promises, marriage, all that palaver, he would like marriage, but I know if I marry him it will be the death knell of our relationship, as I would never have him in my country.
I know that soon I have to make a decision, I know what I want, I want him, but not all the grief that goes with it.
I am quite solvent, he does not know this, he thinks I borrow money to come and see him, ( let him think that), that way I know he wants me for me, not because I am solvent.

I am soooo wicked, as I have shown him pics of my 'Casa', actually its my tool shed, but he does not know that, I want him to think I live in poor conditions, so he is under no illusions that I am well off, they watch too much TV as it is, so I pretend that I am like a hillbilly and live in a shack, I know its wicked, but, I have to do this, as if I didnt, there would always be a question mark.:-)

Speak soon :-)

Aug 25, 2010
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Clever Woman!
by: Jennfer

What an enterprising lady you are to sell those t.shirts. And here was I thinking about giving the jackets as presents.

They are rare, like those vitage Vetnam shirts, and the pictures of Che on the back are beautifully handpainted so they could be collector's items.

The cost of getting there, hotel, casa etc mounts up so you had a point. I have seen how many who work in hotels can be like vultures. Especially the receptionists who would only ever smile when guests were leaving and knew what they had their hawk eye on, a particular dress or pair of trendy sport shoes 'for their son'.

Cunning as foxes those front desk female staff. I now never give to those who ask or who harrass me.

In Holgjuin I gave some lovely tops to two elderly ladies - revolutonarias, who had welcomed me as one of the family and I had spent a weekend celebrating their mom's birthday in their beautiful garden. I prefer to bring little gifts that are not domestic related such as aprons.

They are women after all and love some costume jewelry or a dress, it does not have to be expensive, but something they cannot find in Cuba.

Knives? forget it. Do you want to have me arrested by airport security?

You have'nt mentioned where your 'freng' is from?. Unfortunately mine lives miles from anywhere and it will take a military manouver to get there and back to the airport. I fly home from Havana which is over 1,000 miles from his home.

Aug 24, 2010
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for jennifer
by: Grace

Hi jennifer, if you want to take something over for the lady of the Casa, then take her some spices, or those cook in sauces packets, ie chicken, fish or pork, dont give them beef, as beef is a luxery, and its very rarely that a cuban will have beef, unless, they trap the cow on a railway line lol
Even some tea towels, or those wire wool pot scourers thingys, but if you want your Casa lady to be your best 'fren', then give her a couple of good knives, honestly I am not joking, they are crying out for good knives, as they all borrow off each other to use the knives.
If you give her any of these I mentioned, she will will look after you big time.
My Casa lady, I gave her some spices etc, but I also gave a lovely little box of perfumes, (tiny minatures, all french perfumes) something for herself, as its all very well in being practable, but at the end of the day she is a woman and like a woman she loved the fact that I gave her the perfumes,she was overwhelmed that someone gave gave her something for herself, as this poor woman works her fingers to the bone, and someone has had the thought to give her something personal.

Your man will love the vintage gear you have bought him, ,lol, I was shopping the other day in my usual market, and we do have great markets in the UK, anyway, as it happens, I was passing by this stall, and this stall holder was selling T/Shirts for £1.00, and guess what I saw????, a gorgeous red Che Chavara T/shirt for £1.00, so I bought one lol, and then a light bulb went off in my head,I thought, hmmmm, then I bought the whole lot.

So I bought all his stock, and am now in process of selling them to our mutial friends across the pond :-) I only bought them sunday, and have sold 15 so far,and as I see it it will pay for the Casa, and for my darling who has has a stomach like an endeless pit ;-)

Aug 24, 2010
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Bet You Can't Wait!
by: Jennifer

Gosh, just a few weeks to go. I'll bet you can't wait. Have you packed your case already.

I am already thinking about what to pack. I've taken your advice and booked a week at an all inclusive. You're right it works out cheaper in the end.

Then I'll have to find some way to get to the province of Mayari. There are no buses and taxis can be very expensive. I may take a truck!. A real adventure.

I'm pleased with the casa, it seems to be a real little gem, got amazing reviews on indie blogs which I have a lot more faith in than the guide books who always recommend the same places and trot out the same recommendations. I avoid those like the plague!.

Will you go an see your amante later?. Is he from Santiago?.

You got me thinking about what to take the lady of the casa. I found another vintage jacket in black with a beautiful depiction of Che on the back. Very stylish.

So I have a two rare jackets for some Guevaristas!. They all love Che in Mayari but also Camilo Cinfuegos, who many say was the real hero and should have been leader.

I'm counting the days, as no doubt you are too.

Aug 24, 2010
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Good news about the casa
by: Grace

Well done jennifer:-), you seem to have picked a really good casa, you must come back and let us know how good it was.

I havent actually booked into a Casa, as I go on a package deal, it really does work out much cheaper, and then I will get a Casa seperately, sometimes I hire a car and just travel, stop off here and there.

I'm going at end of september beginning of october, am going with my friends as well, but we tend to go our seperate ways most of the time, as they have thier 'frens' lol

Its a pity that we cant exchange email addresses, as we could chat better, but I dont want to give out my email address on a public forum, but I dont mind if Vic passes it on to you, or yours onto me, as he knows I use the same ISP address, so I am genuine :-)

Aug 24, 2010
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I found a lovely Casa.
by: Jennifer

Vic it was not so difficult. I went to the library, and book shops, and studied all of the Cuba guide books.

I did some online research and one came up. Not the typical type of casa that lazy researchers recommend without even visiting. you can always spot those, they don't even bother to change the description which appears in all the guides.

No, this one is a little gem. It was recommended by Germans and Italians on their individual blogs. It did not feature in the run of the mill guides. It overlooks a lake and a pine forest and ocean, the lady cooks like a dream. She also has access to email, and replied almost instantly to confirm. So I am delighted.

I feel so much better at making my own choice. I am sure he was not on a commission. He sent me the contact details and told me it was just 15 a night so he could hardly be making much on that rate.

I will feel more independent in a casa of my choice, I set the rules, and can meet him when I decide to.

It is after all my vacation which I have paid for.

Comments- Sounds great Jennifer - All the best Vic

Aug 22, 2010
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Where Is That Wonderful Casa?
by: Jennifer

The hostess at the casa sounds wonderful Grace. Great casas are a rare find, there are good and bad and the good ones are booked up in advance.

I have stayed in some excellent casas, where you felt you were one of the family, and some awful ones as well.

So it's nice to know about the good ones. I will be flying low season when the fares drop as KLM is expensive. Condor does some deals but flies from Frankfurt. So I will be travelling early part of Dec. when the fares are lower.

I'll bet you can't wait. Have you packed your suitcase already? I wish you a wonderful stay and reunion with your beloved :).

Aug 21, 2010
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Thank You For Sharing Your Story
by: Jennifer

Thank you Grace, and apologies my last message was meant for you.

He emailed me twice yesterday and gave me the address of the casa with phone no. I have done my research of casa in his town. She does not stand out as being one of the best. I know the good ones so will find my own.

I do not want him to check in. I prefer to see him when I want to. I am certainly not going to be cooking when I'm there, so his mother can feed him. Cuban men are no different to men from anyehere else in the world though to read some of the comments here you'd think they were a very rare species.

Like all men they will try to be top dog, of course the like to be spoilt. I don't do that. I've never thought the way to have a balanced relationshp is to purchase them. I have never given him anything nor has he asked.

I found a vintage military jacket in olive greed with Cuban flag and a great image of Che on the back, I think He will like that.

He's not a Jintero. I spotted him in a small town at the Casa de la Trova, miles from anywhere, he was with his friends and he danced like a dream. He could not believe how well I danced. Dance has always been natural for me. We just clicked. He's been emailing me for nearly two years, and no mysterious absences 'to see his mother'. Communication has been constant.

If anything I've been the bitch, having read the threads here it makes you suspect of all Cuban men. I've told him I have no plans to fly him here, that I have no money etc. It has not put him off.

I'm not a cougar, I am slim and independent and have travelled all over by Cuba including by camione, I speak Spansh so we have long conversations and I feel he is now a close friend.

Where is your friend form and which airport will you fly to?. It would be such a coincidence if we were on the same plane.

Aug 20, 2010
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For jennifer
by: Grace

Hi jennifer, When are you going back to Cuba?
I am going back in approx 4 weeks time.:-)

If your man stays with you at the Casa, and shows his ID/carnet to the Casa owner, (a genuine one) and she takes down his details and you see it in black and white, then that is a good sign lol, because in many areas of cuba they are very hot on this, and if he has anything to hide, he will not be too eager to give his details over.

Please come back and let me know how you got on, if it was a nice Casa.
I have been to a few areas of Cuba, and some casas are not very good, but have stayed in some lovely ones, where they have bent over bnbackwards and cannot do enough for you.
I have a favourite Casa lady, as she really looks after me, I take over spices, rubber gloves, tea towels, I gave her a gorgeous table cloth and napkins one time, but I also buy her something personal, ( not all at the same time) lol she really is a lovely lady, and really looks after me .

Aug 20, 2010
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Are you grace also lol
by: Grace

Not too sure if this is from someone else called grace, so am a little confused who I am replying to, am I replying to myself? lol ;-)

<<<<< What's Your Story Grace?
by: Grace

Where did you meet?. Was it at a resort?. How soon before he told you those three little words :). ?

Did you return to see him more than once and was it a costly experience?. Did he find you the casa.

Did the relationship last?. Are you still in contact? or did it finally fizzle out?>>>>>

I have been withn him about 6 years now, I didnt meet him at a resort, he wasnt a waiter/animation/barman or anything like that, just a very sexy man who I spied one evening, he wasnt my usual cup of tea , but there was just something about him, that made me go Hmmm, he is a very sexy man.
But thinking back it could have been the dollar signs that was dancing in his eyes, lol

I am not a couger,overweight or wrinkly, ( not yet anyway) ;-) or was just looking for amor lol, but I am a single lady, a very wise single lady, very streetwise, and I know the score, and if we can accept that, then there is no harm done.
Unfortunately hearts get broken, I have friends that can contest to this, but its not just Cuban men, or women that break hearts, even though sometimes I feel that the Cuban Man is portrayed as the devil incarnate lol
I admit, in the beginning he tried the old scams on me, but I let him know I wasnt having any of it, I would laugh at him, and take the micky, but I think he now knows he has met someone more craftier than him :-)

Of course he loves me, wants to marry me etc, but I dont want to get married, I have met his family loads of times, know where he works, have turned up days before I said I would, and tbh have never caught him out, and believe me I have tried.

I just accept it is what it is, we really get on, we have lots of laughs, and do silly things, but we do talk seriously about things.
He never asks me for anything, admittidly he did try and play the hard done by in the beginning, but I told him honestly if he was after a walking bank then he has met the wrong person.

I know he hasnt a pot to pi55 in as the saying goes, but in all honesty, he does not ask for anything, as he knows I will get angry at him if he did, but I do take over a little something, not much, perhaps a baseball cap, some toiletries, he does not get mobile phones, ipods, nike stuff, or anything like that.

I get the casa, and make sure there is no back handers going on lol.
I am quite happy with the way things are, I havent got any misconceptions that we will live happily ever after, as at the end of the day, I will never bring over to my country, as it will ruin him, but I could live in his country, and it wouldnt bother me.
Who knows, it might last another 6 years, or 6 months, but I am under no delusions, I just accept it is what it is.:-)

Aug 20, 2010
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An Update
by: Jennifer

Hi Vic, He emailed me twice yesterday, to say how much he missed me and could'nt wait to see me.

No 'Te Quieros' this time just to say his words were 'from the heart'.

He gave me the name of the casa owner, her address and two phone no. So it's up to me to check it out and make my own decision.

The casa is legal as her name shows up when I googled casas in his town.

I will go there myself alone, and check it out.

If I don't like it I'll find another place to stay.

Aug 20, 2010
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What's Your Story Grace?
by: Grace

Where did you meet?. Was it at a resort?. How soon before he told you those three little words :). ?

Did you return to see him more than once and was it a costly experience?. Did he find you the casa.

Did the relationship last?. Are you still in contact? or did it finally fizzle out?

Aug 19, 2010
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They Think We're Made of Money!
by: Jennifer

You're right Grace they think the streets are paved with gold. I remember him saying to me before I left, " When you return stay for a long time and bring lots of money".

And yes it is naive, and childlike, they think "Oh she lives over there where they make lots of money".

Little do they know what a hand to mouth existence we make, and after all the bills are paid we are look if we can afford the price of a cinema ticket.

They are secure for life, no housing medical or education costs. Unlike us who will be paying off Uni. fees for years.

Their thinking is borne more from naivety than malice. They hear stories of Yumas who've brought Nike, ipods etc. This Yuma might bring a r.shirt - if he's lucky :).

I think the aggro of it all is what breaks up relationships. The lack of trust from the repetitive emails,

The insistence they fiund the casa. The expectation to be fed, that drinks will be bought. All of that grates very much. I am not a woman who would ever maintain a man, and have no respect for those that do.

So if he want to keep me interested he will have to be a Cuban that makes an effort and not expect what the average Cuban man does.

I have let him know that if I feel unhappy about anything I will be out of there in a shot. Gone. I will not be coerced, pressurisied. I am a free agent, and my hard earned money is paying for my trip, so why should I feel anything less than happy during my time there.

Thanks for the compliment on my English, I studied English at University and my mum is from Bristol. Dad is Dutch.

Aug 18, 2010
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reply to jennifer
by: Grace

Hi Jennifer again :-) Part of me thinks they are very naive, and part of me thinks they are very wise.
The thing is, they cannot get into thier heads that it is cheaper for us to go A1, as it is a bargain price, for me and my friends its a fantastic price, but, sometimes with flight only, then if your lucky enough to get a decent Casa without being ripped off, it can work out more expensive.
Bearing in mind for you that you could be paying for two, and as you have a 6 footer to feed, it might be a good idea to try and sell a kidney before you come to Cuba lol, but all joking aside it can work out more expensive, but the darlings cannot get thier heads around that.

Even if you sit there with pen and paper and have a fixed smile on your face,( have been there) tallying up your income, ie, how much tax you pay, rent/mortgage, council tax, water rates, electric/gas, Tv license,thats before you buy a loaf of bread, my god the list goes on and on, but the poor darlings cannot fathom all this, as they dont pay it, they see you as earning a fixed amount, and say for example you earn £300 a week, to them its a fortune , but they havent the mentality to understand that if your lucky, you might have £30 left at the end of the week after paying out, and that where they are naive.
I go to Cuba at least twice a year, as I love cuba even with its faults, I know the score, I am wise to it all, but sometimes I act dumb, as by acting dumb, you learn a lot more.;-);-)

BTW Jennifer, your english is fantastic, but yet your from Holland, I know the majority of Dutch speak good english,I have been to Holland, but there must be some english influence around you as you understand my sense of humour :-)

Aug 18, 2010
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So funny but so true
by: Jennifer

Your words made me laugh Grace, but you're so right. Funnily enough he did say in one of the emails that there was access to a kitchen and 'we could cook together'.

The last thing I want is to cook every day for a hungry 6ft Cuban man. Let his mother feed him lol. Let her clothe him and do his laundry as well :).

I do not want be his 'Mujer' in that sense if all the bloody baggage comes with it.

We work hard enough not to have hassle when on holiday.

I am taking Vic's advice and stopping for a week at an all inclusive which has worked out cheaper than the casa he has planned for me.

I will then go to meet him and tell him I had to travel a week later due to work so he will not know the difference. I will also find my own casa, barter my own deal with the casa owner.

Because as sure as hell if he takes me to the casa they will up the price by at least 5 cuc. And I am not having that. No way Jose!

Thanks for the tip Grace. Us ladies need to stick together and offer advice and support each other. The last thing we want it to be taken for a mug or a daft Yuma.

Aug 18, 2010
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reply for jennifer
by: grace

Hi jennifer, I can only give you my opinion through experience, some of it is second hand, ie been told by another friend, and seen things for myself.

Your man may well love you, but its still in him to make a fast buck, as you might wonder why someone who professes to love you can make money off you, as you or I would never even dream of doing that, but unfortuantely some do.
yes, they do get a commision, but before they do, they will eat thier heads off, as your paying, they wont think of saying to you... 'mi amor, its 15 pesos, plus 5 for the food, is that okay, can you afford it?' no they wont, unless you ask first, but normally you wouldnt ask, as they are your loved one, you trust them etc, so of course you wouldnt question it.
They think you are loaded, and of course you are compared to them, but they havent a clue how you have worked two jobs, sold stuff on ebay just to pay for the vacation.

I have seen with my own eyes the 'boyfriend' receiving his commision, and the poor girlfriend didnt have a clue.
They give the line...'I can get you a casa, both of us can live there for X amount, I want to spend everynight in your arms', but then you have to think.... I'm the bleeding sucker paying for it.

Do your own research, get your own casa,no food, and say for example, 'naaaa, I'm not hungry, am on a diet, I dont want no food', and see how he pales lol.

Aug 18, 2010
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Thanks Vic.
by: Jennifer

I've decided to find my own casa, and thank you for the advice.

It is hard to know when they suggest something if they are doing so out of the possibility of a commission. However I doubt the commission he'd earn from a two week stay would cover the cost of emailing me for over a year.

I have been reading up every possible guide book on Cuba, and most list the good casas.

I know I can find a good place for 15 cuc. as it's a rural town not a resort and also low season.

Also I have requested from him the address and phone no. of the casa he suggested I should stay in so that I can go and check it out by myself before committing to stay there.

I've also told him I have no idea of my arrival time much less the day as there are connections to catch from the airport so would need the address just in case.

I have yet to hear back, but if he creates a fuss about sending me the address then I will know where he is coming from.

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