Cuba For Dummies?

[Two Moto Kiwis]

Anyone been there recently and got any good info for some Cubannoobs?

Looking to spend a week - 10 days ish? is this enough? to much?

Any input would be great.

Cheers Andi & Ellen

[markharf]

Just got back. Imported an XT660 for a week and a half, but it'll be gone tomorrow on the Stahlratte. Great country, great people--possibly the friendliest I've seen anywhere in the world. Scenery is great in spots but most of the country is flat and full of sugar cane. Villages and cities range from nondescript to stunning (although as a NorteAmericano my standards are not as high as those of Europeans). For an American like myself, a good trip based in part on shared history (and political emnity)--for Europeans and others not quite so special, but worthy regardless. A week or ten days is quite short.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark

[Lone Rider]

Being an 'island', people normally think of it as 'small' and very limited.
It's huge...:)

If you're planning to do much more than a quick visit, hit it's history hard to gain greater appreciation and awareness.

The Hemingway Marina can also be an arrival port via boat from Key West.

[Two Moto Kiwis]

Originally Posted by markharf

Just got back. Imported an XT660 for a week and a half, but it'll be gone tomorrow on the Stahlratte. Great country, great people--possibly the friendliest I've seen anywhere in the world. Scenery is great in spots but most of the country is flat and full of sugar cane. Villages and cities range from nondescript to stunning (although as a NorteAmericano my standards are not as high as those of Europeans). For an American like myself, a good trip based in part on shared history (and political emnity)--for Europeans and others not quite so special, but worthy regardless. A week or ten days is quite short.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark

Thanks Mark, we normally have no expectations so anything better than that makes our day.

What time allowance would you give?

Also, we are leaving the bike in Mexico so wil be relying on other transport, would you advise an rental car or public trans.

We will probably hostel and (cheap) hotel if they are available..

Any other useful info on helping us be prepared would be mint.

Also, best thing to buying their money to avoid be gringoed to heavily

Thanks Mark

Originally Posted by Lone Rider

Being an 'island', people normally think of it as 'small' and very limited.
It's huge...:)

If you're planning to do much more than a quick visit, hit it's history hard to gain greater appreciation and awareness.

The Hemingway Marina can also be an arrival port via boat from Key West.

Will be flying from Cancun, do we need to book any accom or just wing it like we are doing in Mex?.

Cheers gents

[Throttlemeister]

Been one of the most special places I've ever ridden a motorbike a few months would be best to see majority of it. I rode like hell for most of three weeks, still having a few days off the bike due to complications at Gitmo


Don't even get me started on the women...

[Two Moto Kiwis]

Originally Posted by Throttlemeister

Don't even get me started on the women...

.... and

[Throttlemeister]

Originally Posted by Two Moto Kiwis

.... and

Just saying if you can look this rough and fine company like this, what is not to like

She must really dig sailors from another land

Others liked my bike more than me


Cuba does not suck on a motorbike, just kinda hard to find new tires Take it if at all possible.

[markharf]

You'll want to do your own research regarding accommodation, money and transport within Cuba. Each has crucial aspects which are unlike anywhere else, and when you ask about hostels you're basically demonstrating that you don't (yet) have a clue.

Obvious choices: read the first 20 pages of the Cuba branch of the Thorntree (Lonely Planet) forums, or download the LP guidebook. With a week or ten days, choose either east, west or center for focus. I had no trouble finding places to stay without advance planning, although on a couple of occasions hotels were full when I arrived--there are always casas available.

One last point: try not to do most of what John did. I tell you this for your own good.

enjoy,

Mark

[Two Moto Kiwis]

Originally Posted by markharf

You'll want to do your own research regarding accommodation, money and transport within Cuba. Each has crucial aspects which are unlike anywhere else, and when you ask about hostels you're basically demonstrating that you don't (yet) have a clue.

did you notice .. hence the questions!

We have started to do some research but you can't find up to date info as easy.

Originally Posted by markharf

You'll want to do your own research regarding accommodation, money and transport within Cuba. Each has crucial aspects which are unlike anywhere else, and when you ask about hostels you're basically demonstrating that you don't (yet) have a clue.

Obvious choices: read the first 20 pages of the Cuba branch of the Thorntree .

Some good advice, not familiar with that so will research it.

Originally Posted by markharf

One last point: try not to do most of what John did. I tell you this for your own good.

Why, he is still alive!?

[Two Moto Kiwis]

Originally Posted by Throttlemeister

Just saying if you can look this rough and fine company like this, what is not to like

Cuba does not suck on a motorbike, just kinda hard to find new tires Take it if at all possible.

... I think I have to take Ellen with me

Would like to take the bike but it all seemed a bit harder and a lot more costly.

[Throttlemeister]

Never bring you wood into the forest nor your sand to the beach

[Two Moto Kiwis]

Originally Posted by Throttlemeister

Never bring you wood into the forest nor your sand to the beach

t r u e .... but