Cuba Thread

[SickBeast]

Originally posted by: Isla
See, I didn't get anything political from the OP. I just got that he found the people to be remarkable.

I'll admit my family left Cuba a long time ago because they didn't like what was going on. But that doesn't change my impression that the Cuban people are wonderful, despite the political climate they deal with. Sometimes the spirit is triumphant despite everything.

The people there *are* wonderful.

The maid would make artwork out of the fresh towels she would leave on the hotel room bed every day. There was someone to greet us at the hotel restaurant, and he was always making us laugh and putting a smile on our face. The hotel HR guy upgraded our room because my GF had stayed there before, and they left a bottle of rum and two t-shirts in the room for us one day. I was most impressed by the music and the culture. Music was everywhere, and it seemed like everyone on the island was a good singer.

When you say your family left 'because they didn't like what was going on', are you referring to the expropriation of land? What were some of the things that were happening?

 

[SickBeast]

Originally posted by: nick1985
If you liked it so much, why didn't you stay?

My whole life is here in Canada.

Also, no hablo espanol, senior. About the best I can do is order 'uno cerveza y uno pina colada' in spanish.

 

[imported_Shivetya]

Tourist locales are setup to impress. They are not representative of Cuba. You do not get to live their unless your Party loyalty is unquestionable.

 

[Isla]

Originally posted by: SickBeast

Originally posted by: Isla
See, I didn't get anything political from the OP. I just got that he found the people to be remarkable.

I'll admit my family left Cuba a long time ago because they didn't like what was going on. But that doesn't change my impression that the Cuban people are wonderful, despite the political climate they deal with. Sometimes the spirit is triumphant despite everything.

The people there *are* wonderful.

The maid would make artwork out of the fresh towels she would leave on the hotel room bed every day. There was someone to greet us at the hotel restaurant, and he was always making us laugh and putting a smile on our face. The hotel HR guy upgraded our room because my GF had stayed there before, and they left a bottle of rum and two t-shirts in the room for us one day. I was most impressed by the music and the culture. Music was everywhere, and it seemed like everyone on the island was a good singer.

When you say your family left 'because they didn't like what was going on', are you referring to the expropriation of land? What were some of the things that were happening?

One of my grandfathers died when my dad was 8 so I don't know why he came over. My other grandfather was born in 1898, and he didn't like Batista. Ultimately, the promise of America appealed to some members of the families, and not to others. On both sides, my grandparents and great grandparents (from Spain) left family behind.

 

[BoberFett]

I'm sure Cuba does have it's greate qualities and lifting the embargo is long overdue.

Everyone in Cuba is a master mechanic and an amazing singer? They're all beautiful, multi-talented, polite people? Nobody is poor, and everything is as near to perfect as it comes in this world? Do you actually believe the words you're typing?

edited by Anandtech mod DrPizza

I take issue with my post being edited. If someone is allowed to spew ignorant, anti-American crap, am I not allowed to counter it by saying it's stupid? I could have been far more offensive. DrPizza needs a thicker skin.

 

[Isla]

You could be right, Bober. I don't pay that much attention. I just heard Cubans are Great and had to agree, LOL!

:lips:

 

[Kntx]

I've been to Cuba a few times to Varadero, Havana and all over Granma (one of the "poorest" provinces) and while it's not exactly paradise it's really not all that bad. I mean the people are very poor by what I'll call our standards, but you can't compare Cuba poor to USA poor because they are such different paradigms.

For instance although you are poor you have...

1) a place to live.
2) health care.
3) access to education.

What you don't have are luxuries or the opportunity to exercise what we'd call self determination. But, for a lot of the people I encountered what they have was enough. They have their families, their friends, they party ALL THE TIME and are sex fiends.

It's very interesting though that in some ways Cuba is more free that western countries. What I mean is there's a million things you can get away with there that you never could here without the cops hassling you.

One thing though I'll mention is I was at a bar hitting on some girls, then they got arrested for fraternizing with an outsider.

So uh, take from that what you will.

 

[Beowulf]

Originally posted by: SickBeast

Originally posted by: Beowulf
I have a very different opinion of Cuba and I was actually born there. Born in Santa Clara and left in the early 80's with my family. My father served six years in jail as a political prisoner and was tortured various times. The only reason he served jail was his refusal to serve in the Cuban Army. We left in '81 through the Peruvian embassy eventually bounced from Peru to Costa Rica and finally California. Later on moved to Miami, FL, where we had family and I have spent the majority of my life here.

I'm glad that you enjoyed everything the average Cuban is not allowed to do. That does not mean you actually know anything about Cuba or the struggle to survive in Cuba. When you have family members die that you haven't seen in over 20 years due to misery than maybe we can talk.

I'm sorry to hear that your father was treated in such a way, but really, I find it hard to believe that *everyone* in Cuba goes through this, or that it is the status quo.

How is it a struggle to survive in Cuba? Please forgive my ignorance; I saw nothing to that effect while I was there. What part of Cuba are you from?

Does everyone get tortured by the government, well of course not. Anyone who speaks their mind about the government does get mistreated. The crackdown on anyone with different political views is rampant around Cuba. You are born and raised hearing that you must sacrifice for the revolution. This sacrifice is really just forcing you to stay poor while the government lives well.

Everyone in Cuba finds a way to survive since their is very little prospect of advancing within the country. Prostitution is rampant around the county too and according to Castro, the revolution was suppose to take care of such things. From the states we've sent tons of basic items to our relatives in Cuba. Basic items such as multi-vitamins, bar soap, clothes, tylenol and so on. Even those items are alot to ask for.

Now, I know you saw no problems at the nice locations you were at. Those locations aren't for nationals though. Also I'm from Santa Clara, Cuba in the province of Villa Clara. I've also lived in Camaguey previously before heading to the states.

 

[Beowulf]

Originally posted by: Isla
You could be right, Bober. I don't pay that much attention. I just heard Cubans are Great and had to agree, LOL!

:lips:

I must agree with that statement too!

 

[Beowulf]

Originally posted by: Kntx
I've been to Cuba a few times to Varadero, Havana and all over Granma (one of the "poorest" provinces) and while it's not exactly paradise it's really not all that bad. I mean the people are very poor by what I'll call our standards, but you can't compare Cuba poor to USA poor because they are such different paradigms.

For instance although you are poor you have...

1) a place to live.
2) health care.
3) access to education.

What you don't have are luxuries or the opportunity to exercise what we'd call self determination. But, for a lot of the people I encountered what they have was enough. They have their families, their friends, they party ALL THE TIME and are sex fiends.

It's very interesting though that in some ways Cuba is more free that western countries. What I mean is there's a million things you can get away with there that you never could here without the cops hassling you.

One thing though I'll mention is I was at a bar hitting on some girls, then they got arrested for fraternizing with an outsider.

So uh, take from that what you will.

There is alot of sex in Cuba, all the Gallegos(Spaniards) flock to Cuba for jineteras(Hookers). Well the Italians too but thats expected and all being guido. I don't agree exactly with your list of what poor people have in Cuba. Though its not like the poor here have anything either, so why get into a whole poor vs poor debate. I'm just happy to not be poor in Cuba or here in the states.

Sex and Parties are never a bad thing though!

 

[SickBeast]

edited - DrPizza

 

[SickBeast]

I just want to say that I find this thread personally disheartening.

I'm not sure why so many of you have taken to personally insulting me. Perhaps you're jealous that I can visit Cuba and you can't. Perhaps you're self-conscious about your country as others have stated. All I know is that this thread went from a peaceful discussion of my vacation to what it is now, and quite frankly it's revolting.

From this point onward I'm going to refrain from posting anything about my personal life on these boards.

I have a right to an opinion as much as anyone else. Many of you need to learn how to respectfully disagree with your peers.

 

[jonks]

Number of people attempting to escape the United States by raft through shark infested waters = 0.

Cuba is pretty to look at, but so are the webs of black widow spiders.

 

[rsd]

Originally posted by: SickBeast
I just want to say that I find this thread personally disheartening.

I'm not sure why so many of you have taken to personally insulting me. Perhaps you're jealous that I can visit Cuba and you can't. Perhaps you're self-conscious about your country as others have stated. All I know is that this thread went from a peaceful discussion of my vacation to what it is now, and quite frankly it's revolting.

From this point onward I'm going to refrain from posting anything about my personal life on these boards.

I have a right to an opinion as much as anyone else. Many of you need to learn how to respectfully disagree with your peers.

I'm quite certain that others have the right to inform you how badly incorrect your statements of fact masquerading as opinions are also.

 

[alchemize]

Originally posted by: SickBeast

Originally posted by: BoberFett
I'm sure Cuba does have it's greate qualities and lifting the embargo is long overdue.

Everyone in Cuba is a master mechanic and an amazing singer? They're all beautiful, multi-talented, polite people? Nobody is poor, and everything is as near to perfect as it comes in this world? Do you actually believe the words you're typing?

I'm reporting this to the mods.

Welcome to P&N! I agree with BoberFett. Best quote of all...
Hopefully the part I edited out isn't the best part of the quote... Anandtech Moderator DrPizza

Originally posted by: SickBeast
To be honest, I think I would rather be a Communist than live under Bush's rule.

:laugh: :laugh:

 

[BoberFett]

Sorry, but that edit of my post was complete bullshit.

 

[jonks]

Originally posted by: SickBeast

Originally posted by: FoBoT
http://www.pics.bbzzdd.com/bet...itestorm/nocommies.jpg

To be honest, I think I would rather be a Communist than live under Bush's rule.

Guess what? In America you have a choice to be a communist, fascist, liberal, conservative, Hari Krishna, Jew, Muslim, atheist, or whatever you want. Try going to Cuba and standing in front of Castro's house with a sign telling him how distasteful you find communism. See how that works for ya.

 

[SickBeast]

Originally posted by: rsd

Originally posted by: SickBeast
I just want to say that I find this thread personally disheartening.

I'm not sure why so many of you have taken to personally insulting me. Perhaps you're jealous that I can visit Cuba and you can't. Perhaps you're self-conscious about your country as others have stated. All I know is that this thread went from a peaceful discussion of my vacation to what it is now, and quite frankly it's revolting.

From this point onward I'm going to refrain from posting anything about my personal life on these boards.

I have a right to an opinion as much as anyone else. Many of you need to learn how to respectfully disagree with your peers.

I'm quite certain that others have the right to inform you how badly incorrect your statements of fact masquerading as opinions are also.

The fact that they've never been there speaks volumes (most of them, anyway).

I have no issue with them disagreeing with me. It's the personal insults that I find rather pathetic.

 

[SickBeast]

Originally posted by: BoberFett
Sorry, but that edit of my post was complete bullshit.

Perhaps we should find out what other senior mods think of your continued swearing and beligerant behaviour.

 

[SickBeast]

Originally posted by: sirjonk

Originally posted by: SickBeast

Originally posted by: FoBoT
http://www.pics.bbzzdd.com/bet...itestorm/nocommies.jpg

To be honest, I think I would rather be a Communist than live under Bush's rule.

Guess what? In America you have a choice to be a communist, fascist, liberal, conservative, Hari Krishna, Jew, Muslim, atheist, or whatever you want. Try going to Cuba and standing in front of Castro's house with a sign telling him how distasteful you find communism. See how that works for ya.

Good point.

Look, all that I really wanted to point out was that Cuba was not nearly as bad as the media here describes it. I wasn't intending to make the place out to be a perfect paradise (although for me it was, and I suppose I should expect as much out of a 4 star resort as a tourist).

I still say that the personal attacks were uncalled for, and there seem to be alot of people who agree with me on that, thankfully.

 

[zinfamous]

I :heart: this thread

:beer:

 

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: SickBeast
I just want to say that I find this thread personally disheartening.

I'm not sure why so many of you have taken to personally insulting me. Perhaps you're jealous that I can visit Cuba and you can't. Perhaps you're self-conscious about your country as others have stated. All I know is that this thread went from a peaceful discussion of my vacation to what it is now, and quite frankly it's revolting.

From this point onward I'm going to refrain from posting anything about my personal life on these boards.

I have a right to an opinion as much as anyone else. Many of you need to learn how to respectfully disagree with your peers.

Oh come on. Don't take them seriously, they're just jealous and have small man syndrome.

 

[Sinsear]

Originally posted by: SickBeast

Originally posted by: BoberFett
Sorry, but that edit of my post was complete bullshit.

Perhaps we should find out what other senior mods think of your continued swearing and beligerant behaviour.

Probably about as much as your incessant Communist flag waving in this thread.

Originally posted by: BoberFett
I'm sure Cuba does have it's greate qualities and lifting the embargo is long overdue.

Everyone in Cuba is a master mechanic and an amazing singer? They're all beautiful, multi-talented, polite people? Nobody is poor, and everything is as near to perfect as it comes in this world? Do you actually believe the words you're typing?

:thumbsup:

 

[SickBeast]

Originally posted by: Sinsear

Originally posted by: SickBeast

Originally posted by: BoberFett
Sorry, but that edit of my post was complete bullshit.

Perhaps we should find out what other senior mods think of your continued swearing and beligerant behaviour.

Probably about as much as your incessant Communist flag waving in this thread.

Dude posted a link to the communist flag; I had nothing to do with that. :thumbsdown:

 

[GoPackGo]

Originally posted by: alchemize

Originally posted by: SickBeast

Originally posted by: BoberFett
I'm sure Cuba does have it's greate qualities and lifting the embargo is long overdue.

Everyone in Cuba is a master mechanic and an amazing singer? They're all beautiful, multi-talented, polite people? Nobody is poor, and everything is as near to perfect as it comes in this world? Do you actually believe the words you're typing?

I'm reporting this to the mods.

Welcome to P&N! I agree with BoberFett. Best quote of all...
Hopefully the part I edited out isn't the best part of the quote... Anandtech Moderator DrPizza

Originally posted by: SickBeast
To be honest, I think I would rather be a Communist than live under Bush's rule.

:laugh: :laugh:

You know...neocons are fanatics as are liberals...in fact in many ways they are very much alike...hence neoliberalcons...

SickBeast...Cuba maybe nice...the people maybe nice, but Castro and his government are evil and dictatorial.

This is a great and important read...so we "don't get fooled again"