Thoughts on Cuba

Whilst in Cuba museums were visited, and many propaganda messages were read that it made it so easy to support the revolution. However talking to people about how life is now compared to earlier years, especially the years where support from the Soviet Union was provided, makes for a very different story. When Cuba was opened up to Tourism in the 90s's to substitute the lack of funding from the Soviet Union, that is when things began to change.

The average weekly wage for Cubans equates to around $US25 to $US30 a month. Education, health care is all provided, and other necessities are either rationed or subsidised.

Those who deal with tourists, get to charge tourists in tourist money. Casas often charge around $US25 for one nights stay. A taxi from the airport can charge $25 for a lift into town. A private car for the day with a driver can be $60. Meals which are bought in the local currency for a $1 are then sold onto tourists for $30...and this is when things don't add up.

Cuba, as beautiful as the old colonial buildings, classic cars (despite the smelly exhaust), lush green landscapes, the vivacity for life, dancing, cigars and rum are, does show it's ugly side. Touters are constantly at you in the towns, hustlers trying to get you into some deal, it is often hard to know when people are genuine and want to chat, especially if they are sporting some kind of gold bling.

Most Cubans are well educated and can see what is happening around them. Pedro, a Cuban who we met when buying some bus tickets said he studied to be a Nuclear Physicist however after he completed his studies, there were no jobs available where he could utilise his new found knowledge. Frustratingly he gave up that dream and sells bus tickets and earns around $US10 per month. He like many other Cubans, can't make a difference, not yet anyway.

It seems as the Castros are decaying, so to are the foundations that modern day Cuba was built on. The ideology which Che fought and died for is long gone. Who knows what Cuba will be like in five or 10 years time. It seems that many Cubans are now in it for themselves.