#8, I agree with your assessment of how the Cubans compare themselves.
#9, Yes I did change some money at the airport. Mexican Pesos to be exact. It was not in the luggage area, but right outside of the doors after passing through customs, tucked in a corner. I did get a receipt and it did look like I got the right amount. In fact, I had no problems with any of the currency transactions I made at Cadecas during my whole trip. I knew in advance how much I should be getting, I asked for a receipt, and I carefully counted my money at the window.
10
anonymous
11
simongandolfi
Young Cubans may compare their lifestiles with Miami Cubans. Older Cubans remember a Cuba pre "The Triumph". Cuba was a first world economy. Take a walk down Obispo, heart of what was once a banking and financial centre. Cuban politics were dire as they are now. A friend of mine, a fellow writer, is serving twenty five years for being a dissident. Dissident! He's my age. For those uninterested in politics, life was good. One dollar paid for a Saturday night out with your girlfriend: steak dinner, rum, cigar and dance. And campesinos owned what they grew. Too many people believe in a Hollywood version of pre Castro Cuba. That the US mafia owned everything. All the mafia controlled was a stake in Havana. Equally absurd is the Hollywood version of Mexico: short fat sweaty men with droopy moustache and big hats who speak with a funny accent.
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