🇬🇧 It’s been 10 years.

So 10 years ago yesterday we went out for the 1st time. It was my 3rd trip to Cuba and I was already in love with the country and then I met Fidel..

And let me tell you wow. It went by so fast. 10 years of memories, endless paperwork (Poland is not the most open country when it comes to foreigners from 3rd countries). During these 10 years we lost so many family members and it was a hard process since Cuba is so far and it´s impossible for us to travel in such short notice.

But we also gain so much 🙂 First of all – weight (both of us) , cats (4 at the moment) and what’s more important- our own place in Cuba.

And are we going to Cuba? Despite the energetic crisis? And crazy prices? Yes, yes and yes. I don’t think anything can really stop us right now so if you’re in Cuba this December dm me for some coffee. We plan to do some more renovations on the house and spend quality time with the family since the life hasn´t been that great for them for the past months,

Cuba has changed so much in the last 10 years. People were complaining about the situation even then but from my perspective years 2013-2017 were the prime time and I feel lucky I got to experience it. What has change the most in my opinion?

Covid and Trump are killing tourism in Cuba.

I remember travelling to Cuba in 2014 and having to book my accommodation in advance. I remember not having the table at the local Casa de la musica becayse it was so packed. I remember 3 buses daily and fully booked from Havana to Viñales and vice versa. Local markets were full and Cuban people had a chance to gain some extra money. Good times.

And then Covid came and closed the island for 2 years. Some flights that were canceled during that time were never restored, especially in Europe. Entry restriction after the pandemic (full vaccination circle and the test prior to arrival) helped to control the situation in the island but made it more expensive and more exclusive to go.

And then Trump put Cuba on the list of the states that support terrorism which now mean going to Cuba cancels the ESTA and people who want to visit the US need a visa to enter. Which again makes people not going and choose other destinations in the Caribbean.

Less tourists = less money= more international debt= less resources for local people. And because the news about lack of food (which is not completely true) and power spread quickly even less people are coming. And then there are even less money for local needs. Since Cuba basically lives out of tourism the circle closes. Do I think this is the only reason why the situation in Cuba declines day by day? Of course not 😉

Hyperinflation is real

I think getting rid of CUC was a mistake. Since the second currency is no longer in use the local peso – CUP went crazy. Before the change it was always 1 USD – 25 CUP (it stayed like this for years) and now, only 4 years later is 1 USD – 490 CUP. I am sure it will hit 500 before we go. And of course the salaries, pensions stayed the same hence the crisis and increase in poverty. My mother in law can´t afford a pack of eggs.

Do we see the difference? Not really, local businesses adjust their prices to the USD value, but a cocktail that costed 3 dollars years ago still costs the same, the difference is every time less and less locals can afford it.

So my advise is go to Cuba. The island needs you more than ever. Bring a lot of paracetamol, stuff for mosquitoes (there are some nasty viruses transferred by these bugs), a good powerbank and some solar or rechargeable light and you´ll be fine. See you there!