Author Topic: Cuba Master Thread (Read 70272 times)

iAm · « **Reply #200 on:** December 04, 2016, 04:56:59 PM »

Shabbos in Havana:

In case anyone needs info regarding spending Shabbos here...

Mincha and Maariv Friday night at Adath Israel was at 15 minutes before Shekiah. The synagogue is officially orthodox, but the Rabbi and myself were the only ones not carrying a cellphone Fridat Night. When I asked him about it later, he said that he and his wife are the only shomer shabbos people left and the community pretty much assimilated after the Revolution.

The Rabbi, Rabbi Yacob Hernandez, also functions as the mohel, shochet, chazzan, and chevra kaddisha.

After Maariv, there was a community wide meal. The meal consisted of wine for kiddush, two challos split among the whole kehilla, and pasta with tomato sauce.

Shabbos morning, shachris was at 7:30. That was again followed by a meal of pasta with tomato sauce.

Mincha and shabbos (no minyan) was at 45 minutes before shekiah, followed by a third meal of pasta and tomato sauce.

(If you havent figured it out, the community is super poor; Im not sure if there will be a sudden influx of Orthodox visitors for shabbos now that there are flights, but they definitely dont have the infrastructure for that).

All in all, the experience was surreal and I strongly recommend everyone visit before theres a McDonalds on every block.

Something Fishy · « **Reply #201 on:** December 04, 2016, 05:01:08 PM »

Very interesting, thanks for sharing.

Quote from: iAm on December 04, 2016, 04:56:59 PM

I strongly recommend everyone visit before theres a McDonalds on every block.

This cannot be stressed enough... I agree 1000%.

Something Fishy · « **Reply #202 on:** December 05, 2016, 04:00:43 PM »

So apparently the Jeep carrying Fidel's remains broke down in middle of the funeral procession, forcing soldiers to push it the rest of the way.

It don't get any more Cuba than that

.

latke · « **Reply #203 on:** December 08, 2016, 02:01:44 PM »

Quote from: iAm on December 04, 2016, 04:56:59 PM

Shabbos in Havana:

In case anyone needs info regarding spending Shabbos here...

Mincha and Maariv Friday night at Adath Israel was at 15 minutes before Shekiah. The synagogue is officially orthodox, but the Rabbi and myself were the only ones not carrying a cellphone Fridat Night. When I asked him about it later, he said that he and his wife are the only shomer shabbos people left and the community pretty much assimilated after the Revolution.

The Rabbi, Rabbi Yacob Hernandez, also functions as the mohel, shochet, chazzan, and chevra kaddisha.

After Maariv, there was a community wide meal. The meal consisted of wine for kiddush, two challos split among the whole kehilla, and pasta with tomato sauce.

Shabbos morning, shachris was at 7:30. That was again followed by a meal of pasta with tomato sauce.

Mincha and shabbos (no minyan) was at 45 minutes before shekiah, followed by a third meal of pasta and tomato sauce.

(If you havent figured it out, the community is super poor; Im not sure if there will be a sudden influx of Orthodox visitors for shabbos now that there are flights, but they definitely dont have the infrastructure for that).

All in all, the experience was surreal and I strongly recommend everyone visit before theres a McDonalds on every block.

Thanks for the update. Did you bring any ready to eat food in? Deli? Cheese? Were the bags x-rayed? Were you stopped?

Going in a few weeks for 6 days and would like to bring some perishable foods, but not going to take too much if there's a chance it'll all be taken away.

Sad about the pasta- were the dishes meat or dairy? I would like to arrive at the Shul before Shabbos with something added to the meal, but would need to know what the dishes used during the meal are.

Thanks.

Something Fishy · « **Reply #204 on:** December 13, 2016, 01:24:51 PM »

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2016/11/cuba-cruise-tourism-america/

sams · « **Reply #205 on:** January 05, 2017, 01:02:54 PM »

If you go to Cuba these days U can act like regular tourist ? Anybody have good Airbnb to stay there ?

Something Fishy · « **Reply #206 on:** January 05, 2017, 04:40:14 PM »

Quote from: sams on January 05, 2017, 01:02:54 PM

If you go to Cuba these days U can act like regular tourist ? Anybody have good Airbnb to stay there ?

"Legally"? No. Practically, absolutely.

I wouldn't recommend the Airbnb I stayed in, but look around and read reviews. Just like any other destination.

Something Fishy · « **Reply #207 on:** January 05, 2017, 04:41:47 PM »

I've seen rumors that Trump will undo some of the Obama changes and make it more difficult to go. Personally I don't think that he will, but if you're a worrier maybe look into the issue before you book everything.

sams · « **Reply #208 on:** January 09, 2017, 12:49:51 PM »

Quote from: Something Fishy on January 05, 2017, 04:40:14 PM

"Legally"? No. Practically, absolutely.

I wouldn't recommend the Airbnb I stayed in, but look around and read reviews. Just like any other destination.

Thanks .my friend booked place will see what happens.

sams · « **Reply #209 on:** January 10, 2017, 03:16:52 AM »

Anybody have cuc??

sams · « **Reply #210 on:** January 10, 2017, 01:48:43 PM »

Anyone have issue bringing in perishable food?

Something Fishy · « **Reply #211 on:** January 18, 2017, 11:10:18 AM »

3x JetBlue points if you fly to Cuba. It is't much, but if you're going anyway you may as well register.

Something Fishy · « **Reply #212 on:** January 26, 2017, 03:21:05 PM »

Anyone looking to get rid of CUC?

davidmal · « **Reply #213 on:** January 26, 2017, 03:53:02 PM »

Anyone who does plan a trip bring Cash
CC's don't seem to be a thing there

chff · « **Reply #214 on:** February 12, 2017, 06:45:55 PM »

Looking for some CUCs in Brooklyn

Something Fishy · « **Reply #215 on:** February 13, 2017, 03:29:42 PM »

Data point:

A friend of mine was just there and ran out of cash, so someone sent him a Western Union from the US. The amount sent $200, WU charged $16, and the Cuban office charged an additional $6 to convert the $200 to CUC.

In short, all the fees came to under 11%, as opposed to the official 13%. So if you can't change USD into EUR or CAD at par ahead of time, this may be a way to save a bit on the conversion to CUC.

chff · « **Reply #216 on:** February 13, 2017, 04:23:48 PM »

Should do 24 hours or 48 hours in HAV?

Something Fishy · « **Reply #217 on:** February 13, 2017, 04:53:37 PM »

Quote from: chff on February 13, 2017, 04:23:48 PM

Should do 24 hours or 48 hours in HAV?

Why so little?

chff · « **Reply #218 on:** February 13, 2017, 04:59:22 PM »

Quote from: Something Fishy on February 13, 2017, 04:53:37 PM

Why so little?

Like I should go off my mind there?

chff · « **Reply #219 on:** February 14, 2017, 12:27:35 AM »

Religious is a good reason? Do you get questioned by CBP upon your return?

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Author Topic: Cuba Master Thread (Read 70272 times)