Cuba

Thoughts On: Visa Extensions in Cuba

Canadians be forewarned: You do NOT need a visa extension if you are in the country for under three months.

Thoughts On: Dealing with Touts and Beggars

We love what traveling has done to us. How it’s shaped our lives and made us into the people we are today. Which is why it’s so irritating that it also makes us into people we don’t want to be.

5 comments Read on →

Thoughts On: Entrance Fees

We’re not museum type people. We rarely desire visiting sights that cost money. But sometimes we do.

1 comment Read on →

Thoughts On: Tourism in Cuba

If you think you’re getting off the beaten path by traveling independently in Cuba, you’re wrong.

1 comment Read on →

Thoughts On: Racism in Cuba

I thought it counter-intuitive that racism exists in Cuba. But after learning more about the country’s history, it started making sense.

0 comments Read on →

Thoughts On: Consumerism in Cuba

There is no denying it, consumerism has reached this socialist utopia.

0 comments Read on →

Thoughts On: Budgeting in Cuba

Cuba is probably more expensive than you think.

0 comments Read on →

How to Navigate Cuban Cuisine

It’s probably not quite as bad as you think (or have heard). Or, maybe it is.

0 comments Read on →

Thoughts On: Buses in Cuba

Learn the difference between the two types of long distance buses in Cuba. And bring a sweater.

0 comments Read on →

Recommended Casas Particulares (and How to Decipher Street Addresses)

Not all casas particulares are created equal. These were our favourite, plus a bonus lesson on how to read street addresses in Cuba.

2 comments Read on →

Thoughts On: Casas Particulares

The romance that many books try to portray doesn’t exist. At least, for the most part.

1 comment Read on →

Cuba, Hasta Luego

While we were ready to leave, a big part of us wanted to stay, and we’ve promised ourselves that we will return one day. And yes, the bikes will come with us.

0 comments Read on →

Varadero

The idea of nice beaches to lounge on and relax at the end of our cycling days in Cuba was too tempting to pass up.

2 comments Read on →

Casa de los Tradiciones in Santiago de Cuba

We almost walked away when we were told we had to pay a cover charge. Lucky we didn’t as it turned out to be our funnest night in Cuba.

0 comments Read on →

Santiago de Cuba

It’s definitely not Havana, but next to Cuba’s big city it holds its own.

1 comment Read on →

South Coast Ride Part III: On to Santiago de Cuba

We’re getting close to civilization again. More cars are passing us, which is a bit unnerving, considering the past three days have seen hardly any cars at all.

0 comments Read on →

South Coast Ride Part II: To Campismo La Mula and Motel Granma

We tried to make reservations at the La Mula campismo from Bayamo, but because it was in a different jurisdiction, we couldn’t. We had to chance it.

0 comments Read on →

South Coast Ride Part I: To Manzanillo and Villa Punta de Piedra

The ride would take us west and then south along Cuba’s coast toward Santiago de Cuba, along empty stretches of road adjacent to beautiful blue waters, and through quiet and unassuming villages.

1 comment Read on →

Bayamo

It’s the oldest trick in the book, right? You arrive somewhere and touts are telling you “lies”, that the hotels in town are closed and you should go with them to their casas.

0 comments Read on →

La Boca: A Beach Town Near Trinidad

We made reservations at a casa particular but when we arrived, she apologized and said the people who were staying there decided to stay longer, so she had no room for us.

3 comments Read on →

At the Casa de la Musica, people sit on the stone steps sipping a drink, watching the band play. When the dancing gets going, Cubans search the audience with their eyes and pick out ladies to dance with.

0 comments Read on →

Cycling Cienfuegos to Trinidad Part II

Have you ever been given an ovation by a large group of old Germans? We have.

0 comments Read on →

Cycling Cienfuegos to Trinidad Part I

Well, that’s a surprise. A spandex-clad Cuban cyclist on an immaculate road bike is riding just ahead of us. He’s even wearing a cycling helmet.

0 comments Read on →

Cienfuegos

Tidy, neat, eye-pleasing Cienfuegos. I could easily see why Brayan and Orlando, our two friends in Havana, liked the place so much.

0 comments Read on →

Getting Out of Havana. Again.

Just to be clear, you can not take bicycles on trains in Cuba.

0 comments Read on →

MISSING: One Sanuk Flip-Flop. If Found, Please Return. REWARD.

Pair of Sanuk flip-flops went missing overnight at Vinales casa particular. Suspects included any number of workers and two dogs.

0 comments Read on →

Vinales

Cockroaches, yes. Geckos, yes. Frogs, never.

0 comments Read on →

Cycling San Diego de los Banos to Vinales

The emergency foil blanket we carry with us wasn’t cutting it anymore as a rain shelter. It was a torrential downpour, and as we huddled under this thin piece of aluminium, we looked down to watch a flow of water cascading around our feet, like boulders in a river.

1 comment Read on →

San Diego de los Banos: An Unplanned Destination

I’m cycling alone in the small town of San Cristobal in search of a taxi. Yvonne sits and waits near a shop, guarding her fully loaded bike and my bags. Every few people on the street I ask where I can find a taxi; I’m always pointed down the road.

0 comments Read on →

Short Cycle to Soroa (and Our First Flat)

Even though it’s only 25 km to Soroa from Las Terrazas, it was the toughest ride for us. The hills were very steep, forcing us off our bikes to push for some of them, and it also rained a little on us.

0 comments Read on →

Cycling to Las Terrazas (and the Mariel Boatlift)

Along the North Road, a highway that runs parallel to Cuba’s north coast, we would pass through the industrial town of Mariel. Entering it was abysmal; we were greeted with a huge cement factory. Mariel, though, is more famous for the Mariel boatlift.

0 comments Read on →