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BiLatin

Just came back from a week in Havana. WHAT A BLAST!!!

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Thanks for the report. And the pics!

BiLatin, I, too, want to thank you for submitting this detailed, well-written update about your Cuban adventure. I felt as if I were there experiencing what you underwent. Too bad that I can't speak the language because I was taken as being a Cubano when I was in Habana in the late 80s or early 90s. ...the same when I was there last March on a limited People-to-People program.

*You wrote that you went via Miami. How did you manage to do that since US citizens can't legally travel freely to this island nation, something that I abhor because I want to return and not be restricted in terms of time spent nor my own itinerary. When I was there the first time, I had lots of time on hand but failed to use it wisely because of my not being a savvy traveler at the time. Plus a lot has changed since then.

Last March I had a wonderful time overall but very, very limited man-to-man action because of our strict schedule. Because we had a stellar Cubana guide/director who allowed some of us to do our own thing up to a point as well as omit one or two scheduled events, I managed to sample a big dick from one gorgeous young escort whose fee was 30CUCs. I liked our session in part because he was NOT as interactive as I'd liked for him to have been. My being unable to speak the native language and his mine was a barrier as well. As a result I chose NOT to be with him on day 2 or 3. He had a woman ask me if he could join me the next day. I stated that I could not see him and gave a reason which sounded valid. What about the next? I stated that I'd be leaving. But, I do desire to return on own, live in an apartment, enjoy the culture and its men. Again, thanks, and I'd appreciate an answer to my question in private if you chose NOT to answer it publicly! ^_^^_^

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Thank you for your reply to my post. there are 12 allowed reasons through which Americans can legally travel to the island. See this here: https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/Documents/cuba_faqs_new.pdf.

Most of them involve education or journalism or charity. For example, a friend of mine is a high school teacher. He's and American who obtained a license to enhance his "teaching skills". Another went to Cuba to take cans of food and clothes to a local church. I went to Cuba because I'm part Cuban and wanted to "educate" myself about the island. All you have to do is give the address and contact info of a local person, church or other entity. For example, you can sign up for dance classes in Cuba and apply for a license to go there on that pretext. Once you have your visa permit, then I suggest you get a charter company to find the cheapest flights. I price-shopped and was quoted anything from 600 to 225 dollars. If you need help with that, let me know.

On the other hand, you can go through a third country (Mexico, Bahamas, or Jamaica. I've gone through Mexico and Bahamas in the past. the airlines sell the visa on the spot when you buy the ticket.) and the Cuban government won't stamp your passport. they stamp the visa, which is given to you in a small sheet. Actually, even with a legal visa, they didn't stamp my passport. It doesn't show I've been to Cuba.

When going through a third country, I used to stay the night before leaving and the day before coming back to the US in that third country, to justify my stay. Anyway, the Obama administration has stated that they are not going to press charges against Americans traveling to Cuba through third countries.

I have a friend who lives in LA who went to Cuba last December 2015. He went through Mexico. Spent three day at an all-inclusive in Cancun. Flew from Cancun to Havana. Spent a week in Havana. And then came back to LA through Cancun without any issues.

However, you decide to do it. Please do go back to Cuba. I personally going back in April. I loved it and kind of feel nostalgia about my trip and the boys I met. Also, now that I know how the gay system works is gonna be even more fun next time around. I also want to explore the gay scene in other cities in Cuba.

If there is any other questions or anything else that I can help. Please don't hesitate to ask.

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Thanks for the report. And the pics!

btw, torogen, let me know if you have any questions regarding travel to Cuba. Also, I'm planning to go to Colombia and Brasil next so if you have any advice for me. I would really appreciate it.

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I haven't been to Brazil yet. I have been to Mexico and Costa Rica. I'm excited to visit South America for the first time. I am also definitely interested in Cuba. I know that you can fly there directly now, and you don't even have to state a reason for your trip, you just have to *have* a reason that falls within the guidelines should somebody ask...which they apparently aren't doing, anyway.

One question would be that $225 seems very cheap. How did you find that flight? I can't seem to find any airlines that list prices for Havana. The only website that I can find prices on is cheapair.com and their prices are more like $800-1000 USD for Miami-to-Havana. I was researching it earlier today--inspired by your post ;) -- and I discovered that several companies have been licensed by the US to offer ultra fast ferry service from Miami to Cuba, but Cuba hasn't yet granted them permission to land there. Still, changes are happening quickly, and that service will probably be available before too long.

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BiLatin- Thanks for such a great post. Many recent visitors to Havana have had subpar experiences. Your visit sounds a lot more like my last few trips. And, the photos are awesome! I will note that your being mistaken for a local is a big part of why your trip was so great. I'm never thought to be Cuban. (Yo soy mas Yuma que un montón de fula) But,I do speak the language. That also makes a big difference. My language skills mean that I can have an experience much like yours. But, it would cost me roughly 50% more. I pay 30-35 CUC (roughly dollars) to your $20. Though, I never have as much trouble finding bottoms. They never admit to being bottoms, except for the occasional twink. But, once they agree and understand that I won't announce their proclivities, it's on. Finally, when you do get around to getting that Brazil visa, make sure that Bahia is on your itinerary. If, like me, you really appreciate the kind of tipo on offer in Cuba, you will love the P11 sauna in Salvador.

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One question would be that $225 seems very cheap. How did you find that flight? I can't seem to find any airlines that list prices for Havana. The only website that I can find prices on is cheapair.com and their prices are more like $800-1000 USD for Miami-to-Havana. I was researching it earlier today--inspired by your post ;) -- and I discovered that several companies have been licensed by the US to offer ultra fast ferry service from Miami to Cuba, but Cuba hasn't yet granted them permission to land there. Still, changes are happening quickly, and that service will probably be available before too long.

That's a great question torogen! First of all, I flew out of Miami. So, the short distance makes for a cheaper flight. Also, I called all the charter companies to get a good price. If you have a valid visa permit to go to Cuba, you can get a flight with any of the charter companies. I used:

Machi Community Services  
Address: 5791 NW 7th St, Miami, FL 33126
They were great!!
In the past, I've used Cubamax, but when I called them this time around, they quoted me $419 for the same days. Those are the two best if you fly out of Miami. Cubamax info is:
OFICINA PRINCIPAL

1187 W 37 ST – Hialeah, FL. 33012

Tel: (305) 512-0303

MIAMI – Pequeña Habana

1149 SW 27 Ave #101 – Miami, FL. 33135

Tel: (305) 575-1970

WEST PALM BEACH

1336 S. Military Trail, #F

West Palm Beach, FL. 33415

Tel: (561) 432-7424

ORLANDO – Woolco Way

1722 Woolco Way – Orlando, FL. 32822

Tel: (407) 277-6771

MIAMI – West Miami Dade

13222 SW 8 ST – Miami, FL. 33184

Tel: (305) 222-9053

HIALEAH – Palm Avenue

345 Palm Ave – Hialeah, FL. 33010

Tel: (305) 640-8183

HIALEAH - West Street

954 West 22 Street - Hialeah, FL 33010

Tel: (786) 615-7119

KISSIMMEE

1100 N John Young Pkwy

Kissimmee, FL 34741

Tel: (407) 518-9911

Tel: (407) 518-6091

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BiLatin- Thanks for such a great post. Many recent visitors to Havana have had subpar experiences. Your visit sounds a lot more like my last few trips. And, the photos are awesome! I will note that your being mistaken for a local is a big part of why your trip was so great. I'm never thought to be Cuban. (Yo soy mas Yuma que un montón de fula) But,I do speak the language. That also makes a big difference. My language skills mean that I can have an experience much like yours. But, it would cost me roughly 50% more. I pay 30-35 CUC (roughly dollars) to your $20. Though, I never have as much trouble finding bottoms. They never admit to being bottoms, except for the occasional twink. But, once they agree and understand that I won't announce their proclivities, it's on. Finally, when you do get around to getting that Brazil visa, make sure that Bahia is on your itinerary. If, like me, you really appreciate the kind of tipo on offer in Cuba, you will love the P11 sauna in Salvador.

JAYBLK, I agree on your assertion about recent visitors to Cuba. That was one of the main reasons why I decided to share my story. I hope it helps others reconsider visiting there.

LOL @"Yuma" hahahahahahaha

It is great that you've had great experiences in Cuba. I am looking forward to Brazil this year. I'm going to Colombia in March and back to Cuba in April. I'm in the process of obtaining my visa to Brazil. Once I get it, I will see where can I fit both Rio and El Salvador in. I've heard a lot of great things about Bahia. I love to dance, so it would be great to take some Samba lessons there and meet the local men in my spare time. I will do some research on the P11 sauna. Never heard of it. I like tall, masculine, mixed or black men with great asses. lol lol (don't we all?... well...some like twinks.)

Anyway, I had fun reading your post. Thanks. I'm glad you liked mine. :-)

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We appear to have precisely the same taste in boys. Either we should travel together or I should avoid you at all costs as I don't need the competition. I went to Colombia last year. The guys we like were in abundance in Cali, available in Medellin and Cartagena and almost completely absent from Bogota. I suspect that Grinder and Planet Romeo would yield great results for you everywhere in Colombia. The euphemism for rent boy there is "prepaygo" just like the prepaid phones.

As to Salvador, there is an excellent tour guide there who is referenced in many posts on this site, including mine. I'm certain he can arrange the Samba lessons you want at a better than reasonable price. Also, P11 is also known as Planetario 11.

Abrazos Chama

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Oh WOW, JAYBLK, I had read your posts on Colombia. Those were very informative. They were the reason I decided I wanted to go there in the first place. I was afraid to go because I thought it would be dangerous. Thanks for the info.

Who is the guide you referred to in Salvador? I couldn't find the information in your posts.

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I will do some research on the P11 sauna. Never heard of it. I like tall, masculine, mixed or black men with great asses. lol lol (don't we all?... well...some like twinks.)

Anyway, I had fun reading your post. Thanks. I'm glad you liked mine. :-)

P11 is owned by a friend of mine and is the best sauna in Salvador, you will fine what you like there for sure!

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JAYBLK, I agree on your assertion about recent visitors to Cuba. That was one of the main reasons why I decided to share my story. I hope it helps others reconsider visiting there.

LOL @"Yuma" hahahahahahaha

It is great that you've had great experiences in Cuba. I am looking forward to Brazil this year. I'm going to Colombia in March and back to Cuba in April. I'm in the process of obtaining my visa to Brazil. Once I get it, I will see where can I fit both Rio and El Salvador in. I've heard a lot of great things about Bahia. I love to dance, so it would be great to take some Samba lessons there and meet the local men in my spare time. I will do some research on the P11 sauna. Never heard of it. I like tall, masculine, mixed or black men with great asses. lol lol (don't we all?... well...some like twinks.)

Anyway, I had fun reading your post. Thanks. I'm glad you liked mine. :-)

BiLatin,

If you are interested in having a gay professional guide while in Salvador [bahia], Brazil, I have one who comes highly recommended.

He's now on www.TripAdvisor.com, and his name is Fernando. He's been guiding for a while and apparently is stellar as to what he does. Although I did not use his services when I was there, I communicated with him via email, and when two amigos of mine went last summer, they used him for a few independent tours. Apparently, they had a great time while in Bahia as well as with the expertise of Fernando.

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Thank you for your reply to my post. there are 12 allowed reasons through which Americans can legally travel to the island. See this here: https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/Documents/cuba_faqs_new.pdf.

Most of them involve education or journalism or charity. For example, a friend of mine is a high school teacher. He's and American who obtained a license to enhance his "teaching skills". Another went to Cuba to take cans of food and clothes to a local church. I went to Cuba because I'm part Cuban and wanted to "educate" myself about the island. All you have to do is give the address and contact info of a local person, church or other entity. For example, you can sign up for dance classes in Cuba and apply for a license to go there on that pretext. Once you have your visa permit, then I suggest you get a charter company to find the cheapest flights. I price-shopped and was quoted anything from 600 to 225 dollars. If you need help with that, let me know.

On the other hand, you can go through a third country (Mexico, Bahamas, or Jamaica. I've gone through Mexico and Bahamas in the past. the airlines sell the visa on the spot when you buy the ticket.) and the Cuban government won't stamp your passport. they stamp the visa, which is given to you in a small sheet. Actually, even with a legal visa, they didn't stamp my passport. It doesn't show I've been to Cuba.

When going through a third country, I used to stay the night before leaving and the day before coming back to the US in that third country, to justify my stay. Anyway, the Obama administration has stated that they are not going to press charges against Americans traveling to Cuba through third countries.

I have a friend who lives in LA who went to Cuba last December 2015. He went through Mexico. Spent three day at an all-inclusive in Cancun. Flew from Cancun to Havana. Spent a week in Havana. And then came back to LA through Cancun without any issues.

However, you decide to do it. Please do go back to Cuba. I personally going back in April. I loved it and kind of feel nostalgia about my trip and the boys I met. Also, now that I know how the gay system works is gonna be even more fun next time around. I also want to explore the gay scene in other cities in Cuba.

If there is any other questions or anything else that I can help. Please don't hesitate to ask.

Muchas gracias for this! I will definitely look into this more! Might see myself back in Havana sooner than I think! :kiss:

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BiLatin,

If you are interested in having a gay professional guide while in Salvador [bahia], Brazil, I have one who comes highly recommended.

He's now on www.TripAdvisor.com, and his name is Fernando. He's been guiding for a while and apparently is stellar as to what he does. Although I did not use his services when I was there, I communicated with him via email, and when two amigos of mine went last summer, they used him for a few independent tours. Apparently, they had a great time while in Bahia as well as with the expertise of Fernando.

thanks axion2001!! This is great info and contact!!

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Just back from Havana... in Cancun now.

Been going for about 17 yrs, well known to the Police and the Bartenders, taxi drivers, etc...not sure if that's a good thing or not, lol

I forgot that Jan/Feb can be chilly & windy and many of the guys return to their provinces (someone said that tourism has been expanding outside of Havana and a lot of the guys prefer to look for "work" closer to home)

Anyway, I had an OK time, too many queeny guys this trip for me and guys saying they do this and that (all talk and no action) so I stay away from that kind.

Good report.... 11 days and I was READY to get out of Cuba.....but looking forward to Brasil with Tomcal in March ;-)

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Great reports! You don't really need to pretend to be a local to use the local transport or pay local price, unless those products under quota. I rode many times the 0.4 CUP local bus and the 1 CUP taxi bus. You can also get onto one of the shared old cars to get from Vedado to Central park and pay 10 CUP at the end.

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