Blogs from Varadero, Oeste, Cuba, Central America Caribbean - page 2

I just got back from Varadero Monday Jan 26 and have to spead the word to anyone that will listen!!!! I have always heard good things about Cuba and I love the Caribbean so figured I would try it out this year. BIG MISTAKE!!! I travel as often as I can to anywhere I can so I have learned not to have too many expectations unless I have already been there and know what to expect. I love learning about other cultures and am pretty openminded. That being said I would like to share this completely disappointing exprience with you in hopes others may be better prepared than me if they decide to take the chance to travel to Barcelo's Marina Palace in Varadero, Cuba. Here i'll list a few things that we found completely unacceptable ... read more

Saturday, Nov 8. The flights out of Chicago to Seattle then to Vancouver went without a hitch, though I was sure I'd go through some level of interrogation by customs regarding my visa status. You see I'm only allowed to be out of a job for a maximum of 10 days before I have to leave the country and since I was "let go" in early October, I was already overstaying my welcome. I arrived at Vancouver airport at 5pm and the flight to Cuba was scheduled for 10pm. My good mate Daliha saved me from a few hours of boredom by coming early and we caught up on some goss over a few pre-holiday drinks. Slowly, the rest of the crew (all 50 or so of us) started arriving but computers were down which delayed ... read more

Coming Home - Infinity and Beyond, Near Death on the Road, Monotony, Boredom and the End of the Magic Man Thurs 12/06 - Present Final Days The coach moves over the bridge and into Varadero's main drag. Back once again with the ill behaviour, back to the beaches and the easy living lifestyle. I'm optimistic that the troubles are over. I've paid for everything up front and my hotel is all-inclusive. I've around 50cuc left, which I'm planning on spending on a few souvenirs and cigars. I'm confident I've covered all the bases. I'm just going spend my last few days relaxing, recuperating and reaping the benefits of another free bar. The hotel Cuatro Palmas is located roughly half-way along the main road, in the town centre. I'm dropped off and met at reception by unenthusiastic ... read more

Ultra Inclusive and Infinite in Varadero - Part 3: Nice Day for a White Wedding Morning. I get out of bed, and walk to the bathroom. There are mirrors all around. I stand in front of them, transfixed. I can see myself from every angle - every tight, knotted muscle, every sinew, every patch of bright red sun burn. I turn, like a chiselled chicken in an oven. I stretch. I flex a little. My reflection goes on and on, and it never ends; there is never an end to me. I am on-going. I am ever-decreasing. I am infinite. I believe in taking care of myself, in a balanced diet of alcohol and recreational drugs. I have a vigorous exercise routine. In the late morning, if my face is a little puffy, I'll put on ... read more

Ultra Inclusive and Infinite in Varadero Wed 21/05/08 The bus from Havana to Varadero, Cuba's most popular tourist resort, costs 10CUC and takes around two hours. I leave at 2pm, full of positive vibes. There are, as usual, a few variables that could place a potential spanner in the works and put a frown on my happy, happy face. Firstly, I'm not 100% sure in which hotel my friends are staying. I'm almost certain it's the Paradisus Varadero, a five star, ultra-inclusive hotel with two pools, eight restaurants and a sports centre, but I haven't actually gone as far as checking my emails to make sure. Secondly, they don't know that I'm coming today. Surprise is a wonderful thing if there's someone around to receive it. However, I'm arriving on the day of the Champions League ... read more