Paradise with the taste of rum and smell of cigar--Cuba

After reading the title, try to guess which country am I going to talk about today?
Which country is world famous for its rum and cigars ?
If you have watched Fast and Furious 8, do you remember the the scene, where Toretto jumped out of the old style car ?

Yes, you are right. Today I am going to talk about Cuba and share my personal traveling experience

For me, Cuba is a country of contrasts.
The first thing which I ever heard Cuba was because of its beautiful beaches. Cuba is not only the largest island in the Caribbean, but it has one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

(Varadero Beach)
However, at the same time, due to American embargo since 1958, and domestic policies, Cuban economics isn't doing very well. Unfrotunately, life of many Cubans is not as rich as nature of this beautiful island .
Cuba has two kinds of currency: one is used by Cubans (CUP), and the other currency is used only by foreigners (CUC). 1 CUC= 25 CUP, 1.03 USD= 1 CUC

However, there is a little Cuban trick: when you exchange money from USD to CUC, there will be a 10% penalty. If you change $1000, you will get only $900 back in the exchange office.
Because of that, many items are cheap for local residents but expensive for tourists. And this price difference is huge
The average menu price in Havana's restaurant is about the same as the average price in Olive Garden or Hooters in the US. However, the salary of average Cuban is about 500 CUP to 1000 CUP per month. At least, this is what local Cubans told me. That roughly equals to $20 - $40 per month. Local Cubans complained that they are under a big governmental pressure. Sometimes, people can't afford enough food and clothes with their salary.

Cubans' vacations are not only limited by their economic condition, but also by their government. The most famous beach in Cuba is called Varadero, which is opened only for foreigners. Government established road Checkpoint on the way to Varadero beach, and only foreign citizens can go through it. Cubans do not have the permit to stay there, unless they are service personnel.

Varadero beach has 20km long beach and super soft sand. The sand here is white as the sand in clearwater, FL and the color of the sea is light blue. Sunset is amazing here.

Snorkeling is popular here, and it costs about 20 CUC per person. They use a Outrigger canoe with sail to transport you to special places full of fish.

In the middle of the sea

So many fishes!!!

Almost all hotels in Varadero are all-inclusive. It costs about 55 CUC for one person per day. Drinks and food are included, even the alcohol in the bar. Drinking age in Cuba is 16!!!!
We stayed in Cuba for 3 days. Despite 34 mosquito bites on my body, I still enjoyed my trip a lot!...lol.