1. Cubans are a very sociable people, you should not be surprised at the numerous street compliments (I note that they are not at all vulgar, but very sweet), especially if you are a pretty woman with a friendly attitude. It is also quite normal for a local to start a non-committal conversation with a stranger on the street, simply because he is in a good mood or, conversely, sad.
2. Cuba has a very weak education system. In Soviet times, there was a base of good teachers, who are currently retired without exception. The schools are taught by former high school students with a low level of knowledge, and many subjects such as biology, geography, chemistry, etc. are combined into one subject called "Ciencias naturales".
3. In Cuba, there is only free education. For admission to any university, you must take three subjects: the history of Cuba, Spanish and mathematics.
4. For the citizens of Cuba, any medical care is provided free of charge, this also applies to dentistry, which is currently not at the highest level, and even services such as abortion.
5. Cuban medicine is considered one of the best in the world. The relatively low cost of treatment attracts numerous foreign patients with severe or rare diseases. Cuba has a reputation not only as a tourist destination, but also as a medical infirmary with a wide base of specialized hospitals and a huge staff of medical personnel.
6. Cuba regularly supplies its doctors on lease to third world countries in Africa and Latin America.
7. Cubans are incredibly clean, they try to take a shower at any opportunity, change clothes at least twice a day and actively use antiperspirants and perfume. Having wet armpits in this hot tropical country is considered indecent and disgusting.
8. I have never seen a more sexy and alluring walk than Cuban girls. This feature of theirs manifests itself from about 10 years old and continues until 30.
9. Plain Cuban brown cane sugar is moist and smells like mash. That does not detract from its merits, but even gives it a certain piquancy.
10. Cuba still has a system of card purchases, the so-called "Libreta". The cards allow citizens to purchase essential products such as rice, beans, butter, powdered milk, sugar, etc. at specialized stores at an affordable price. Therefore, no one swells from hunger here, even with meager incomes.
11. The average salary of a middle-ranking official is about $20 per month.
12. Almost all residential Cuban houses, with the exception of a few Havana high-rise buildings, do not have glass. Wooden or metal shutters are usually used instead of glazing.
13. There is no high-speed Internet line in Cuba. The island enjoys expensive satellite communications that provide internet to all government offices, hotels and private users. Therefore, most Internet connections are modem, and the speed over a leased line is not very different from a telephone connection.
14. Internet access for tourists is carried out either at the hotel from state-owned computers, with the exception of a couple of expensive Havana hotels that provide a weak wi-fi connection, or from post offices, also on state-owned ones. computers.
15. Private trade in seafood (shrimp, lobster) and beef is prohibited in Cuba. Although in the markets, "from under the floor", you can buy almost everything and at a normal price.
16. Some products, such as potatoes, beets, carrots, periodically disappear from the shelves for several months due to the seasonality of their cultivation.
17. There is no central hot water supply system in Cuba. Cubans mostly bathe under cold, although after spending the day under the sun, it can hardly be called cold. Some comfort lovers put boilers or speakers in their homes.
18. Until very recently, electric kettles, toasters and grills were officially banned in Cuba in view of national energy savings.
19. Each Cuban has the right to issue only one SIM card for a mobile phone. Moreover, cellular communication itself is very expensive, for a minute of talking on local SIM cards you will have to pay about a dollar. There is only one mobile operator, called Cubacel.
20. The most traditional and favorite Cuban dish is "Congri", consisting of rice and black beans. Served at the table, as a rule, at least 4-5 times a week, together with meat, or without it.
21. Also in Cuban cuisine, a banana is widely used, various varieties of which are used as a dessert, all kinds of chips and just a bite to the main dish.
22. Cuban alcoholism is different from Russian. On the street it is almost impossible to see a drunk, wallowing in wet pants, or moving along the wall. Drinking alcohol here goes slowly, and the maximum effect reaches only the “slightly under the shade” level. There are exceptions to the rule, but they are very rare.
23. Cubans don't like to go out when it rains. Often this natural phenomenon becomes a reason for skipping work, school, etc.
24. The average Cuban will not go outside without an umbrella on a sunny day. Which in most cases is justified, because an umbrella gives at least some shade and protection on a hot tropical day.
25. With a fairly rich variety of tropical flora, the terrestrial fauna of the largest of the islands of the West Indies is represented by only a few species of winged and all kinds of reptiles and amphibians. Of the mammals, the species of the insectivorous Cuban flint-tooth is known, which until recently was considered extinct.
26. Cuban central channels broadcast without commercials. The network is saturated with educational, popular science and music TV shows, sports broadcasts and the latest in world cinema, the copyrights of which, according to my guess, simply do not pay attention.
27. Cuba's favorite sport is baseball. Cuban baseball players are highly regarded in the sports world and often poached by American teams.
28. Cuba has a low crime rate due to the complete non-aggression of the population. But even here it is dangerous to wander at night in poor neighborhoods, illuminating the road with an iPhone.
29. The most favorite clothing of Cuban women is denim shorts. On girls you will see short ones, and on older women - knee-length.
30. Cuba has a rather strange contraceptive policy. It is believed that condoms should be used only in case of fleeting contacts and only to protect against diseases, and protection with a regular partner will be perceived as an offensive sign of distrust. Therefore, the number of abortions reaches incredible proportions for such a small country.
31. The Cuban ballet school is one of the most respected in the world. People say, “Russian ballet strikes with skill, French ballet is emotional and spiritually rich, and Cuban has embodied both.” One Alicia Alonso, the world famous Cuban ballerina, what is worth!
32. Cuba is attacked by cyclones. There is even such a thing as the “hurricane season”, which lasts from September to November and rarely ends tragically, because most funnels pass by or dissolve in the ocean. The most powerful Category 5 hurricane in recent years, Andrew, born in 1992, caused a lot of damage to the western part of the island.
33. During a cyclone (not to be confused with a hurricane, because a cyclone is a torrential and lingering rain), Cubans sit in a close family circle at home by candlelight and absorb goodies bought in advance for this occasion. With this approach, for most locals, the cyclone is something of an unplanned vacation.
34. The Virgin Mary is considered the patroness of Cuba, everywhere sculpturally depicted towering over a boat containing three representatives of the island population: a Spaniard conquistador, an Indian and a Negro.
35. The indigenous population of Cuba was completely exterminated over time by the Spanish conquerors.
36. Mixed marriages are not welcome on the island. Moreover, the union of a white woman and a black Cuban is condemned to a greater extent than vice versa.
37. Cubans are notorious dog lovers, in almost every house there is one or even several dogs. Owning a thoroughbred dog is considered fashionable, preference is given, for inexplicable reasons, to the most furry breeds such as Laiki and Chow Chow, small chihuahuas are also numerous.
38. Cats are not particularly pampered here and are not kept at home, therefore feral and unsociable felines live on the street, keep close to garbage dumps and do not come to fawn on the local call “misu-misu”.
39. Few people know that the main revolutionaries in Cuba were not two, but three. Camilo Cienfuegos, a poet and colleague of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, was distinguished by his special charisma and love of the people until his mystical death in a plane crash in 1959, which did not have any confirmed facts of its existence and even aircraft wreckage. After the tragedy, Fidel took over the reins of power, and Che Guevara, by all accounts, was forcibly exiled from the country. Today, both of the dead revolutionaries are revered by Cubans, and images of Che Guevara are in great demand among the local population.
40. For a Cuban, it’s quite normal after work to sit comfortably on a bench under a tree or on a warm stone on the Havana embankment and take a nap. Life passes here slowly, and it is noticeable in everything.
41. Slaughtering your own cows and bulls for meat is prohibited by law here. After the natural death of the animal, it is necessary to declare it to the appropriate service, after which a corpse truck will arrive and pick up the carcass. In case of disobedience to the law, the violator will face a criminal punishment, providing for a solid term behind bars.
42. Massively Cubans visit the beaches only in summer, despite the tropical climate and constant air temperature. Some individuals swim in winter, but this is rather an exception to the rule.
43. At the age of 15, girls celebrate their birthday with special solemnity, dressing up in magnificent princess costumes and taking pictures.
44. After the overthrow of the Batista regime, the only officially US territory is part of the province of Guantanamo, located on the eastern tip of the island. Guantanamo is a prison for terrorists and international criminals.
45. A few years ago, an epidemic of a deadly disease broke out in Cuba, the peddler of which is a common mosquito. Therefore, local authorities have established a special office that fumigates state institutions and breeding centers of these insects. It is not uncommon for a man with a smoking pipe in his hand to interrupt the work of an entire ministry or cinema for a couple of hours while the purge is taking place.
46. ​​Plates with a registration number on Cuban cars have a different color depending on whether they belong to one or another owner. So state cars are marked in blue, and private cars are in yellow.
47. There are two national currencies in Cuba: the Cuban peso and the CUC convertible peso. The difference is that CUC is mainly used by tourists, easily exchanging dollars or euros for this currency, and the Cuban peso lives in the wallets of the local population. Almost all stores sell goods for cookies, but there are a number of places, such as public transport or the market, where it is better to pay with pesos.
48. There is oil in Cuba, but due to the unfortunate location of the deposits, namely in the tourist area of ​​Varadero beach, it is practically not produced.
49. In Cuba, the patriarchal family structure flourishes. Easy on premarital relationships among young people, Cubans are very strict about morality and the distribution of roles in the family after marriage. The wife is required to do all the housework and childcare on her own, even if she works on a par with her husband, often earning more.

50. Bachelorette parties and all sorts of vacations apart from her husband are not only not welcome, but also considered absurd. Husbands, on the other hand, have the full right to leave on their own business at any time.
51. The ability to dance is inherent in every Cuban from birth. Hearing rhythmic music, any local resident, even at the workplace, will dance a little. At night discos, all restrictions are discarded and you can see really "dirty" dances.
52. The most common breakdown of Cuban cars is a wheel that has fallen off due to the severe wear of the suspension, due to the slovenly attitude to technology among the locals.
53. Cuba has a railroad and a highway that runs the entire length of the island. True, rail transport is not particularly popular due to the irregularity of flights and the lack of any kind of comfort.
54. Cuban men carefully monitor their appearance. In beauty salons, procedures for male hair removal of various parts of the body and even plucking of eyebrows are common.
55. The population of the island is 11.5 million people, while the capital is home to 2.5 million inhabitants. The capital of Cuba, Havana, is written and pronounced in the Spanish manner with the letter "b" in the middle - La Habana.

Cuba (Spanish Cuba), the official name is the Republic of Cuba (Spanish República de Cuba), unofficial since 1959 - Liberty Island) is an island nation in the northern Caribbean Sea. The country occupies the territory of the island of Cuba as part of the Greater Antilles, Isle of Youth and many smaller islands. Cuba is separated from North America by the Strait of Florida to the north and the Yucatan Strait to the west. The capital and largest city is Havana. Cuba can rightly be called heaven on earth. Endless sandy beaches, azure sea, passionate dances and restless fun - you will not leave the thought that you are in a fairyland.
To get to know the island of Liberty, first of all go to Havana. It is here that the contrasts of the country are best seen. Do not be surprised by the neighborhood of luxurious skyscrapers with dilapidated houses. And be prepared for the sincere cheerfulness of their inhabitants. The life of Cubans is open, it takes place on the street or on the balcony. They sit for themselves, talking through open windows and doors, playing dominoes by the porch, playing music and dancing.
Anyway, if you are dancing or want to see how the locals dance (and there is something to see), do not waste time, dance in Havana. A kind of extreme during a trip to Cuba can be found in the evening, when electricity is turned off in some areas. Entire streets and neighborhoods are plunged into darkness. But walking there, as assured by those who have already visited Cuba, is completely safe.
Cuba is a country with a unique culture. The construction of socialism and poverty are strangely combined with world-class resorts and general fun. Wake up here to the crowing of roosters, look at the streets lined with “We are well” posters, taste freshly squeezed sugar cane juice and enjoy life together with the inhabitants of the island. Call a horse with a cart instead of a taxi, and quickly go on an excursion. After all, there will be something to see!

Havana

The city is thoroughly saturated with history and salt spray. Its picturesque boulevards and wide avenues with houses painted in pastel colors, from light pink to pale blue, remember the Spanish conquerors, filibusters, and Cuban revolutionaries. Here, Hemingway walked along the embankment, dreamed of a bright future for his country, Jose Marti, and the legendary Che fought for the freedom of the Cuban people.
La Villa de San Cristobal de la Habana was founded almost five hundred years ago by the Spanish conquistador Diego Velasquez. The city had a favorable geographical location, and the bay, located in the calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, was the most convenient in the Caribbean. All this contributed to the fact that Havana soon turned into a major port. Trade and warships anchored here to replenish supplies of food and water. However, the wealth of the city began to attract pirates, so defensive structures were built around Havana. Today it is a local pride.
Havana is the largest city in Cuba and its cultural center. Defensive fortresses and forts are located in the historical center. Castillo del Morro is the oldest fortification, a kind of symbol of Havana. Since the 19th century, the fortress has served as a lighthouse. Another stronghold is Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña. And although it was built later than Castillo del Morro, they together form an architectural ensemble - the Morro Cabaña Park.
In the bay of Havana, the ruins of the fortress wall remained, which once protected the sea city from land. On both sides are the fortresses of La Punta and La Fuerza. The latter now houses the Museum of Ancient Weapons. Not far from the fort of San Carlos de la Cabaña, a marble statue of the Christ of Havana rises 18 meters high.
Do not walk along the Havana Malecon - do not see half of Havana.

It is here that the festive procession takes place during the carnival. Carnival in Cuba.
From here originates the main street of the city - Paseo del Prado Boulevard. Here is the building of the National Capitol - a huge palace, impressive in its grandeur. It was built in 1929 in the image and likeness of the Capitol, which stands in the US capital, but surpassed it in size. Nearby are the Museum of the Revolution, the Museum of the City and the monument "Granma", built in honor of the yacht of the same name, on which the revolutionaries arrived in Cuba.
Be sure to visit the chapel of El Templete. It was built in 1828, supposedly on the site of the founding of Havana. The Baroque Cathedral is located in the Plaza de la Catedral.
Here you can also visit the Bodeguita del Medio bar, where Ernest Hemingway liked to enjoy ice-cold mojitos.
If you are interested in the life and work of Papa Hem, visit the La Vigia estate, today the Ernest Hemingway Museum is located here.
Areas of New Havana are modern administrative buildings, villas, hotels. In this place is the University of Havana and Revolution Square, which houses the memorial to José Marte.

Varadero

If Havana is the cultural capital of Cuba, then Varadero is the entertainment capital. Endless beaches with white sand, sky-colored water, Cuban rum and dancing until the morning - this is Varadero.
And it all started with a small villa built by American businessman Irene Dupont. With its millions, the city was equipped so that it soon became popular, rich people came here to relax, play golf and swim in the crystal clear waters of the ocean.
Gradually, Varadero acquired infrastructure and turned into the most popular resort in Cuba. There are luxury hotels with excellent service, restaurants and nightclubs.
History buffs can visit La Cueva de Ambrosio, the famous cave with cave paintings of the ancient Indians who once lived in this area. Varadero has the ancient fort of Fuerte Espanyol and the church of Iglesia de Santa Elvira.

Matanzas

It is located in the same province as Varadero and is the second largest city in Cuba. It is called the Cuban Venice because it stands at the crossroads of rivers over which many bridges have been built.
The most famous bridge is the hundred-meter Bakunayagua. Historically, Matanzas has been associated with the cultivation of sugar cane and tobacco. Slave labor was used for this, so the mixing of Cuban-African traditions is more noticeable in this area.
There are many places in Matanzas worth visiting. On the Plaza de la Vigia, which is considered the founding place of the city, is the Teatro Sauto, built in 1863 by the Italian architect Daniel Dal Aglio.
The Plaza de Libertad is home to the Pharmacy Museum, which exhibits antique tools and equipment. To see all of Matanzas, visit the chapel of Montserrat.
Just a few kilometers from the city is the Bellamar cave, where you can see rock paintings that are more than a thousand years old.

Trinidad

One of the oldest cities in Cuba, Trinidad has been preserved in the form in which it survived its heyday. In the 18th century, the city played an important role in trade relations with neighboring countries. There were huge plantations of sugar cane, which ensured its prosperity.
Trinidad is like an open-air museum: stone pavements, carved windows and wrought-iron railings. Each building has its own history. It seems that you are in the past.
The city has many museums and galleries. You can see the Church of St. Francis and the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary Trinidad. The city itself is located in a picturesque area. You can enjoy nature in the Topes de Collantes National Park. Here you can see the El Caburni waterfall, and the ruins of ancient sugar factories have been preserved in the San Luis Valley. And if you want to spend a day on the beach, not far from the city are the beaches of Ancon and Maria Aguilar, located on a sandy spit that goes far into the sea.

Isle of Youth

The legendary island, where, according to legends, pirate treasures are stored. The second largest island of Cuba, covered with pine forests (the island was called Pinos - from the Spanish pino - pine) and orange groves, the island is part of the Los Canarreos archipelago. Due to its mild climate and natural diversity, it is considered one of the most popular holiday destinations in Cuba.
Caving enthusiasts can explore caves and grottoes to their heart's content. And those who prefer diving will find everything here. The international diving center "El Coloni" annually holds competitions in underwater photography. Those who are fond of flora and fauna can walk around the Los Indios Reserve, located near the city of San Felipe.
The capital of the island of Youth is Nueva Gerona. Here are the famous Presidio Modelo prison, where Fidel Castro was imprisoned, the house where Jose Marti lived when he was in exile for his political convictions, a church, a museum.

What else is worth visiting in Cuba

Bibihagua beach on the island of Youth. It differs from others in the black color of the sand - the result of the action of sea water on the basalt rock of local rocks.
The first capital of Liberty Island - Santiago de Cuba with the 17th century fortress Castillo del Morro and the Museum of Colonial Art

What is Cuba known for?

Rum. This drink began to be made from sugar cane in the 16th century. It is believed that Cuban rum is strong and at the same time tasty.
Cigars. Given that the variety of tobacco for cigars was bred in Cuba, Cuban (Havana) cigars rightly took the place of the leader in the tobacco business.
Guantanamera (Spanish Guantanamera - a girl from Guantanamo) is one of the most famous Cuban patriotic songs, based on the first verse of the very first poem written in the 19th century by a Cuban poet and writer, a fighter for the liberation of Cuba from Spain, José Marti, first published in his collection "Versos Sencillos" ("Simple Poems"). The music is thought to have been written by José Fernández Díaz ("Joseito") in 1929 (the exact date is unknown). He also wrote the full version of the song, which is considered "classic". Given the respect Cubans have for Marty, we can say that the song has become almost the unofficial anthem of Cuba. There are numerous versions and re-hashings of this popular song.
The prison in Guantanamo (Guantanamo Bay detention camp) is a camp for persons accused by the US authorities of various crimes, in particular, of waging war on the side of the enemy, at the naval base in Guantanamo Bay (Cuba), leased indefinitely by the United States, 15 km from city ​​of the same name. The prison appeared in January 2002, when the first 20 people were brought there from Afghanistan, accused of "taking part in hostilities on the side of Islamic extremists" - the Taliban. From 2002 to 2006, more than 750 foreigners captured by US troops during operations in Afghanistan and Iraq passed through it.
Incendiary dance "salsa" (remember "Dirty Dancing"?)

Who is Cuba known for?

José Marty. The journalist, writer, national hero of Cuba, organized the Cuban Revolutionary Party, and in 1895, under his leadership, the second war for the independence of the Cuban people began. Marty died in the first battle. Ernesto Che Guevara (Spanish Ernesto Che Guevara, full name Ernesto Guevara de la Serna, Spanish Ernesto Guevara de la Serna; June 14, 1928, Rosario, Argentina - October 9, 1967, La Iguera, Bolivia) - Latin American revolutionary, commander of the Cuban Revolution 1959 and Cuban statesman. In addition to the Latin American continent, it also operated in the Republic of the Congo. He received the nickname Che from the Cuban rebels for the interjection che, characteristic of Argentines, borrowed from the Guarani Indians, which conveys, depending on intonation and context, various feelings. Most often translated as "friend, buddy."
Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz (Spanish: Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz, born August 13, 1926) is a Cuban revolutionary and political figure, commander, leader of Cuba from 1959 to 2008. Together with his brother Raul Castro and the Argentinean Ernesto Che Guevara, he led the revolutionary movement in Cuba against the dictator Batista. After the victory of the revolution on January 1, 1959, Fidel Castro became Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba, and from 1976 to 2008 - President. At the moment, the President of Cuba is his brother - Raul.
And if you have the opportunity to visit Cuba, don't hesitate. Liberty Island and new experiences you will definitely never forget! True, this pleasure is expensive.




In the photo - Western Cuba.

Cubans are very sociable and easy to get in touch with. If you are a young woman, don't be surprised to hear friendly compliments on the street. It's normal for Cubans to strike up a conversation with a stranger on the street.

In Cuba, any education is free. The same goes for medicine.

The level of medicine here is very high. The low cost of treatment for foreigners attracts many patients from all over the world.

The Cuban people are remarkably clean. Here they take a shower at any opportunity and change clothes several times a day.

In Cuba, the card system of purchases has been preserved. Even if a Cuban has a meager income, he can always get everything he needs in specialized stores at low prices. Therefore, there are no starving people here.

The average official in Cuba receives about $20 a month.

In Cuba, the weather is warm all year round, so you rarely see glass in houses. Usually metal blinds are used instead.

Hot water is not supplied to Cuban homes, so people wash mostly with cold water. Many people make outdoor showers, where water is heated in tanks in the sun during the day. Wealthier people have boilers in their homes.

Cuba until recently lived in the strictest economy of electricity. Because of this, grills, electric kettles and other household appliances that consume a lot of electricity were banned here.

Local residents can only apply for one SIM card. Cellular communication, by the way, is very expensive here, about one dollar per minute of conversation within the network.

When it rains, Cubans try not to leave the house. Often it becomes a reason for absenteeism from work.

Although Cuba has an extremely low crime rate, we do not advise you to wander alone at night through poor neighborhoods at night.

In Cuba, there was no indigenous population left, which was destroyed by the Spanish conquerors.

Cubans are in no hurry to live. Here you can often see a Cuban dozing on a bench after work.

Cuba has a patriarchal structure of society. If women arrange a bachelorette party, then people will condemn them, while men can leave home at any time and gather in companies.

Cuban men are naturally handsome, but they also take care of their appearance. In beauty salons, there are almost as many of them as there are women.

Cuba photo, Havana photo

Many myths are associated with Cuba, and only those who have been there really know the truth about the country. Of course, there is something to see, there are wonderful beaches and hotels. However, the main treasure of the country is its population. Cubans are unlike any other people in the world in how friendly and open they are. This may even seem a little intrusive, since anyone on the street is capable of starting a conversation with a stranger.

1. Education system

Despite their charm and friendliness, the locals are extremely uneducated. Despite the fact that, according to the law, education for all Cubans is completely free, its level leaves much to be desired. However, Soviet teachers used to work in Cuba, and everything was not so bad. Now even such subjects as physics, chemistry, biology are united in one lesson called "natural sciences".

Higher education is also free. For admission to any desired university, you need to take only mathematics, history of Cuba and Spanish. For foreign students, there is an opportunity to study at the universities of the country only on a fee basis.

2. Medicine

It would seem, how with such a low level of education in schools, Cuban doctors are considered the best in the world? Surprisingly, it's a fact. Moreover, all medical services are completely free. Thanks to the efforts of the former leader Che Guevara, who was also a physician, it was possible to grow up a whole generation of high-class doctors who pass on their experience and skills to followers.

Today, Cuba has one of the lowest child mortality rates in the world, so little patients from all over the world often come here. Moreover, all operating rooms, working rooms and operating rooms are equipped with the latest technology. The Cuban government still gives half of all the revenue received from the arrival of tourists to the health sector.

3. Personal hygiene

Cuba has a very hot and humid climate. However, few people will meet a bad-smelling person with wet stains on a T-shirt there. Cubans are extremely clean. They take a shower at every opportunity, and everyone has antiperspirants and not in one copy. Our citizens should learn from the Cubans about cleanliness of the body, because it seems reasonable to them that smelling bad is a sign of bad taste.

4. Food cards

To this day, Cubans use a shopping card system that allows them to purchase basic products at a reduced price. That is why, despite low salaries, Cubans do not look hungry, but rather the opposite. However, it is possible to purchase products using cards not everywhere, but in specialized stores. There is nothing for ordinary tourists to do there and they will not be able to buy anything.

The average salary of a person working in the public service is about $20.

5. Internet

This part of Cuba is bad. Despite all the efforts of the island's authorities to provide everyone with a normal connection, the Internet is still not available to everyone, not everywhere, and for a lot of money. All this is due to the tough policy of the state and its desire to control all areas of activity of the Cubans.

You can get Internet access, but a Skype conversation can turn into a decent bill and a terrible connection, which was available to us 15 years ago. And there is nothing to even dream of accessing your mail from a smartphone in a cafe. Internet can only be found in hotels from old desktop computers or in post offices.

6. Savings

Cubans save on everything. Especially in utilities. Hot water from the tap in the house of a simple Cuban is rare. Most often, ordinary tanks are used to heat water on the roof of the house, where it is heated from solar heat. Few people can afford a boiler.

In addition, for many years, a strict regime of energy saving reigned in Cuba, to which the entire Cuban people was involved. It was forbidden to use small electrical appliances such as a toaster or an electric kettle.

7. Gastronomy

Tourists are attracted by exotic Cuban food, but the residents themselves are more than modest in their gastronomic preferences. The main dish that is on the table in every Cuban family is always a mixture of cooked rice with black beans. Often it is eaten without anything, and sometimes with meat. In addition, due to the abundance of bananas, various desserts and chips are prepared from them, and also eaten as a snack. For visitors, they cook lobsters and seafood, but they themselves practically do not consume them.

The most famous facts about Cubans have turned into stereotypes and are hopelessly outdated. Cuba is an island with a complicated history, but it is here that people live who know how to enjoy every day. Modern Cuba is not only rum and cigars.

Cubans love junk food

When it comes to food, Cubans become conservative: they will not trade their national cuisine for any other. Cooking takes a lot of time, because the basis of almost any dish - beans, which must be soaked before cooking, and not marinated meat - is a real crime. Cheating and making preparations for the week ahead will not work: Cubans eat only fresh. Cuban cuisine can hardly be called healthy: if meat, then fatty and with a crust, if potatoes, then in a huge amount of oil. But it seems that this nation does not yet know about the dangers of cholesterol and simply enjoys every meal. Maybe this is one of the recipes for happiness? It is worth starting your acquaintance with the local gastronomic culture with a Cuban sandwich: Cuban bread, fried pork, ham, cheese, pickled cucumbers and yellow mustard. And then move on to banana dishes, which are used in almost everything: sauces, pies, puddings, casseroles and much more.

The most popular sport... ballet!

You are probably surprised because you know that Cuba is synonymous with boxing. But today baseball is considered the most popular sport, and the main pride of the country is Cuban ballet. The Cuban ballet school is one of the strongest in the world. Cubans say: "Russian ballet is striking in its skill, French is emotional and spiritually rich, and Cuban has embodied both." Sport became accessible to everyone thanks to Fidel Castro, and today physical education plays an important role in Cuban society. Mothers instill in their children a love for sports almost from birth: from the age of 45, they carry out exercises with the kids, preparing them for further physical exertion, and at a later age, children play outdoor games with a load on all muscle groups. And of course, the love of hot dancing helps Cubans stay in shape. You won't find a Cuban who can't dance.

Almost no internet in Cuba

There is an opinion that there is almost no Internet in Cuba. But since January 2018, everything has changed: fast and affordable Wi-Fi has appeared in almost 500 public places across the country. Home and mobile Internet are still a luxury for the local population: one hour on the Internet will cost 1 US dollar, and this at an average salary of 17–30 US dollars per month. Therefore, if you are used to waking up and checking the news feed on your smartphone first thing, then Cubans start their day with a glass of juice. And in this case, it is not known who was more fortunate.

Residents of the country are given food baskets

A Cuban's salary is between $17 and $30 per month, and a pension of $9.50. Each resident is given a food basket once a month: a dozen eggs, a liter of vegetable oil, 2 kg of sugar and rice, 1 kg of beans, as well as some meat, chicken, fish and sausages. In 2016, the Cuban government went to meet its citizens and legalized small and medium businesses, before everything belonged to the state. These reforms allowed about half a million Cubans to enter the private sector. The state also takes care of schoolchildren, giving children a free uniform: girls - a blouse with a skirt, and boys - a shirt with trousers (shorts). Cubans are proud that medicine in their country is free, as well as education: from kindergartens to universities, of which there are quite a few.

Doctors' salaries are 40 times higher than the national average

Being a doctor in Cuba is prestigious and profitable: the salary can reach up to $ 1,000, and after the end of the contract, the doctor can receive a state apartment. Studying at a medical university here is extremely distinctive: it is a mixture of the American education system before the 60s and the Soviet after the 70s. Cuban doctors often work in other countries of Latin America and Africa, and Cuba receives good capital from such leasing. Not only locals are treated in city clinics, but also numerous foreigners come to improve their health. Cuba has a huge medical staff and enough specialized hospitals to treat the most serious diseases.

There are no new cars in Cuba

One of the stereotypes is that there are no new cars in Cuba, and it is forbidden to buy them. Yes, old cars can be seen on Cuban streets and they have become one of the reasons tourists visit this country, but since 2009 Cuba has been importing sedans from the Chinese automaker Geely to serve as police cars, taxis and rental cars. And in December 2013, Cubans were allowed to buy new cars from state-owned dealers.

Another feature of Cuba - hitch-hiking. Here it is customary to give each other a ride, and government cars are required by law to give a lift to hitchhikers. Not picking up a person voting on the road is considered bad manners. However, you should be more careful if you are the driver: strangers can get into your car without permission, using you as public transport.

Stray dogs have ID cards

Cubans are very fond of dogs, almost everyone keeps a pet at home. And homeless four-legged animals are becoming part of tourist sites: campaigns have been carried out in which every government agency has taken responsibility for stray dogs. Such animals are issued identity cards, which contain information about the animal: its photograph, name, place of residence, medical information and character traits. For example: “My name is Aparizio. I'm sterilized and live in the Goldsmiths Museum. Don't pay any attention to me." If the dog loves and wants attention, then you can see the inscription: "Pet me on the back" and many other options. Such animals cannot be caught, they become the talisman of the places in which they live. Unlike many other countries, Havana's street dogs are healthy and friendly with both locals and tourists. It is probably not in vain that it is believed that homeless animals can be used to determine how good people live in a country.

Cuba obsessed with healthy aging

Men retire at 65 and women at 60, and they all share a passion for not getting old. Cuba is literally obsessed with the idea of ​​​​healthy old age, so only here could the “Club of 120 Years Old” appear. Any Cuban, regardless of age, can join the ranks of future centenarians, you only need to fulfill a few requirements. The first rule of the club is to be a caring person, there are no problems here. The second rule is that club members are officially forbidden to smoke and drink alcohol. Here it is already more difficult, it cannot do without violations: how to resist a Cuban cigar? And the third rule - no pessimists and skeptics in the club.

Despite their independence and the ability to take care of themselves, in addition to the district clinic, each Cuban house is monitored by a family doctor who lives next door. The work schedule of these specialists is around the clock. The average life expectancy for women is 83 years and for men 78 years.

Cubans are doing well with self-esteem and self-esteem

They do not seek external wealth, they accumulate it within. Cubans respect themselves and do not allow themselves to look untidy: they try to take a shower at any opportunity, they like to use perfume and change clothes if they sweat. On the street it is almost impossible to see drunkards who cannot walk home. Of course, there are always exceptions, but they are very rare. It is quite difficult to get used to the sociability of this people. It is quite normal for a local to approach a stranger and talk to him. Many visitors are confused by the familiarity of the Cubans, but it does not carry an offensive connotation. For example, a Cuban can refer to a stranger as “linda” (“beauty”), “nina” (“baby”), “muneca” (“doll”), “mama” (“mommy”), and you should get used to it. Cuba has a low crime rate, but, of course, you shouldn’t shine with expensive things here. Despite poverty, society remains non-aggressive. The philosophy of the Cubans is not to do bad things in life, to help everyone who can be helped, and to please those who are dear to you.

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