We started our last day in Cuba by getting up early and heading off to breakfast at 5 Corners Restaurant where we had eaten before. Out came the continental breakfast which was a feast of fresh fruit, juice, coffee, toast, eggs and bacon – all for the total price of 9 CUC.
A walk back to the Hostel and we get sorted for our 11:00 am taxi to the Airport. Our Host arrives just before 11:00 and tells us that the taxi is here and he is waiting in the street – no rush as we have plenty of time.
The final account is sorted and Helen gives the Host a 1 CUC tip as he is a ‘nice boy’ who has gone out of his way to help us. He helps us down to the taxi and we set off to the Airport. The taxi is a regular yellow one but is not in good shape and we have all of the windows down to get a bit of air flowing.
The driver asks us which terminal our flight leaves from and that is a surprise to us given that we thought there was only one Airport in Havana. Apparently there are two Airports and multiple terminals so we check our United flight details and it can’t find any mention of where we should go. The driver tells me not to worry as he is pretty sure which one we need to go to.
We arrive at the Airport and the driver tells us he will wait just to make sure we are at the right spot. Helen goes in and comes back out after failing to find any mention of United flights on the departure board. The driver then goes and speaks to a couple of Airport staff and confirms that we should be at Terminal 2. Lucky its no big deal as Terminal 2 is less than 10 minutes away and just around the corner
As we pull up outside the Terminal 2 entrance I can see the departure board and our flight is on it. I pay the driver and thank him for being a good bloke in making sure that we got to the right spot;
It’s a relief to get inside the Airport and under the air-con as outside the temp is right up there. We have a very quick check in and get through Immigration / Security with no dramas. The departure area has a few little shops and a restaurant – there is a money exchange window as well so we could have changed our CUC back to US if it was needed.
With 3 hours to kill I set up my blog office in the corner of the restaurant and plug the laptop in. There is a strong wi-fi signal and I use my card to connect to the Internet.
I was all set to go when a retired New Zealand couple sat down next to us and the fella was in for a chat on all things Cuban and Motorsport – all I wanted to do was the blog but I couldn’t find a way to get rid of him!
Boarding is right on time and we head through the gate and on to the plane. We take our seats – next stop New York;
- First of all Cuba is very safe and I never had any time where I thought otherwise. Cubans are friendly and will try and help you – language was not an issue for us. Every country has scammers but you will see them a mile off
- Entry Visa’s can be bought at the gate and there is no need to pre-purchase and pay triple the cost
- My travel card worked to withdraw money at the Banks (which are in the major cities) however I also took a cash backup – better off taking Euro and not USD to avoid the surcharge
- Its not a credit card culture – everything is paid for by cash unless you are fixing up your account at one of the major hotels
- As a tourist guest you can only use CUC – no paying for anything with other currencies
- As Independent travelers, our travel was somewhere in between backpacker and organised tour . The only thing we booked prior to our arrival was our first 2 nights accommodation
- Homestay ‘casa particular’ was easy through Airbnb but you will need to have access to the Internet – I have a small travel laptop. Make sure you have your host’s phone number so your driver can find the address
- Travelling between locations is easy and if there is only 2 of you a shared taxi will save you a lot – just ask for a ‘taxi collectivo’
- We paced ourselves given that our trip was at the start of the wet season – very hot and humid. The conditions are very similar to Thailand / Vietnam but without the scooters
Like a lot of ‘poor’ countries you can still travel first class through them – the luxury hotels offer all of the comforts that you have at home and you will not go without. Everyone travels differently but I like staying with locals and get a feel for what their culture is. Whatever you do you can’t go wrong as it sure beats sitting at home with a jumper on!
12 comments
Comment by Bern
Bern June 22, 2019 at 6:36 am
Great photos and write-up, really enjoyed reading about your Cuban experience. You are a very good photographer Noel. The images and colours captured almost bring it to life. Have fun in the USA and stay safe.
Comment by Noel
Noel June 22, 2019 at 9:22 pm
Taking a photo is easier than trying to navigate shield. ha.
Comment by Mick B
Mick B June 24, 2019 at 11:22 am
Fantastic reading as usual. Great photos. You should make a documentary.
Mick B.
Comment by Mark Fabri
Mark Fabri June 22, 2019 at 7:07 am
Fantastic, I cannot wait to travel and experience Cuba myself. Your photos are excellent and I really enjoyed the blog.
Living the life mate you seem to have found your niche for retirement. Perhaps a travel guide, critic.
Great stuff
Mark
Comment by Noel
Noel June 22, 2019 at 9:23 pm
Thanks mate
Comment by sonia tiner
sonia tiner June 22, 2019 at 11:03 pm
Thanks for sharing! Now I want to visit Cuba. Enjoy NewYork. Looking forward to seeing you.
Comment by Noel
Noel June 23, 2019 at 6:42 am
Yeah it will great to see you crazy critters
Comment by AdamS
AdamS June 22, 2019 at 9:10 am
Great write ups mate would love to get to Cuba someday for the car culture
Comment by Noel
Noel June 22, 2019 at 9:24 pm
Yeah its pretty amazing to be catching a 1955 Chevy Belair as your taxi
Comment by phil
phil June 22, 2019 at 10:35 am
And let me tell you the jumper is definitely on. Its bloody freezing here. Look forward to catching your next blog in NY.
Comment by Noel
Noel June 22, 2019 at 9:25 pm
How good is it when you are able to miss the winter!
Comment by Paul Simmonds
Paul Simmonds June 25, 2019 at 8:55 am
Hi Noel,
Keep enjoying the trip mate. Great blog.
Cheers,
Simmo