What's really happening in Cuba? Here's what I noticed. | Beach walk in Holguin

[@ImagineThere]

Despite everything, I love going to Cuba and will continue to do so because I simply love the people and the beaches there.

[@michelemoreci]

Wow! I just got back from Cuba. You said everything I've been thinking about the people. I loved them so much- despite all inconveniences , they do try so hard. It's simply not their fault. They really are "organic" What a good way to explain it. They all ENGAGE, it was so lovely. Ripped my heart open!

[@ImagineThere]

Glad you could resonate with the video. I agree with you wholeheartedly.

[@Busybeeee]

I love how you’re able to have empathy for the people of Cuba. I stayed at the Melia Cayo Coco two years ago, and I did not like my experience. At the time staff were serving us at the buffet and they were limiting the amount of food they gave us so in a weeks time I lost almost 10 pounds and I’m already underweight. I can’t imagine what the people of Cuba are going through. I also found that a lot of the staff were literally begging for things and tips. They were quite desperate. I am not a rich person. I was able to afford this vacation for the first time in a long time and I wasn’t able to tip so I was treated pretty badly at the resort. Because of that experience, I hesitate to go back. Understandably, the people are suffering but their behaviour is turning away tourists. Great video.

[@ImagineThere]

Thank you! Surprising to hear that. I never get hassled at these resorts. Only when I step out.

[@moshealex]

Cuba made huge mistake with lockdown. I redirected my vacation from Cuba to Mexico during covid time, because Mexico did no any lockdowns and covid tests at all. It was awesome decision. All tourism flowed to Mexico and Mexican economic had a new opportunity, Cuba-lost. Now we know, that pandemic was more plandemic and covid not more dangerous, than flue. In Canada we just had a new type of covid and almost everybody in Canada was infected and no any problem. Amount of death, like statistical. Lockdown in Cuba killed very poor economic of the country. Self isolation made worse for health condition and amount of death. Please, never do this mistake again. We have to live with viruses and have to learn, how to live together. I came back to Cuba as soon Cuba removed last mistake-random covid test in airports. I'm here third time this year and will come back again and again. I'm supporting Cuban people. But I'm against stupid decisions of not only Cuban government. Canada did the same and it was the same results. I have my lovely resort, that I visit all the time. All stuff is like my family. Love Cuba and hope tourism will come back to my lovely vacation place.

[@ImagineThere]

Yup, the lockdowns terribly affected the lives of the locals. Totally agree. Which resort is your go-to?

[@stevejerebic9072]

I love Cuba and its people. Been all over in 18 trips. My favorite for food was Holguin so far. Enjoy.

[@ImagineThere]

You got the Cuba Connoisseur status now.

[@solobushman]

A family of four has been going to cuba for the last 13 years and has never had a problem, i went with them the last 2 years and no problems. As for the horror stories about the food everyone was telling me about, well we have NEVER ran out of food, picky eaters will never find anything to eat no matter where they go. Cubans are awesome people, i shall return. Thanks for the video.

[@ImagineThere]

Yup, personally never had any issues with the food at any of the resorts.

[@Thethe0ryof]

Great video! I am coming to visit this resort in late August and i am hoping to give as much as i am able to the workers during my stay. i am wondering if you have any adivce for tipping. Who, where , how often, how much, and what currency should i use for tips. Additionally you mentioned the shortages, especially toiletries. I was planning on bringing some gift bags with some necessities to give away. What would you recommend to bring which are the most needed items? Thanks, i am so excited for my trip!

[@ImagineThere]

Thank you! I usually tip in USD since Canadian coins can be difficult. Tipping purely is based on how you feel about the service you receive, but several dollars for the housekeeper usually, a dollar for a drink, perhaps 2 for the buffet. Again, depends on you. I end up over-tipping during my stay usually. As for gifts, I usually take toiletries such as toothbrushes, Advil, sanitary pads, bug spray, toys for kids. Anything essential that you can think of, really. Another thing I would recommend is giving gifts to the workers who are not customer-facing. So the cleaners and the landscapers you see at the resort who don't usually get any tips. Hope you enjoy yourself there.

[@Dutchy-1168]

Take crisp $5 Canadian bills and lots of $1 American bills‼️ Don’t tip in Cdn Loonies or Toonies … the banks will not take them from the locals !! 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇺🇨🇺

[@Majori23]

I have been travelling to Cuba since 1980. Since the end of the pandemic have been there twice a year (end of November and end of March). Russia was helping them out a lot before the war with Ukraine. Places like Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo have more trouble with shortages because of where they are. Was in Varadero last November and March and heading back in November for 2 weeks. The Cubans do there best with what the have. I travel alone and feel very secure. Cuba is my second home.🥰

[@ImagineThere]

Yup, love the Cuban people. Which is why I have no hesitations going back.

[@Iamcuban100]

Thank you for sharing your videos. I know cuba 🇨🇺 has its problems, but so many countries at this time. Cuba has amazing and beautiful people and other things as well. Let’s concentrate on the positive please. Thank you

[@ImagineThere]

Cuba has some of the friendliest people I've ever met.

[@Abstr00se]

I love the manaña approach too!! I noticed that too

[@ГалинаСавельева-с7х]

Absolutely true

[@billmeloche4918]

5x to Cuba...people are very friendly and honest...hard workers:)

[@ImagineThere]

Yup, very true.

[@mainsqueeeze]

I do have a question about the beach. I’m hoping you can answer. I did go to a Cuban resort in April and in the pictures the beach was stunning and obviously you like for me. It’s like I don’t really care about the food as long as I have something to eat, I’ll live off Whatever’s available and most the time I love the food because I’ve really go there for the beach. And my experience with this hotels beach was actually not great. There was a lot of seaweed growing throughout the whole beach like there was no Clearwater not like I’m used to seeing when I go to Cuba I do go to Cuba a lot as well so I was a little shocked and I’m just wondering if this Beach would be nice and clear with not so much seaweed growing from the shallow end to the back just because I am booking and planning to go to this resort on the 31st of this month

[@ImagineThere]

It's hard to tell with this resort when it comes to the seaweed situation. They do try to clean up as much as possible, even though there's tonnes of seaweed washing up. I personally had a relaxing time there regardless.

[@marianmarciniak8721]

See weed always in Santa Lucia. Varadero, Guardalavaca clean.

[@noquestions7443]

Wowww the term “organic human” thats perfect term

[@marianmarciniak8721]

Chicas 🤔

[@subzero6396]

Which resort in Holguin?? I stayed at the paridisius d'oro. Looks like you were near it... Good vid!

[@ImagineThere]

Thank you! Looks like you were an hour and a half north of my resort, which was Grand Memories.

[@GilbertLatreille]

What has been explained to me is that Cubans lost an average of 8 to 12 pounds due to shortage of food during the pandemic period. Without tourism, Cuba will become a third world country. At this time, the resorts have priority to receive food from the Government, for the guests. Power outages are common.

[@JoseOrtiz-uv3of]

Cuba is already a third world country leave the resorts if you want to see the real cuba

[@Dutchy-1168]

Great spot …been going for 40 years and I get great value for my money

[@ImagineThere]

Absolutely agree.

[@ginoalvarez6266]

What hotel you stayed in Holguín?

[@ImagineThere]

Sanctuary, Grand Memories

[@bottledo1]

No such word as AnywayS it is ANYWAY there is no S in ANYWAY! Anyway I loved your video! And just subscribed!

[@ImagineThere]

Haha. Thanks for the sub!

[@Abstr00se]

Love ur take

[@cuongdo9958]

Go to Cayo Coco/ Cayo Guillermo, go see the playa Pilar, you will not regret ❤

[@ImagineThere]

You must be psychic because I was there a few weeks ago. Pilar Beach video coming soon!

[@patrickdoherty8701]

Ive been to cuba over 30 times , stay at hotels in cayo coco and also stay for week at a time in casa s in the town of morón , cuba is friendly country for foreigners , of course its a poor country and they need money but they do not pester you for it , i mix with the locals in the town , going to street parties , drinking rum etc no problems what so ever , food is bland and boring but not there fault as they have the embargo , go and have fun !!

[@ImagineThere]

I've honestly never had any issues with the food. Always found something I liked. And the locals are incredibly friendly. Gotta stay at a casa one of these days

[@Majori23]

There beaches are amazing compared to Mexico and Dominican Republic.

[@ImagineThere]

I agree. Definitely better.

[@vasvo3201]

wise

[@corinnemcleod1804]

The people of Cuba are very nice but the food and things like Ketchup etc is really lacking and is getting worse. It will not improve due to Cuba's association with Russia.It has affected tourism and I won't go until it improves.

[@ImagineThere]

I understand your stance

[@theresapalmer-s8p]

Bring things like ketchup with you. Condiments, spices, jam, peanut butter are all extremely hard for the resorts to get. Bring it with you and give it to one of the staff when you leave.

[@AngelaCasale-x9s]

Stay home its better or go pay more money and go to onother Country

[@mirelabarbu1009]

Thay are forced to be nice but not all of them are nice. I just came back from a 5 star hotel Royal service and quite dissapointed. Not true that is safe for woman. I and another man were agressed by a Toronto woman from the regular side and management did nothing.

You are the first person to talk about fake service versus genuine service. I always feel the service in the US is fake because they don’t care but want the tip, while everywhere else without a tipping culture, people provide genuine service. I don’t like people with two faces.

[@ImagineThere]

Yup, absolutely agree.

[@Abstr00se]

2 of my random clothing pieces went missing by the pool

[@Abstr00se]

And I heard of other guests losing misc. items as well

[@ImagineThere]

Yikes. Sorry to hear that.

[@guillaumepare9651]

Carefull, it's not always the locals... Can be, but not always.

[@theresapalmer-s8p]

@@guillaumepare9651 don't assume it's the staff. They will lose their job if they are caught stealing and most will never chance it. Likely another guest.

[@AngelaCasale-x9s]

I never lost😮 anything