Im Cuban myself and am enlightened that a regular American like yourself had so many nice things to say about my country when most people wouldn't even consider going. Cheers my friend, hope all is well.
I only made that comment because compared to most of the world, the presence of tourism is very slight. It was a little bit of an overstatement but I was just trying to point out how authentic the country felt. What you said is completely true :D
having just come back, the big cities are full of tourists and varadero has more tourists than locals (the city not resorts) fun fact: there was about as many cubans in the resort as tourists
This video made me cry. Not a lot of people see the struggles they live in. And noticing someone having such great comments about where im from is definitely appealing. Cuba is great❤️
Cuba is THE most beautiful place I have EVER been too! My family grew up there an I went there for my 1st birthday! Everyone there is so bold that...its like no other place! I wish EVERYONE can see how beautiful it is!
Samia Guapisima Cuba is a beautiful country indeed, I was born and raised there and there is nothing I miss more, however, it’s not what it appears, Cuba is fulfilled by poverty, there is no hope or future between the youth of the country and people don’t get paid enough to even eat properly, my parents brought to USA so I can have a better life and visiting Cuba may be wonderful but living there is quite the opposite.
Im Canadian and I visit Cuba every year it is beautiful, like going back in time and very friendly and beautiful people. The poverty makes me a little sad but some people dont know any better! Cuba Libre
Just went there and must say they are the friendliest, most sincere people I've ever met! One person we met went out and bought me departing gifts and my favourite fruit! So kind
I've known a lot of Cubans in south Florida and they're all great people, very warm and inviting. I must say, however, they don't share the rosy view of their homeland that this video tries to sell. Most of them tell horrific stories of how their parents and grandparents had to flee that wonderful regime that this video was wanting so much to "experience."
I have traveled to Cuba for the last 27 years and tourism is very high from all over the world..Cuba is indeed one of the friendliest countries and its a fun place, good food , entertaining and very, very safe....
Excellent video, I'm glad you enjoyed! Cuba is definitely on my holiday list! Obviously, the person who wrote that blog at the beginning of the video ("reasons not to visit Cuba") doesn't seem to understand that Cuba is actually a workers' democracy.
That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard in my life? Do you have any idea the crushing poverty most of that country lives in? And you actually have big enough space between your teeth to call it a democracy? Lol wow man. Programmed much?
@@perryshaffer1079 go inform yourself, it is a democracy. Not only that, poverty (while being a problem) isn't nearly as prevalent as in the US, as is unemployment and homelessness. Also, did you know that Cuba is currently in the process of legalizing same-sex marriage, making it the first country in the caribbean to do so?
@@perryshaffer1079 meanwhile theres millions more homeless in america and the military spends about 1.2billion a year to blockade the country making it hard for cuba to rise up, also theres crushing poverty in capitalist countries too, but ofcourse we dont talk about that
Cool I never been to the Western part of Cuba. Only Havana and the East. If you are thinking about going to Cuba. Go now before American businesses show up. It's rather interesting to see a country with very little commerce. No TV or radio commercials. Only a few billboards. It's very different.
Yeap. And the billboards are political. Cuba hasn't been taken by the American bussness, yet. Only by Europeans, who probably don't know anything about bussiness. But when there were American businesses in Cuba, they were in Cuban hands, with a few exceptions. Colgate&Parmolive was Crusellas y Compañia. Procter and Gamble was Sabatés, and a long etcetera. We were as happy as you couldn't imagine. And we really kept our identity. (Some people were bilingual, yes. It's better that way.) Until some people came from the east of the island and implanted socialism Russian style. How do you like that? It was terrible. Cubans started to run away to Miami, Spain, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Argentina, you name it. What do you mean no TV radio commercials? Yes, but they are only political. Things like "Todos a la Plaza el 26", for Everyone at the Revolution Square on July 26th, and other government celebrations.
"Only by Europeans, who probably don't know anything about business" Oh! I despair at the depths of arrogant ignorance I regularly encounter on social media.
The only arrogant ignorant is you, yourself. You don't have to insult just because someone you don't even know has a different opinion from yours. How many times have you been to Cuba? Or maybe you are one of those arrogant Europeans who are running a business there, and paying the Cuban people a miserable salary because they have to give the big bucks to the government first. And yes, I repeat, many businesses in Cuba now are run by Spaniards who only go there to exploit the Cuban people for the benefit of their own pocket, paying a miserable salary to them because most of the profit goes to them and the Cuban government.
LOVED your vid, I went last summer with my father. It was the most beautiful country I've ever been to. And the people, they're so lovely and friendly. I fellt so save there, I lost my heart over there! Need to go back asap!!!
My partner and I are thinking of going to Cuba this year and this video has been quite insightful - so, thanks! Also, I think you did a really great job producing this video, and managed to keep the character of it all alive. Kudos :)
im american and i went to habana y viñales, their culture is so beautiful. my family and i stayed at a hostel because a 5 star hotel wouldn't show you their true culture. the people are so friendly, but it makes you realize how truly blessed you are to have what you have and live where you live. i made a video too!!
Zigs Media no look how the people are living. They don’t have internet, And they certainly don’t have fancy phones like you too type that kind of ridiculous comment. Yes Cuba has a beautiful culture but its government is crap
I travelled to Cuba in 2017, and it was one of the best trips I have ever done so far. I am an Australian person who is lucky enough to come from one of the freest and most stable democracies in the world, so to experience the restrictive culture of Cuba was an eye-opener. My admiration for the average Cuban and their inate optimism was, for me, a lesson in humility. The beauty of the country is breathtaking, a trip that will forever be in my heart, special.
im from australia and im going to LA 14 hours flight then from LA to mexico then to cuba then to mexico and back home. I got to admit very nervous for mexico but extremely excited for cuna
Viva Cuba libre. I laughed a lot when you said you wanted to go there before the regime changed haha Almost cried watching the video for my beautiful patria
Simon Plenderleith But nowadays it is. It is impressive, that Cuba still exists looking on all those embargos. If it was a capitalistic country it would be gone 1 year after the embargo
Simon Plenderleith -- Fact check #2.. Russians economic failure was due to supporting Cuba & other communist countries. They do not produce anything except tyranny.
@@sepulcrumsumus8909 They're not dictatorial, they have a semi-parliamentary system with locally held elections for locally elected officials, and nation-wide elections for the national assembly. The candidates of the election are chosen out by 50% nominations from union/worker organizations, and 50% from locally elected officials from each province. The people can vote for anyone regardless of whether or not they are a part of the communist party. Criticism of the govt is allowed as long as it's in the socialist spirit-you can't openly talk about overthrowing the govt and restoring capitalism, similar to USA's law that you can't talk about killing the president. During Castro's time, there was a lot of imprisonment for "treason" or "counter-revolutionary activity," but this is natural for a post-revolutionary society. Many people forget that even the US govt did the same exact thing during its early days, with charges of "treason" being exceedingly common. The position of "president" in Cuba is usually just a figurehead position, though it has a good deal of social influence, so while there is considerable power in holding that position, the national assembly can veto any proposals made by the president.
I was told a story recently about a doctor that had every bone in his feet broken because he walked to proud. He spoke out against Castro. LOL You talk about it being such a great nation.
@@Eganweeds As long as any kind of state exists, there will always be brutal suppression of opposing political opinion in some form or another. This is true for every single state that exists. It is especially true for the US, where people love to talk shit about Cuba. Do I like it? No. What I'm really trying to get across is that many of the things non-cuban people accuse Cuba of in order to justify the embargoes (and historically, the blockade) which starve the cuban people also apply to their own country as well, but we dont see as many crippling sanctions on countries with military supremacy like the US for these kinds of things, do we? If govt shut downs of political dissent and fifth columns makes a country a "dictatorship," then to be consistent, you must call all countries a dictatorship.
Thank you for doing this video and making people realize Cuba isn't actually that bad. I lived in Cuba for a while too and tbh is exactly like going back in time. Everything IS EXACTLY LIKE THAT. THANK YOU, lots for doing this.
it is true that the embargo santion is only coming from the us but it doesnt mean cuba can easily trade with other countres companies from other countries are discouraged by the us from trading with cuba
Cuba sure is beautiful, i lived a great part of my childhood there, up until when i was 9, i then moved to the US and haven't been there since. I might go this summer, really looking forward to it
I went to Cuba earlier last year. It was the most amazing place I've ever been to, and I'd recommend that you go immediately, as the imbargo is about to end, and everything will change. The imbargo is bad, but when it gets lifted, everyone will switch to newer, better cars. It will lose its unique touch. If you are planning of going, I recommend staying at the small town Trinidad. We stayed with a really nice Cuban family (nearly all of the Cubans are nice) who took us to the most beautiful beach ever. It had a reef about five meters from the shore! Also, try the banana chips. They sound strange, but they're surprisingly good. It's pretty much deep fried banana slices. A bit like sweet potato. Anyone who is reading this, please take my advice before it changes... you won't regret it.
Hey, glad you enjoyed Cuba..I am Cuban (living in Spain) and it warms my heart to know other people love our island too! By the way, just one little thing the banana chips aren't banana, they are plantains.. the taste and texture are quite different! We call the chips tostones :) Have a nice day.
Well done. Brings back memories of my own visit there in 2013. Like you I visited Havana and Vinales. Both are amazing cities that give a view of some of the diversity found on the island.
My father was born and raised in Havana, Cuba. I got to visit my family for the first time there in 2017. I loved it. I was young but I am able to go back whenever I want. I have family there and a sister. I still can’t believe I’m half of this country 🇨🇺
Literally all my relatives love in cuban I'm cuban and I've visited the best thing is all the kids playing sports on the streets the random drunk lady getting mad for hitting her window
Need some advice if you can. I'm coming down in August 2019 for only (1) day and would like to visit right outside of Havana and fish fresh water and/or saltwater from shore (with my own equipment). The town of Vinales looks interesting any help would be appreciated !!!
We've been to Cuba 14 xs to different areas and love it all! We've eaten at stranger's homes ... nothing to fear ... it's a different mentality and a good one at that. We've encountered the most friendly people with the most fabulous sense of humour. Really hope that doesn't change. Can't wait to return.
I would never go back again if the US moved their McDee's, Burger King, etc., into Cuba. They will ruin it again. Americans can fly up to Toronto and take a direct flight to Cuba. We don't place restrictions on visitors to Cuba. They love Canuks there and Americans too.
+Chloe wilson Burger King is now a Canadian company. Also flying to Cuba from the Bahamas, Mexico or just about any Caribbean nation is much easier than going north to go south.
+Alan Peyrot Alan Gross was imprisoned in Cuba for five years just for giving internet access for poor cubans. Government critics continue to be imprisoned; many report that they were beaten during arrest. Restrictions on freedom of expression is widespread. The government curtails freedom of association and assembly. Graffiti artists are imprisoned. Draconian security crackdowns have led to a wholesale assault on basic freedoms.
David Crandall I've been to cuba, never heard of Alan gross, but cuba isn't slightly dangerous for americans, i had an american friend with me when i went and we had no problem, but i will give it a read thanks.
I loved it! I went to the exact same places in 2015 and actually recognised some of the houses in Viñales. Wonderful! I wish everyone visited Cuba the same way you and I did. Instead of a 5 star hotel in Varadero - casas particulares and bikes. I travelled with a backpack and moved across the island in the back of the trucks, just like all the locals do. I loved every minute of it. Thanks for this video! It made my day
Never see the real world could we unless we take off all the assumptions we make and learn, politically, ideologically and religiously. Like your videos very much!!! I'm from China and wish you a good life
I’m Cuban and didn’t go to Cuba this summer and I didn’t think about it until this video poped up and I saw the roof top and pinar del rio and now I see it again all the beautiful memories from when I was a little kid playing hide and seek it was fun and I saw this video and I really got emotional and thank you for letting me see in this video beautiful Cuba and other parts of Cuba that I never went so again thank you so much for uploading this video
Most realistic video I have seen so far on Cuba. Thank you. Too bad I am 2yrs finding this : Castro is dead, Obama has visited and the wet foot/dry foot policy has been rescinded (smile). I need to visit b4 the Ritz Carlton sets up shop.
Cal, great video! To make that trip with your grandfather was extra special, I’m certain. I did a bicycle tour from Havana to Cienfuegos in April 2018 and nothing looked different. Like you, I love Cuba 🇨🇺!
Hispanic countries and European countries are very rich in culture and hospitality. they are very very colorful and eye-catching unlike our Country the US
+gostoso I'm an 18 year old Midwest born and bred United Statesman and the people where I live are mostly bad people. I live in a rural area with a low population too and there are a more than enough assholes to go around. I don't know where you live but hospitality is almost dead in The United States. I would uproot my entire life to leave this place but I don't, nor will I probably ever have the ability to do so. I don't like it here for the very reason of shitty people.
Cuba is beautiful, and it's true that its people are friendly (I was born there). Being in Cuba is a beautiful experience, but only as a tourist. Living there is a completely different story. Pray not to get sick, other wise you will experience what free healthcare is like. Tourist find everything cheap in cuba e.g. With $20 dollar two or three people can eat at a "paladar" but remember that's the salary of a Doctor for a month. I encourage people to go to Cuba but I will like them to stop for five minutes while there and think about the necessities that those people have due to a repressive and socialist government.
Miguel Pedraja pray not too get sick? Most people already do that in the US. And if they do get sick, unless if they are wealthy, become financially ruined.
MDProductionsARG You have medicine in Cuba dipshit. World renowned medical healthcare. While in Cuba people may not eat as much as in the US, they consume within their means. No overweight epidemic. No tonnes of food being wasted and thrown out. No consuming 25%+ more resources than they can sustain. Population is on average more happy in Cuba. No body issue problems like in western countries. Sure Cuba isn't perfect, but that's what happens when the most powerful economy sabotages your success as a country. Ooh and you think Cuba brainwashes their people against capitalism? And in the US you don't have anti communist/ socialist propaganda attacks for the last 60 years? You really want to use that?
MDProductionsARG "I'd rather get propaganda from a system that works". Man don't make me laugh. I don't see much point in going on with you. Reading your response I can see so many flaws in your logic and while you may think you got this figured out, you barely scratched the surface. If you really want to keep going, educate yourself on the matter. By that I mean don't watch RU-vid videos and searching through websites. Buy some books on the matter and read the literature. I'm not gonna sit here and teach you how everything you said is wrong or misinformed. You clearly have a lot to learn. Good day.
Well speaking of health care... Cuba has the lowest mother child mortality in the world. Also person to doctor ratio in the world and it is already recognized by the WHO as the best health system in the world. Even our president (Duterte) wants to imitate cuba's health system. So what's all the negative propaganda about cuba's health system? It's way better then the US.
+Karla Aladro Hey Karla. Is there a lot of people speaking English in Cuba? I'm a solo traveller and I'm planning to go there soon but I don't speak Spanish at all.
Thanks for posting the video I really enjoyed it and watched the whole thing. I really liked the fact you got to go with your grandpa as well and I hope to enjoy my visit and see cuba for myself.
I miss it so much. You should have gone to Varadero ( beautifull beach). I used to live in La Havana Miramar. Cuba is a beautiful country bet the "Castro" family messed it up; before that dictatorship, it would have been "Las Vegas del Caribe" (Las Vegas of the carabian). Nice video, enjoyed it very much.
Cal, you nailed it bro. I've been there and many other countries and the Cuban people are the nicest people in the world. Havana is truly authentic and charming. I hope we Americans don't ruin it
Thanks for sharing your video. My only hope is that the US respect the island and its cultures and try not to commercialise it too much that it looses its authenticity.
I absolutely loved this video, it reminds me a bit of Casey Neistat's movies and made it seem like I was actually there. +1 followers, man! Keep these videos coming!
Just returned after a two week trip. The video itself is an accurate depiction, but the discussion of the reason why Cuba is so poor is not. Cal, this problem didn't start with the American embargo, it started with the dictatorial rule of the Castros. They immediately took over hotels, such as the grand Havana Libre, they discouraged tourism, and literally turned Cuba into what it is today. True, the American embargo was no help, but you can't blame the Americans for this one. There was great potential for tourists from every other country, but with poorly-run government controlled hotels, with crumbling infrastructure, with the Communist government discouraging tourism, and with extreme poverty where the average person makes $60 per month, you will not get a vibrant country. There is virtually no internet access for the locals; in the city we were in, there were 10 computers connected to the internet...and the people had to pay 2 CUC to use them...that's 2 dollars, which is a fortune to the average Cuban. The typical Cuban knows little of the outside world...one person we met never heard of Israel! Another had no idea of what is happening with Islamic terrorism. Cuba is the product of almost 60 years of a Communist repressive regime...nothing more, nothing less. So don't blame the present state of this country on the American embargo...that just isn't the case.
+Samantha Hart Hi Samantha! You are exactly right, theres really two embargos one american and one cuban. In the video it was difficult to convey that as it was more important to provide context for the viewers than to get too deep into the history of it. I appreciate your thoughts though!
Samantha Hart there wouldn’t have been a revolution if the people had been paid decent wages. But all the resources were in the hands of American business paying slave wages. Whilst rich Americans came drank gambled smoked cigars and slept with prostitutes forced into it. There was no education and the life expectancy was low. Easy to blame Castro but he was the result of a corrupt system
I had a good friend of mine over 20 years ago who used to work on a cruise ship and he's been to almost every country all over the world! I asked him once, what is the most beautiful country and the most beautifully women that you have visited and seen!!! Without hesitation he said Cuba!
Not hard at all there salads are the best known at least for me there’s plenty there to celebrate no matter where your from, take it from me I used to live there #Latina
+Sebastian Mollega I think you misinterpreted the tone of the video. As an American it was nice to see Cuba because our media always layers the island with so many stereotypes and stories that you have no idea whats true and what's not. That's what I liked about seeing Cuba. Of course the oppressive government is a huge problem and I wasn't trying to discount that at all. Not trying to offend anyone, just trying to document my trip there :D
Cal McKinley great times with your Grandpa for sure....good for you because one day when He is gonne,you can tell your own children the adventures that you both had and you can even recreate then with your own GrandChildren one day!...my Mom was from Pinar del Rio by the way.
Sebastian Mollega He WAS a tourist. That's why this video is from the perspective of a TOURIST. If it's easy for a tourist to say Cuba is nice, he just did the easy thing because it's nice for tourists.
Seen the video when it first came out, I've been following the channel ever since and really in enjoy its content, easily one of the best i've seen on Cuba.
Just been to cuba just now 30-10-17 and it was so beautiful, so much friendly people.. i was walking on my own and it is very safe from dawn till dusk. Classic cars, old building, chck vinales, the wall of paint.. trinidad go and see vegas falls and las cuevas disco bar amazing place... the long stretch white beach line of varaderos, ohweee... and matanzas so mush history n culture..
I'm going to Cuba in March and I'm VERY excited. This video gave me a great understanding of what to expect when I go. Thank you for sharing this with us. You're very creative :)
Im part Cuban and let me tell you it's charging real fast such as the internet came in and Cuba will stay like this for another 60 years I say and I love it's style I love everything about Cuba you guys should go to sin fego I'm not good at writing Spanish but I simply say it's the best untouched country by technology I think it's a gift
I just got back from Cuba less than a week ago, and this video sums it all up in one! Great job capturing the real Cuban life!!! P.S. I also LOVED Vinales! xoxo
