Hats off to the spirit of the Cuban people for their resilience! After 40 years of economic trade embargo, they still smile and dance. After all, life goes on. The first thing that will touch your heart as you start walking around is the zest for life, the desire to survive in a harsh environment. Never will you be able to forget the old days of glory of the city when ships loaded with American weekenders used to disembark at the various ports.
The 1940s and 1950s are only memories for a lot of those who used to hop over to gamble, drink the best liquors and get back to the US in time to go to work on Mondays. The best US shows and programs were also scheduled in Havana. If one missed them here, they could always catch them up over there. Long gone are these days! The remnants of these days linger in the various grandiose buildings. A lot of them are in ruin, but thanks to UNESCO, a large group of them have been renovated. They currently house some foreign embassies.
Let's think about a few years from now
What can Americans do?
Here, the point is to abide by the laws of the US government, American citizens!.
It is a fact that most Americans can't go to Cuba because it is still illegal to do so. The American trade embargo has been in existence for about 40 years now. President JFK declared it as a result of the Cuban Missile crisis. However, if you are part of a music, art, press or church association, you can go there. You will have a set amount of money you can spend there too. The way to arrange this type of travels is to get your passport and permit from the US authorities. More and more, Americans travel to Cuba through a third country such as Bahamas. They also fly there from Cancun, Mexico. While the Americans' presence on the islands is limited due to the embargo, many Canadians and European citizens can be found in large numbers. Who can resist such a paradise? It is like the last frontier in terms of virgin space! The beauty of the country and the warmth of its people are like fine wine. If you go once, you will never hesitate to make it your annual destination.
For a moment, just think about all the business opportunities that are lost. Think about all the best development sites that are being gobbled up by citizens of other countries in regulated relation with the socialist government. Any American business persons should set up a plan to enter Cuba after the lifting of the embargo. It is true that more and more, various US administrations seem to lean towards lifting it. A few delegations have been to the island to study the impact of the lifting of the embargo. Of course, you would see the country returning to its glorious days. Economic developments would abound.
Against the above backdrop, think about Old Havana in the millennium
Old Havana
Hotels such Prado, Inglaterra, and Hotel Plaza convey a lot to the foreigner. If you decide to walk downtown, you will find out that the city exudes an air of serenity, grandeur, and optimism despite all the ruins that it has fallen victim of. The Soviets are long gone. The subsidies have long stopped. A new tactic had to be used by the government. It had to adopt tourism to make money. The mighty US dollar reigns there. At any moment, you can find young cubans, adults approaching you with some cigars for sale. Very good but poor artists will offer their art works to you on the streets. They want to have access to the dollar. If you are a man vacationing in Old Havana, you will receive many offers from the members of the oldest profession in the world. Young, strikingly beautiful women will attempt to seduce you. It's the sale of flesh! Don't think about taking them to your hotel rooms. Very rarely will they pass the guards! Some tourists know how to bribe them, and they pretend they don't see these women. The law is that local people, natives are to stay off-limit when it comes to tourist sites and hotel rooms. In the midst of all of this melee, you will soon understand that the true Cubans are very entrepreneurial. They will adopt capitalism in a heartbeat!
Paladares
For sure, you will get hungry after all of your sightseeing. Believe me, there lots to see and do there. You may be asked to eat lunch or dinner at a Paladar. It is kind of privately-owned restaurant where you can pay a modest price for your meals. Paladeres are often run by some families in their own homes. It is a good way for them to make a living. Don't hesitate to take advantage of your time by visiting the museums, churches, and palaces. Take pictures of the classic American automobiles. They could be made into a postcard from Cuba!
Enjoy your first vacation in Cuba! You are realizing that there was so much to do around here. How long will it take before you can freely go there? It is up to you!
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