Cu'a!

One of the first experiences which triggered my love for travel was a study abroad trip to Cuba.  It sounds cliche but I really learnt so much in terms of the restrictions communism brings.  I had an arrangement at a homestay or casa particular, as they call it near Plaza de La Revolucion.  MY mum flew out with me and we stayed with my host mum for 25cuc ( about 25 USD) a night. It was a very basic room, and my mother and I had to share a bed. Most homestays provide breakfast and dinner, but not lunch. I found my host mum a little mean to be honest and there was no maternal instinct and she stated she didn't want children, which is fine, but you coulD tell she was all about the money. I remember her feeding her husband chicken and rice and feeding me mash and vegetables, for 25cuc that's a cheek.  I decid I had to get out and leave, so at the Universidad de La Habana, I decided to ask if they knew of a room elsewhere.  Luckily, I got somewhere else in Centro Hanana, which was much better. I lived with a lady called Delbis whose son worked in Venezuela and her niece and daughter in law lived there too; Yannis and Orquidea. They were quite happy to stay at home and cook, clean, etc. From the university, I walked to Infanta y San Lazaro and was greeted with open arms...these women were to become my family!  My first weekend there, we had some visitors around, I wasn't paying much attention....until someone said 'Viennen Los inspectadores'. Apparently, when it comes to casa particulares, landlords have a hard time as the government restricts most things. They cannot rent more than one room, and if they do, they need permission. I was not too sure of all the restrictions until I asked Delbis if I could use the Internet, two women were sat down and I thought they were visitors. Delbis, didn't answer and had a stern look which is not really like her. I was slightly confused. I left the house and decided to go to Hotel Nacional which is around 5cuc for half an hour. Pricey! When I got back to Delbis, that's when she explained it was the inspectors and that Internet is also prohibited in Cuban houses. She had to pay them 250cuc so that they wouldnt take away her license. I felt so bad,. Apparently they even checked her fridge for beef! Also, not allowed. It's all a bit of propaganda really if you think about it. Real shame. Fidel doesn't want them to be exposed to anything from the outside world which could corrupt their minds and dedication to the Cuban Revolution. Later, I spoke to my mum in England and told her what happened. She said she has a feeling the previous lady I lived with Mercadita set it up...which made absolute sense as she asked where I was staying next and asked for the address as she apparently had to inform immigration where I'd be moving to next. It made me think...think my mum was right!