Thoughts On Cuba So Far

Doing a tour was a good idea, our group leader is good to have around to help organise activities, translate, provide knowledge and just make sure we're getting the most out of the experience as possible. She was initially a bit concerned I'd get enough food with me being vegetarian, but she's been very helpful with organising some good meals out. Highly recommended to do a tour in these countries, particularly if you don't speak the language very well. I think if you have a good command of the language then it wouldn't be so much of a problem. It does also open up opportunities to do activities you wouldn't be able to if you were travelling by yourself.

I think the tour group has a good make up and we all get on really well. The ANZACS intially gave Kevin the englishman plenty of stick but now it seems to have evened itself out. Having plenty of fun hanging out together and both Nicola and I are out doing things we'd not necessarily be doing had we been by ourselves. It certainly seems better than some of the tour groups we've seen around the place, full of people not really getting social with each other and seemingly not having fun. Having said all that, we've still got plenty of space if we want to do our own thing, so not forced to follow the group everywhere.

Have been frustrated along the trip with communication. Particularly early on with the staff on the desk at the hotel in Havana where they would say yes or si all the time when you are asking questions but not actually be understanding you, and at the end of the conversation they'd just stand there and do nothing! This is better now, partially having a couple people in the group who speak a bit more of the language than us. Before you come here, learn as much espanol as possible. We're getting there slowly.

The people in Cuba are for the most part very friendly and helpful, even if you don't speak espanol. We'll get plenty of smiles and response walking down the street if we offer an hola or buenas dias. I find the people on the street and in the casas generally more helpful than the people in the internet cafes and some of the hotel staff, where you can get very frustrated if you don't speak the language.