Cuba: A Raw Perspective

The Inquisitive Tourist

Ever visited Cuba? Know anyone who has?
Chances are you want to go if you haven't been already. Today's discussion will prepare you mentally for when you go.
Melissa is an avid traveller and had a life-changing trip to Cuba, even though it was just for a week. Lets talk about it.
Welcome, Melissa Mendoza.
Episode highlights:

• [01:20] - Mexican ancestry. Ensenada California USA. Now lives in Napa Valley. In Nursing / Health industry.
• [03:40] - May 2017, 3 ladies travelling. Their first visit to Cuba.
• [04:00] - Educational purposes & open mind. "Surprised rather than disappointed."
• [05:01] - Adapt mindset, don't expect a lot, everything makes you happy.
• [06:12] - people of Cuba very welcoming & friendly, generous & kind. Have little but offer everything.
• [08:44] - Never felt on edge, safety fine.
• [10:00] - Political system of Cuba. 1 out of 5 remaining communist countries worldwide. Speak about Fidel Castro.
• [11:27] - salary's controlled in return for healthcare and other conveniences. Castro divides opinion. Some live in fear at expressing their opinions.
• [16:15] - Expresses her opinion on Healthcare in Cuba. Many facilities are crumbling apart. Trade Embargo between USA & Cuba also complicates things.
• [18:33] - Sometimes resources are reused. Free Healthcare comes at a cost.
• [20:08] - Speaks about her visit to Havana & Varadero. Can find teachers of salsa, can hire teachers easily. Dance in a circular motion. Music & Dance in their blood.
• [23:40] - learning salsa there very inexpensive
• [24:00] - Favourite food. Signature dish Ropa Vieja. Rum drinks to die for in Cuba.
• [26:28] - Varadero: lively, culturally rich experiences, unwind & relax.
• [27:27] - Accommodation. Tells us what it was like.
• [28:15] - Infrastructure & transportation. Getting around on Old beaten up Buses. Speak about classic Cuban cars, eg 52' Chevy
• [30:36] - Internet access. Very limited. Digital Detox! "Disconnect to Connect".
• [34:42] - Yearn for experience of the Cuban people: Simple life, detox and enjoy life! Go to Cuba for a digital detox if anything else!
• [38:00] - Beautiful architecture, but some buildings crumbling.
• [38:33] - Cuba is frozen in time. Cars and buildings are old.
• [40:00] - Powdered white sand beaches & turquoise waters in Varadero.
• [40:25] - Met a Doctor working as a lifeguard on the beach. Most Doctors in Cuba make less than $100 U.S. per month. Average wage in Cuba around $80 pcm. Doctors do their job for the love of people and not financial incentive.
• [43:00] - Met a man on the beach with his family who wanted a photo of his family since he can never leave Cuba. Beautiful experience. The paradox of no internet, yet his story has now reached this podcast! He got his wish. His memory lives on.
• [49:00] - Might track this guy down in future, what a beautiful story it would be.
• [50:05] - Many of us don't realise the freedom we have to buy a ticket & hop on a plane. But also freedom to have a voice & work in whatever you want. Not a life of restriction.
• [51:31] - Go with an open mind & open heart, and a non judgmental attitude.

A beautiful, raw discussion with some beautiful experiences.
Go to Cuba with an open mind & heart!

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