photos from trip to Cuba

[Malibook]

Re: Car Washes?

Why would car washes be so important for a vacation destination?

Most people who go to the Car Wash don't even have a car.
It is basically an open-air bar where people hang out and drink, dance, and party.
They have waitresses (chicas) who are there to serve drinks and mingle.
And yes, there is a spot where a few guys do actually wash their cars.

 

[KBear]

Any problems with the police about taking pix? Especially with the Nikon?

With the Nikon, there was also a smaller zoom lens, 28-70mm and a larger 70-300mm zoom lens, and there were no problems with customs or the police. The only problem I had with this camera is that it was a bit fancy to be taking out in some areas when there were a lot of people around. I doubt anything would happen, but it just did not seem right.

In December they were doing military exercises in Cuba to prepare for a US invasion, should it happen. Lots of military walking in the country at times, or standing around waiting for a bus. Was tempted to pop of some pictures, but decided I best not.

 

[revolver]

In December they were doing military exercises in Cuba to prepare for a US invasion, should it happen. Lots of military walking in the country at times, or standing around waiting for a bus. Was tempted to pop of some pictures, but decided I best not.

Did someone tell you this was the purpose? I have always seen lots of military around. That's quite common.

 

[KBear]

Did someone tell you this was the purpose? I have always seen lots of military around. That's quite common.

Yes, every male within an age range had to participate, unless they could not leave work. I forget why they felt the need to prepare, but all the military men were very noticeable.

http://edition.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/americas/12/19/cuba.defense.ap/index.html

 

[ohyavay]

I have the Nikon D70 and absolutely LOVE that camera. I originally bought the Canon Digital Rebel but once the D70 was released and I read about it.

What are the specs on the 70-300 mm lens? Is it a Nikkor or some other make like Sigma or Tamron?

Great shots by the way!

 

[Damondean]

Was tempted to pop of some pictures, but decided I best not.

Wise decision. Photographing military stuff in Communist countires (not too many left) is a sure way to get into trouble unless you have official permission.

 

[to-guy69]

Varadero is breath taking and the nightlife in Havana is something to experience for sure.

 

[RogerRabbit]

where the fark is that red truck?

Different 'alien' country, no?

 

[KBear]

IWhat are the specs on the 70-300 mm lens? Is it a Nikkor or some other make like Sigma or Tamron?

Great shots by the way!

Thanks, the lens by Sigma
http://www.sigma-photo.com/html/pages/70_300_ams2.htm

Would like to have a faster lens, but this lens is good value for the money and it has been fun to use.

 

[RogerRabbit]

The trip was a none stop adventure.

http://www.chicerotica.com/temp/cuba1/

If you are hesitant to travel, like I was, or have not traveled there yet, just do it!

Great pix, I love the countryside, it is easy to hire a bilingual guide for $10-20 per day.

What did they charge you for a rental car/ 4x4?

 

[KBear]

I rented a scooter for the week, which cost 140 Cuban Pesos plus gas. With the scooter it was easy to go off onto the side roads and stop to chat with people. The scooter was nice, but it took some getting used to and I would not take passengers for a few days know matter how tempted. Another couple was out on a scooter when the lady decided to drive with her husband on the back, and they did not make it too far before crashing. The lady broke her leg and messed up her face some, and ended up in a Cuban hospital for a couple of days, which they said was worse then a butcher shop. She was then moved to the resort, and finally flown by air ambulance back to Canada.

They had some decent cars starting from about 80 Cuban Pesos per day including insurance. Did not see the cost to rent a 4x4. Think 1 Cuban Peso = 1.27 Canadian.

 

[RogerRabbit]

Thanks KBear for the info, I did not enjoy the scooters, as the roads are unpredicatble and I could see how that accident happened. A lot of people get the super hero complex, when on vacation, so it was wise of you to be cautious...

I have found the rental cars to be expensive there, for what you get, so sometimes I would hire a "good" taxi/ car for 12 hours shifts, since you cannot leave cars alone, police issues, I could bring a guide and 'friends', etc. What a party...

I am looking at this digital camera, what do you think, since it has 'MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)', as few cameras have this feature at ~$600 cdn., etcetera:

http://panasonic.ca/english/audiovideo/digitalstill/dmcfx7sk.asp

 

[KBear]

wow, that camera has a lot of features. There are so many options now for cameras, and they are all pretty good, it depends what you intend to use the camera for. The people at Henry's Camera are generally good for suggesting what camera to buy, and they have a good return policy if there is a problem.
http://www.henrys.com/

You can check reviews at http://www.dpreview.com/

You will likely need another memory card and battery. Check the cost on both, and that both are standard.

 

[RogerRabbit]

There are so many options now for cameras, and they are all pretty good, it depends what you intend to use the camera for. The people at Henry's Camera are generally good for suggesting what camera to buy, and they have a good return policy if there is a problem.
http://www.henrys.com/

You can check reviews at http://www.dpreview.com/

You will likely need another memory card and battery. Check the cost on both, and that both are standard.

Thanks for the advice! I have not found too many cameras with 'Optical Image Stabilizer', so I think I may go with it...

The battery is like another $60 and SD is pretty cheap for 1 gig at costco...

I still like my blad and contax G-1 though...

 

[raydeon]

Cuba

I have been travelling to Cuba since 1981. A wonderfull country with very friendly people. Most of the time, I take a bicycle with me, and wander around the countryside. Riding the bike puts me more at their level, and I am well received and accepted by the Cubans, and get attention from the ladies.

By the way, refering to the comment made by DAMONDEON, Cuba is not a communist country. It is a socialist one. Just wanted to point out the distinction.

 

[Timbit]

Thanks for sharing KBear

I was at the Brisas Guardalavaca resort last March - I love it there - the scenery is much better than most other places in Cuba - a small exception might be a 15 minute part of the ride from Varadero to Havana. The Cuban people are all so friendly and the girls, I've found are quite approachable. In Varadero, though, I thought they tried a little too hard to come on to you (compared to everywhere else in Cuba). I will definitely go back there (I've already been a bunch of times) - can't get enough of the mojito and the sun.

Timbit

 

[CappinStabbin]

Went to Cuba in October and December and thought I would share some of the pictures taken while there. Stayed at a resort, but most of the time i was off touring the countryside on a scooter. It took some time to commit to going, but now I can't wait to go back, the scenery, people, weather and atmosphere are all beautiful. The trip was a none stop adventure.

http://www.chicerotica.com/temp/cuba1/

If you are hesitant to travel, like I was, or have not traveled there yet, just do it!

I want to have sex with the girl wearing the feathers... yum yum

 

[B470]

Awsome pics
reminded me of my trip last year....esp the one of the ocean
i was in veradero...
its a real tourist town...i did not see any horse and buggies