My November Habanos Itinnerary

[Rushman]

Oh my god I want to go. Soon hitting the bread line and if all goes well by this time we will be backpacking Central America before settling into an honest life of slinging cigars to tourists in the riviera maya. So unless things change drastically, count me out.

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[RNasr]

Epic

[Ryan]

What an agenda. I need a break after just reading about it. Hope everyone has a blast.

Rob, nice to so clearly spell out the rules, especially those ensuring the Cubans are respected. It made me wonder what your thoughts are (or Ryan's or anyone else's) on bringing gifts? Some things are pretty hard to find. Oh sure, the wizened abuela that leans over the rail when you're having a mojito at the Inglaterra is after a CUC or two, not a tooth brush, but what about others? I get decidedly mixed advice on this and wondered what the latest views are. I suspect it might come up.

I like to find out from my friends what they need and try my best to accommodate. Will touch base with them 6 weeks out and find out what the current shortages are.

Outside of that, I like to bring little matchbox cars for the kids etc. often just buying something small and simple that brings a smile to a childs face is priceless to their parents.

This is Prez's trip to organise but here's an idea. Hector helps to run the primary school around the corner from his farm. They generally always need stuff. With a little bit of communication through Toby or Punch Joe, it could be found out what they need and organise it. 30 guys each bringing a $5-$10 pack of something could make an enormous difference to how that school runs for a year. A little bit of organisation would be handy, there's probably no point everybody bringing a large pack of pencils each.

I also bring stuff over now for people I know and I find out beforehand what they need. Before I knew many people there I used to bring over packs of guitar strings, nylon and steel, medium gauge and hand them out to people. One week of walking around Havana you'll probably see 50 guitar players on the street or in bars.

Here's a simple thing for anyone staying in hotels, not casas. I presume most bring their own toiletries with them, bring a plastic bag and put the small bottles of free hotel toiletries in it everyday then put that bag in your suitcase every day, soap, shamppo, conditioner etc. Room service will replace what's not there daily.

At the end of the week take your bag outside the hotel (can't give it to room service, it wouldn't necessarily look good for them if they were found with the stuff) and give it to someone on the street, group of girls, boys whatever.

If you're worried at all about possibly insulting someone with unsolicited charity, don't be. The spanish for "my hotel gave me this, I don't need it, would you like it?" isn't hard to learn if that's a concern for you. That bag of stuff could clean a school uniform for weeks.

Speaking of room service, tip them. Leave 1 cuc a day on the bed, more if you like, they'll know it's for them if it's on the bed. Makes a difference.

[madandana]

Oh my god I want to go. Soon hitting the bread line and if all goes well by this time we will be backpacking Central America before settling into an honest life of slinging cigars to tourists in the riviera maya. So unless things change drastically, count me out.

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Bummer Dude. Hope things change. Maybe you could sell an organ?

[Rushman]

Bummer Dude. Hope things change. Maybe you could sell an organ?

if things change for the better or someone wants a well used organ, its a possibility.....if Im hitting the bread line, honestly id rather spend the dough on a month in central america than a week in cuba......

hope for the best, plan for the worst

[Bartolomeo]

Rob, will send an email shortly about this

Thanks!

[CanuckSARTech]

When it comes to bail, cash only. I have you

covered. amigo.

LOL. That that also extend to some particular members of the Canadian contingent as well????

Looks like a great trip, very good advice. Very jealous to be missing it.

Couple of things I'd add for people who haven't been to Cuba before.

Leave your passport and wallet somewhere safe in your room when going out. At night leave your phone in your room too.

At night, work out how much cash you think you need then multiply that number by 2. Or as much cash that you're prepared to lose without upsetting you too much. Pickpockets, especially in crowds just outside nightclubs are getting more common. If a group of guys comes over offering you a ride or anything else, mind your pockets.

Bring a photocopy of the picture page of your passport with you, it's all you'll ever need for ID. A photocopier won't be easy to find in Cuba and you don't want to lose your passport. When travelling to Vinales bring your passport then, the hotel/Casa will probably ask for it.

A roll of toilet paper in your bag when out and about can be a very handy thing.

Last thing, tip. Doesn't have to be huge amounts but it goes a long way in Cuba.

Andy, AWESOME advice. A great rundown of a lot of info from the "Ultimate Visiting Cuba" page (recommended reading for any attending though).

The biggest thing I'd re-hit on is about the passports....

Yes, really, you only need a copy of the photo and the signature pages of your passport (generally page 2 and 3 of your passport, across from each other) to be used as ID. I HIGHLY recommend that everyone make three photocopies of these pages and do the following:

• keep one copy at home with a loved one, in case of emergency
• carry your original passport and two photocopies with you to Cuba
• use original for travel, then lock in hotel room safe
• keep one copy on your person, in a money clip with your spending money for the day, to count as your ID if needed
• give the other copy to your partner / roommate / co-traveller, to have with them if needed in emergency, and/or if you happen to lose your copy / money clip

Doing all this on many trips to this island, and many other and Carribean islands, I and my family and friends have avoided any issues that could have been disasters.

[CanuckSARTech]

Rob - the FOH Welcoming party on the Monday....

I see that it's still $100-120 CUC's, dependant.

Is it still roughly for 1pm to 6pm? Shut the doors at 6pm and over? Or is it gonna be an "until-the-booze-runs-out-and-we-hobble-or-take-cab-rides-to-Johnnie's-or-another-seedy-spot" night?

[Rushman]

and he's back!

got retained for the moment (not detained) on the island so the wife and i are in for a portion of the festivities (Mon-Thurs)

couldn't miss the party!

looking forward to it

[Maxismoke]

This is priceless!

" Mind you am not a tour guide outside of the opening weekend and party. You will find me to be more than amiable, helpful (to you and your partner), should you need medical attention I am at your beck and call, post bail..same, talk down to my Cuban friends or other locals because you believe yourself superior then you will be crossed with a right."

:-) Just what some kind of folks need to hear.

Wish i could join you guys this year, but the wife is starting her new business, and i need to be here and help her out.

The good part of that is that by next year she would have earned money enough to send me to Cuba! :-)

[CanuckSARTech]

and he's back!

got retained for the moment (not detained) on the island so the wife and i are in for a portion of the festivities (Mon-Thurs)

couldn't miss the party!

looking forward to it

Rushman, this is good to hear! Will look forward to meeting up with you and sharing a smoke!!!

[Bartolomeo]

Plan right now is to be there for a couple of days, will figure out next week

Bart

[maverickdrinker]

Sounds like you have an awesome trip planned Rob. Should be super fantastic for those who have not been to HAV or the festival before.

Have a great time!!!

[DrunkenMonkey]

Someday!

Have fun everyone, and consider yourself envied!

[ImTripN2]

"To have an understanding of Cuba you need to see the country areas and experience the rich tapestry of its people and visual beauty. This weekend encompasses that."

That would take the better part of a decade....

One thing I would add to all the great advice; scan your passport, drivers license and a credit card and email them to yourself. Always available in a pinch.

Sounds like a fantastic trip, have a great time gents !!

[El Presidente]

Rob - the FOH Welcoming party on the Monday....

I see that it's still $100-120 CUC's, dependant.

Is it still roughly for 1pm to 6pm? Shut the doors at 6pm and over? Or is it gonna be an "until-the-booze-runs-out-and-we-hobble-or-take-cab-rides-to-Johnnie's-or-another-seedy-spot" night?

Until the booze runs out. It will be a late one

[El Presidente]

and he's back!

got retained for the moment (not detained) on the island so the wife and i are in for a portion of the festivities (Mon-Thurs)

couldn't miss the party!

looking forward to it

Looking forward to catching up mate!

[CUBANO]

Until the booze runs out. It will be a late one

I'll bring some extra booze to make sure the party continues.

[Habana Mike]

Is your place stumbling distance to the Nacional?

[El Presidente]

5 minute cab Mike.

[Mr. Japan]

Really mad that I cannot catch you on the week end as I will be running...but definitively will catch up on other days somewhere:-)

[Bartolomeo]

Is there a thread on FOH of members going and possibly going w their dates, I couldnt find it if there is

Just trying to finalize some logistics in the next day or two

TIA!

[El Presidente]

Is there a thread on FOH of members going and possibly going w their dates, I couldnt find it if there is

Just trying to finalize some logistics in the next day or two

TIA!

E-mail going out this morning. I have you on the send list mate!