prongo said:
...Any issues taking down books, I read on the flight? (being a socialist state and all)? Was language a major issue?
As long as you don't bring porn mags or material into Cuba, there should not be any problem. Mags such as FHM, ARENA, VOGUE...stuff that contains nudity not of porn nature pose no problem when entering Cuba. Text base paperback, they don't care really.
They rarely check tourists at the airport. But when they do, be prepared for the customs to go through all your luggage in a thorough way. Every piece of your clothes, pages of your books, papers in your wallet, pockets will not be spared. They will , for example, pick up your PDA or deodorant stick and ask, " what is this ? "
They don't mean no harm, just the way they are told to do it, by their superior. The whole search, if happens, can take long. But if it happens, just be patient, and be nice. They are just doing their jobs, nothing else.
Travelling by yourself is fine there, Cuba is one of the safest tourists destinations down south, because of Fidel. They do have crimes on tourists, some deadly, so excercise the same caution as you would tavelling to elsewhere. People in general are very friendly, as mentioned, but always be alert. Cuba aid , as you said, would be nice, as always. Consider bringing music CD's as well. After all Cuba is a music nation, considering Salsa, Mambo are Cuban inventions.
No habla Espanol, amigo ? It's not a must, but knowing some basic Spanish words and phrases will lead to you to another level of fun. So brush up on it.
Play it safe, stay clear of drug dealers ( yes , they have that too in Cuba, I was fucking shocked a few years ago when approached...) and any chicas that look too young a legal age. You would not want to taste their slammer.
You have some good advise and info here so far. Enjoy your trip.