Debate - Mexico vs Cuba

There is a very intersting debate occuring on the Cuba forum, the thread is entitled: 'Anyone else disappointed by Cuba???'

it states that mexico is a country which is under-hyped whilst cuba over-hyped (opinion!!). however as it is on the cuba forum, there is not a wide range of opinion as most comments are pro-cuba (nothing wrong it that) but diversity of opinion is great for a good debate, discussion & for learning about a country & culture.

hope many of you can take a look and add your thoughts!

thanks Thorn Tree Community

You are entitled to a personal disappointment. But why compare coconuts and bananas? It seems pointless.
Why not compare Australia and the US? I think they are two different nations that both speak English (sort of.)

i think comparing oz to us makes sense when looking for a holiday makes a bit of sense

actually the anti cuba movement has made me curious and may be the reason i go

EVERYONE i talk to whether they be cruisers , all inclusive buffs, world travelers, backpackers etc have said such bad thing about cuba that i feel compelled to go. i cant believe it is as bad as every says

Canadraven said: "EVERYONE i talk to whether they be cruisers , all inclusive buffs, world travelers, backpackers etc have said such bad thing about cuba that i feel compelled to go. i cant believe it is as bad as every says"

And I say maybe that is the reason tourism is down in Cuba, according to the latest statistics. To me, Cuba is a beautiful country, I was born there, but things are tough, and Cuba is expensive for tourists. But you should go and meet the people, see Havana and other places in Cuba.

And, its a big hassle to go to Cuba for those of us with U.S. passports. Like Anonomo said, an interest in one Spanish-speaking culture may not translate into an interest in another, any more than a person interested in England is going to visit Canada.

Historically Cuba was officially a Spanish colony until it gained its independence in 1898. It's culture is Caribbean, and most of the food is rice and beans.

Mexico developed differntly and became an indepedent country much earlier. The last Spanish troops left Veracruz in 1825. Mexico in comparison is a huge country of perhaps 20 different mini countries, each with its own distinct cuisine, way of speaking Spanish. In Mexico there are tall mountains, volcanos, vast deserts, cowboys, wonderful beaches. Don't get me going on the different varieties of regional music, and the church architecture.

I would like to visit Cuba one day, but it will probably be after I have fully explored Mexico, and I think it's going to take a long time.

John

The Cuban people are wonderful, as are the people in many third world countries. The Cuban government sucks really bad, just like the governments of most countries. Cuba is way overpriced for tourists. The infrastructure is generally crappy. The music scene has been steadily disappearing. But when you do find some dancing, know that the girls still have those motors built into their hips. There are some beautiful beaches and vegetation. I know of no reason to go there at the present time. Too many better choices are available. There's good reason the Cuban people risk their lives trying to get out of there.

...Mexico's colonial history began in Cuba. It was Diego de Velasquez, the first governor of Cuba, who sent Cortes on an expedition to Tierra Firme. It was Diego de Velasquez as well who sent Panfilo de Narvaez to capture Cortes.

but really, it's really apples and oranges. As interesting as Cuba may be, Mexico simply has it in spades.

<blockquote>Quote
<hr>There is a very intersting debate occuring on the Cuba forum,. . . . there is not a wide range of opinion as most comments are pro-cuba <hr></blockquote>
For a number of reasons, Cubans are solicitous of making contact with foreign visitors and maintaining that contact after the visitor leaves. They can be very ingratiating and moreso than any place I have been can make a visitor feel like they have made a lifelong friend over the span of a short visit. That is the principal reason Cuba has such a devoted following in my opinion. It also has a type of underdog appeal because of its stormy relationship with the US which no doubt appeals to some people.

<blockquote>Quote
<hr>EVERYONE i talk to whether they be cruisers , all inclusive buffs, world travelers, backpackers etc have said such bad thing about cuba that i feel compelled to go. i cant believe it is as bad as every says<hr></blockquote>
Budget travelers are probably unimpressed because Cuba is not a cheap destination and the infrastructure is not geared toward backpack travel. Other types of tourists are probably disappointed because of the quality of the faciliites compared with the costs. There are far better bargains in the Caribbean.

Cuba is expensive, the food is awful, the government oppressive, and the discrepancies between visitor and Cuban are massive. I loved my visit there, but it's definitely not a "normal" country like Mexico. I'd never want to live in Cuba with the current system, although Mexico is another story.

Additionally, many find Cuba to be a depressing place to visit. The life and economy of the country are sinking into the sewer, the people are being held prisoner, the place even looks gloomy. I don't attempt to place blame, but I do think it is more than just Fidel who shares in it. I believe the good ol' USofA had much to do with creating the conditions that allowed Castro to take over.

Interesting little tidbit, Fidel started with an army of six. And took over the whole country with the promise to the people that they would be saved from the evil government. He succeeded in taking over because he had the support of the people. Then he did an about face. I've often wondered if he knew all along he would stiff his people, or if that is something he decided after taking over.

Cuba and Mexico are very different. See both and make your own comparisons.

<blockquote>Quote
<hr>And took over the whole country with the promise to the people that they would be saved from the evil government.<hr></blockquote>

He did. He just never mentioned he'd replace it with ANOTHER evil government :-)

Another tidbit... there's the Cuban Friendship Museum in Pozo Rico, if you're ever stuck there for a few hours with nothing better to do. The Granma had been seized from some gringo for some reason, and was available for Fidel and his merry men to take their cruise...

Oh, this is a tale of a revolution-aree...
who ruled for a long, long time.
The Cubans made the best of it --
at least there's not much crime.

No food, no lights, no decent cars
Not a single luxury...
If not for Canadian touristas,
They'd have no industry.

The secret police are watching you,
as you walk along the shore...
Don't do anything but tan and drink,
or buy a two-buck whore.

At least it's pretty and not as bad
as it is in Guantanamooooo...
But I'd much rather spend my time
in Mexico... in Mexico.