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Published: April 25th 2014
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Breakfast in the morning was included and was a nice buffet. The shuttle is free and leaves every 30 mins and so was at airport in no time. Easy check in and then I set off to find where I could purchase my Visa for Cuba. It took me a while but eventually found the right counter and got my Tourist Card. Airport had free wifi and a decent sized food court upstairs. Ate, chatted online and waited for my flight.
Once again I was the only Blonde on the flight. Don't think I'll be blending in in Cuba too much – I definitely look like a Gringo.
I've been told Immigration in Cuba takes a really long time. I was lucky in that I was somehow one of the first in the que. The immigration officer spoke English and I had no issues getting through. I read an article that said you will still wait about half an hour for your baggage in Cuba. This ended up being true but it arrived so all good. Then once you get your baggage everything is scanned again before your free to leave.
Upon exiting the terminal my Arrival Transfer was waiting (transfers always make me nervous after Afica). So I went with her and enjoyed the sites on my way to Hotel Nacional. I'm in Cuba. I can't believe it. Amazing.
As expected Check in at The Nacional took ages. My room was small located on level 2 and had an overpowering musty smell. But this is Cuba. Who cares. I had a walk around the massive Hotel and took a few pictures. This place is pretty awesome. Glad I choose to stay here. There was an internet kiosk upstairs and its one of the few hotels in Havana at this stage that offers WIFI so I jumped online and let those who care know I'm alive. Then it was time to try my first Cuban meal. I went to one of the many restaurants at the hotel and asked for her suggestion. I had my first Cuban Fish, Rice and Beans. I was nervous about the beans but turns out I love black beans. I'm one of the few people that ended up excited about and loving Cuban food. I even
miss and crave it. You constantly hear food in Cuba is yuk/boring/bland etc but I really enjoyed it. If you eat what Cubans eat – fish/pork/rice/beans/plantains the food is always good. I learn later if you eat Cuban Italian or Cuban Chinese, that's where you run into WTF is this moments.
Some tips I got off Trip Advisor and used myself if anyone decides to stay at the Nacional
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Leave $1 tip for the maid. It really does make a difference. My room was always well stocked and clean and she was very grateful. She didn't speak English. I wrote her a note in Spanish letting her know the money was for her. And she ran over to thank me when she saw me and asked if I wanted anything.
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Use the currency exchange downstairs outside near the pool. Rates are better than the cashier in reception.
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