A Day In The Life in Cuba – The Reality

In life, one of the most incredible experiences is travel. I believe that when you travel to see the world, different lifestyles, realities, different people, places is something that is such a great thing. You become more aware, educated, informed and get in touch with your personal self to get a better understanding than what you hear in the media and pictures, also to change your perspective on things of the way your life is and in your own backyard to appreciate, count our blessings, and to be grateful for everything you have in life where others are less fortunate and do not have much. For example, in Cuba.

I have traveled to Cuba 13 times in my lifetime. I have traveled almost all over the island and have seen cities, and towns along the way. I have spent time with the locals, and met families, and have seen the way people live their day to day lives with the bare minimum. Some people make about $12.00 – $30.00 a month. Maximum 35 if they are lucky. Most people work in the resorts and touristic parts, some who are teachers, doctors, room makers, cleaners, bartenders and more.

A lot of people nowadays are so picky about what they want to eat, some people have a fridge full of food, pantries full, stomachs full, and they still are trying to figure out what to make. I admit, I am one of them, but It is really an eye-opener when you see the world. Not only in pictures, but when you see it with your own eyes. That is a whole new ball game. Well, some people in this world unfortunately do not have that option. Cuban people get a certain amount of food per month or every 2 weeks and that they need to space out how much food to eat during the day, some have to struggle to make their own food.

As I was going through towns from Cayo Santa Maria, back to Santa Clara where the airport is to come back home, I saw some of the most saddest things I had ever seen, there are run down buildings that look like they will collapse any minute, people walking around the streets with heavy bags, people cutting grass with machetes or some sort of cutter, some people going somewhere with horses, busted up cars, and it just made me tear up and think to myself, how can people live like this day in and day out? I teared up and so did the person who was sitting next to me and I overheard 2 ladies behind me saying that, we shouldn’t complain anymore and be choosy about everything we have. This really opened up my eyes one of the ladies said, and the friend of hers or whoever it was said, yes that’s true, you are right.

I have been through towns and cities in Cuba, and some of the conditions of the homes the Cuban people live are terribly sad. It breaks my heart. They don’t have proper windows, the roofs of some of the houses are coming apart, a lot of the houses are the size of a 14 to 17 foot place and some of the houses are even smaller than that. Can you imagine a family of 5 living there? Well, I met this family of 5 and they live in such a small house and they have to go outside of the home to use the toilet and to shower they have buckets inside the house and there is running water outside, so they have to go out to get running water then come back to wash up inside where there is just a drain.

In Cienfuegos, Cuba when I went. I had met an entertainer and then he invited my family and I over to his house, so the next day we took the taxi over to his place. We met his family and I remember how hospitable they were with us and so friendly. So, we took them a few items we do not need anymore and they were so happy. So the mother of the entertainer made us a whole table full of food, and started preparing the day before when the entertainer told them we are coming over. The dinner we had was so delicious and it was probably their months worth of food for us for that night. It was done without our knowledge or else we would have refused and if we did, they would get offended, so we ended up eating all of it as we were hungry. They then served us coffee and then we went back to the hotel.

They were so incredibly friendly and we got to see how they lived the whole day. They struggle so much with the deplorable conditions they live in. Some places though are really nice. It depends on the monthly salary as well. Again, I came to my resort and I just thank my lucky stars. I showed a few Cubans my pictures from my Camera, and they have never even seen an airplane in their lives, they have never even seen a camera, let alone the type of clothing I was wearing. It absolutely broke my heart to pieces.

I will continue to visit Cuba. I really like the people there and they are so friendly, witty and energetic, but for some people you can see the sadness and depression in their faces and you can tell some of them don’t have much, and some show they are happy, but they are not. The desperation can be seen. They love it when you give them shoes, clothing and anything else. For these people I will donate and give them the shirt off my back. Put yourself in their shoes and see what its like, but some people don’t realize.

I see them working so hard at the resorts, non-stop and they have to travel long ways to make a Buck which is a Peso there. There are people who come to these resorts who travel there, and I see how rude the guests can be to them and waste so much food on their plates, demand things from them. I mean at the end of the day, they are human beings just like us and deserve to be treated with respect and to have patience. Those Cubans see it and they said, I wish I had this much food at my home and I can see the frustration and sadness in their eyes. I am very observant when I travel. Some of these tourists don’t realize that, however I do and I am compassionate and patient with them. I put myself in their shoes and I go from there.

Moral of the story is that you should always be thankful for what you have. You never know what someone else is going through and people in this world do not have anything, so we must stop begging for more, being desperate for buying the next newest and latest smartphones, or super expensive things that really suit no purpose in life. Some people are so spoiled to the fullest extent. It is unbelievable. We should always count our lucky stars because people in this world aren’t so lucky.

Have you been to Cuba or anywhere else and have seen the way people live?

Do you travel to other destinations to see other peoples reality and what it is like?

Would love to hear from you.

Is 2015 Really Almost Over? Can’t Believe it.

Yesterday, when I woke up, It was a brand new month in 2015. I can’t believe October is here already. To me, when October comes it means that the year is almost over. 3 Months to go until 2016. Where did this year go? It was an absolute busy year for me and so much more until December 31st. I already see Christmas merchandise in the stores, Halloween, Thanksgiving things. The only thing about these months until April is that it is the Fall, its cold, freezing and Winter that I absolutely despise.

What are your plans for Thanksgiving, Halloween and Christmas?

I am excited to go on my 13th trip to Cuba soon. I absolutely love Cuba a lot. I go all over the place. I don’t just go to one destination.

Was 2015 good to you? Mine was, and I ended up doing quite a bit of traveling to Los Angeles, California, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, and among many other places, but there were some unfortunate things that did happen in my year, but everything turned out well in the end. Well, lets see what the next 3 months of 2015 has in store for me.

I wish you all the best for the rest of 2015 and beyond.

Memories Flamenco Resort – All Inclusive is Beyond Excellent

In November of 2014 after the anticipation and impatiently waiting for my southern destination vacation to Cayo Coco, Cuba from November 27 to December 4, 2014 to Memories Flamenco Beach Resort, I automatically fell in love with it when I saw the pictures and did extensive research about Memories Resorts. From the moment I landed and arrived at Jardines Del Rey Airport in Cayo Coco with Sunwing Airlines, I knew it was going to be an excellent week. I just felt it from Toronto Pearson’s YYZ Airport.

As we had checked into Cuba after the customs/Aduana, We ventured off to the Transgaviota Bus to take us to Memories Flamenco Resort, but before we boarded the bus, our rooms and wristbands for the week was all ready for us and very well organized and prepared. From then on, I fell in love with the resort and the excellent service so far. As we arrived to Memories, we were greeted with a welcome cocktail drink in the front lobby area before getting our baggage and the memories Managers and team leaders greeted us happily with friendly smiles which warmed my heart. They are beautiful people whom I had the pleasure of meeting and spending this beautiful week with, which went by so quickly.

All vacations go by so quickly. The resort was so beautiful, everything, the layout, the convenience and everything was greatly thought of. Everything is close by with the bars, restaurants, lobby, the pool, the beach, and easy access to everywhere which was incredible. The food was delicious, clean and the bartenders, waiters and the cooks worked so hard, quickly and efficiently. The place is so spotless and everything is awesome. I also love how the managers, the resort administration staff, the customer service managers were walking all around the resort to ensure that everybody is having a fabulous time and everything is well taken care of.

I couldn’t believe how fast the bartenders, and waiters were. They were faster than the speed of lightning. I do not know how they have so much energy to do that for so many hours. They work so hard and come to work everyday from Ciego De Avila or Moron cities which they travel an hour and a half each way just to make ends meet. They only make so much in a month, and they are always happy and smiling and with a great attitude. They are so friendly and give great customer service. I appreciate them so much and I thank them. God bless them all and continue to give them energy. It is not easy to take care of so many guests, their requests and everything. It is not easy to tend to so many people at once. I have a tremendous respect for each and everyone of them. I was so observant the whole vacation and I tell you, It was awesome.

Our rooms were spotless, everyday I would get freshly washed towels, mopped floors, the bathroom and beds were super clean with new sheets, as well as my fridge stocked daily with water, cola’s, beer/Cristal cervesa’s, and everyday I’d walk into beautiful decorated towels with flowers on them. I was amazed. Best resort I have been to in all the times I have been to Cuba. This was my 12th trip to Cuba. this was by far the best. The resort was super clean with cleaners and housekeepers working around the clock to upkeep the resort. The public washrooms were spotless, the staff presence 24 hours a day was comforting as well.

There are some points though that need to be improved, but its just the beach area needs a little work, which I am told that it is still under construction because its a new resort of over 4 years old and they will be completing it within the year and then just the lighting around the walk ways and the pool area so people will not slip and fall, but no other issues… They will be working on all of that which I heard.

I made new friends from parts of Ontario and Quebec also from the UK, and partied at the disco, got to enjoy the snack bar and all the restaurants, the a la carte restaurants which I booked from the first day and got to enjoy the whole resort. A week sometimes is not enough. 2 weeks is the best way to really enjoy it all thoroughly without rushing to do everything all in one week. Time permitting and it depends on a person’s personal budget and finances and convenience of course. it all depends on your preference.

The entertainment, disco, the nightly shows and audience participation was excellent, there is a Cuban night where people learn about Cuba and then the entertainers give us traditional Cuban dances and give us a crash course on Cuban culture and history.

Everything else is excellent and excellent does not even describe this beautiful resort. Unfortunately when it came time to the last day to leave the warm tropical weather, 3 bus loads of people who were on our flight back to Toronto, The resort manager and other managers greeted us farewell by putting on their memories resorts theme song and gave us a speech before we took off to the airport which left an unforgettable and long lasting impression on my family and I. I cannot wait until I return back to Cuba and to Memories. I am impatiently waiting until my next voyage. I give this resort a 6 star. Not a 4 and a half to 5 stars. Thank you Memories Flamenco resort staff. You all put the most beautiful touch to an awesome and lovely week in warm weather and so much more.

Thank you for giving us memories to cherish for the rest of our lives.

Do you go on all inclusive resorts? Do you travel to sunny destinations for a getaway to relax and enjoy the hot weather? What resort have you been to? Did you enjoy it as much as I did? Would love to hear your stories.

Materialism and I do not Mix Well Together

Since I was a child, I was always brought up to appreciate the people around me and always saying thank you. I have learned a lot of great qualities growing up. My parents and other and many of my relatives always taught me the importance of the joy of being with people instead of the material growth out of it. Yes I did receive gifts when I was a child, and that was about it. Now that I have been an adult for so many years now, Materialism and I do not mix. When I eventually get together with a man and find the right person in my life to marry and settle down with, him buying me expensive jewelery and an expensive engagement ring means nothing to me really, and buying me expensive clothes, bags and stuff. I can care less about it. The union and the way he treats me. As long as I am with a person who respects me, who takes care of me, who is a down to earth and honest person who understands me, and a person I am comfortable and can have fun with. Material growth is something on the last resort, but I never want to expect it. It’s like when I meet friends from Online or wherever, materialism is nothing to me again like I said. Being with people physically and sharing memories is far more precious to me, then some material goods. We don’t mix well and I tell you, I get really worked up when people bring me stuff, but then I say thank you I appreciate it. It’s like Drinking and Driving do not mix, well, its kind of like the same thing for me with materialism.

I know that a lot of people in this world have nothing in third world countries and I have traveled to a few places such as Cuba, Dominican Republic and other countries in this world and I see how they live, but they are so happy with what they have and appreciate it because they have seen life, and they have seen things other people have not, and I respect them so much. When I travel, I learn so much about how people live, their lifestyle, and day-to-day life. I have spent time in villages before and I have seen it all. I have learned to never take anybody for granted since I was a mere of 3 years old. I started learning these things at a very young age.

I am so fortunate with what I have now and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What Traveling Means To Me. I am Glad I can Help People In It

Hello everyone, today I am going to talk to you about what traveling means to me and how vital it is in my life. I am sure most of us love to travel and go away from civilization and reality once in a while. I am here to tell you about what it means to me and how it has shaped my life. Traveling is one of the most incredible things of life. You get to see different parts of the world, form your own opinion, give it your rating, and each travel story is an experience in itself. Last night I was talking amongst friends on my travel experiences and giving them my expertise. One person has never been on a cruise ship before and has never cruised and so I introduced her to a new world full of cruising and traveling. I must have been talking for over half an hour. It is a passion of mine and I love talking to people about travel. She said that you are an expert. I was just happy and moved by what she said to me. It is amazing what traveling can do for you. It makes you feel more independent in a way, it gives you that push into the world to get out of the city once in a while and just explore the world before your eyes. Its one of the greatest pleasures of life. I am so happy to have experienced it all, and I will continue into my journey. I am creating a new blog all about traveling and everything else Which will launch at the end of January, 2013. I am so excited about the experience to help others in all forms of travel. People told me why don’t you become a travel consultant? Although I would love to but, this is my way of travel consultation. I will not have it as career, but people tell me otherwise.

They said Talin you would be incredible on it and you have so much knowledge than a travel agent does. They said its true, you know so much more than a travel agent does. When I heard this, I said no way, they said yes way. I love it, but I just love consulting people online and personally, but not as a job/career path. I like exploring and traveling has shaped me and my outlook on life. I have seen things and I have been to villages and countries where they are not doing so well, and they don’t make much money. Like Cuba one persons salary of the month is like 15-20 pesos, and the food they get is measured by the government, and so much more. I saw this happening years and years ago when I went to Cuba for the first time back in the 90’s. It gives me time to appreciate what I have and everything I have with grocery stores that are easily reached, good clean water to drink and so much more. I am thankful for everything I have here. I have seen the way people live, and one persons house is like 300-400 square feet, and some homes are like tool sheds and 4 people live in it. They also haven’t even seen a plane or the airport, and when we showed them the airplane and pictures of them and everything, they were so surprised and they were amazed at it. This is also one of the reasons why I love traveling. I meet all different types of people, different cultures, and people of every walks of life. I love it.

I look forward to my next adventures.

Materialism and I do not Mix Well Together

Since I was a child, I was always brought up to appreciate the people around me and always saying thank you. I have learned a lot of great qualities growing up. My parents and other and many of my relatives always taught me the importance of the joy of being with people instead of the material growth out of it. Yes I did receive gifts when I was a child, and that was about it. Now that I have been an adult for so many years now, Materialism and I do not mix. When I eventually get together with a man and find the right person in my life to marry and settle down with, him buying me expensive jewelery and an expensive engagement ring means nothing to me really, and buying me expensive clothes, bags and stuff. I can care less about it. The union and the way he treats me. As long as I am with a person who respects me, who takes care of me, who is a down to earth and honest person who understands me, and a person I am comfortable and can have fun with. Material growth is something on the last resort, but I never want to expect it. It’s like when I meet friends from Online or wherever, materialism is nothing to me again like I said. Being with people physically and sharing memories is far more precious to me, then some material goods. We don’t mix well and I tell you, I get really worked up when people bring me stuff, but then I say thank you I appreciate it. It’s like Drinking and Driving do not mix, well, its kind of like the same thing for me with materialism.

I know that a lot of people in this world have nothing in third world countries and I have traveled to a few places such as Cuba, Dominican Republic and other countries in this world and I see how they live, but they are so happy with what they have and appreciate it because they have seen life, and they have seen things other people have not, and I respect them so much. When I travel, I learn so much about how people live, their lifestyle, and day to day life. I have spent time in villages before and I have seen it all. I have learned to never take anybody for granted since I was a mere of 3 years old. I started learning these things at a very young age.

I am so fortunate with what I have now and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

 

My Trip to Varadero, Cuba from February 5-12, 2012

Last week I embarked on a wonderful travel journey to Varadero, Cuba. I got to travel with Sunwing Airlines which I really enjoyed the service and they gave us champagne, complimentary headsets, great food, then to end the flight with a sunwing airlines chocolate mint. It was my 10th time in Cuba and I must say it was an incredible time. The weather was beautiful and hot, the turquoise seas were there right before my eyes, every opportunity I had, I was in the ocean swimming and getting that salt water on me which did wonders for my mild psoriasis that I have and it took away the dry skin condition I have. I spent time just under the sun and I got a tan. I met some really nice people and made friends with them instantly. I made friends from Chile, Russia, Vancouver, Ontario, and made some more Cuban friends.

I really enjoyed Varadero. I took the Varadero Bus tour hop on hop off double decker bus like England, and toured around the whole strip and it was so beautiful, an array of hotels, resorts all over, the palm trees with coconuts, the hot sun, saw so many vintage and old cars from the 50’s, 60’s, So many souvenir shops around with so many unique things. Cuba is all around a beautiful country with beautiful people. I met the famous baseball team of Cuba of Matanza’s province and later I watched them play on the TV they had at the lobby and they won. So I hung out with them after the win at the hotel and it was a blast. There was also a pageant of the Resort I stood at called Miss Oasis and I won first place. So I am Miss Oasis, so they gave me a bottle of Blumans Ginebra.

the last couple of days the ocean was very rocky and the currents were very strong, so the lifeguard and the administration of the resort, prohibited the guests from swimming as it was very dangerous, so everyone hung out by the pool side and a lot of people went into town. The winds were so strong and then after that, It was our last day and after checking out, we hung out with our newly made friends until we left to the Varadero Airport to come home. We were delayed for an hour coming home, but coming home safe and sound is the important part. I don’t really care if there is a delay. I would rather have the delay, then to have something terrible happen or something. Always have to play it safe….  Here are some pictures.

Oasis Playa Coco, Cayo Coco, Cuba — Dec 13-20, 2009 — Experiences & Stories

A week that took 61 days to officially happen just flew by like it was 10 hours. This was my 9th visit to Cuba. Cuba is a country which I have lots of respect and love for. Cuba is a unique place which I fell in love with, when I visited the first time when I was very young at Playa Giron in Matanza’s. Later I went to different cities and towns of Cuba. The flight doesn’t take long. Cuba is a very safe country, Cubans know their boundaries, they know not to bother you because the local’s law is very strict. I was at an entertainers home, and they had invited my family and I to their home for supper and a great day to learn about Cuban culture. They would feel very offended if we did not say yes to the supper. So we had supper and then we went around the village in Cienfuegos and we saw people that didn’t have much, and they have enough to survive everyday, and they are the happiest people in the world. Cuban culture is so different. Cuba is a spanish country, and people think that its the same like every other Spanish country, but they are totally wrong. It is different, people are different.
Well, anyway, this trip was all about relaxation and looking at the turquoise seas. On December 13, 2009, we departed to Cayo Coco, Cuba. We arrived at Oasis Playa Coco Resort. A resort which I fell in love with. I made many new friends from Canada and as well as England/UK areas. We all became very good friends by the week’s end. I participated a lot on stage and to my luck, I was first place many times and won 2 complimentary massages from the Resort. So I was very popular during my stay and everyone would come up to me the following day saying congratulations, and it made me feel awesome.
As the week went by so quickly, I took in the sun and the great weather as much as I could because I knew what I was in for coming back to Canada. I didn’t get much of a tan as I wanted to, because it was only a week and you can’t really do to much in a week. Next time I am thinking of going to Cuba for 2 weeks. That would make a trip worth it’s while. A week, you barely get adjusted to paradise and then back to the airport it is and back to the NORTH POLE we call CANADA.
The friendly staff, friends we made, the environment, and entertainment was spectacular. Went to the Batcave Club in Cayo Coco. It was an interesting place to be. Very unique. I really enjoyed it. I met the famous Tony Menendez. I was so excited to be in his presence. He is a very famous reggaeton/cuban singer in all of Cuba. I knew about him before arriving in Cuba. I did extensive research about the music, singers and the resort. I had 61 days to do so, so lots of time. 🙂
The food is expected to be the way it is. It is Cuba, so we cannot complain, but the fruit, the eggs, the ice cream was so fresh. We must be thankful for the food we eat, because in the world we live in, people starve everyday, so we must not complain and satisfy with what we have. In Cuba you cannot really expect much, but I was very happy. I did not come for the food, I came for the beach, sun, and relaxation and a bit of drinking of course lol.
the end of the trip, I was hoping for maybe my flight to being cancelled or delayed so I can stay in Cuba a lot longer and so I can escape the colder weather which I was about to experience again. So I wish, hoped and prayed for it, but it didn’t happen. I guess another time
Cuba is ultimately my favourite Caribbean destination and I recommend it to anyone and everyone. Hopefully I will visit Cuba for the 10th time.
I will miss Alex, Alain, Pedro, Nelvis, Orlando, The guy at the beach. Waynne, Honor, Conrad, Leanne, Julie, Jackie, Rosemary, Rebecca, Kelly Anne, Elisa, Veronica, Ian, Trudi, Jeff, Jasmine, Nicky, Keith, you made my trip extra awesome and It was a pleasure meeting all of you. If I missed anybody forgive me. I hope we all see each other again soon.
Well I hope you enjoyed my story and I wish my American friends can go to Cuba, but unfortunately due to the strict laws of Cuba, they are prohibited. Thats a wrap!