What started as a dream vacation to a tropical paradise turned into a bitter experience for Daria Shevchenko, a Russian tourist from Barnaul, who visited Cuba with her family in February. In an interview with the Russian outlet NGS22.RU, Shevchenko recounted her nearly two-week stay in Varadero, a highly promoted Caribbean tourist destination.
The Harsh Reality Behind the Paradise
The family anticipated enjoying white sandy beaches, tropical cocktails, and a laid-back atmosphere. However, Shevchenko described a starkly different reality: poor hotel services, food shortages, power outages, and crumbling buildings marred their experience. "I always travel with an open mind and no expectations. But on the first night, after the long flight, I sat at the buffet table and couldn't help but cry from disappointment," Shevchenko shared.
Her initial encounter with Cuban cuisine was, she said, "quite lacking," with only vegetables and fish available. Several tourists in the group even went to bed without dinner. In the following days, the situation slightly improved as breakfast included eggs, sausages, pancakes, and unlimited ice cream with various toppings, which was a relief for many.
Scarcity, Ration Cards, and Social Disparities
Shevchenko expressed surprise at the state of the streets and stores on the island: dilapidated buildings, impoverished neighborhoods, and empty store shelves. "The stores were practically bare. What little there was, was distributed through ration cards. We couldn't find ice cream or chocolate, only some canned goods or packages of sausages if we were lucky," she explained to the media.
Additionally, she noted that basic products like medicines, sanitary towels, tampons, and pantyhose are hard to come by and highly valued by locals. Amid the widespread shortages, Shevchenko observed that workers in the tourism sector lived somewhat better due to tips and gifts from visitors. "We left chocolates and sandals for the hotel staff, and they were very grateful," she reported.
Highlights: The Sea, Dolphins, and Warmth of the People
Despite the hardships, the family highlighted several positive aspects of their trip: the friendliness of the Cuban people, the daily music and dance, and especially the unforgettable experience of swimming with dolphins, which was memorable for both adults and children. They also enjoyed the quiet, nearly empty beaches of Varadero, with warm and clear waters. "It felt like warm milk," the tourist described. The pleasant weather, neither too cold nor excessively hot, was another positive point.
Nevertheless, swarms of mosquitoes at dusk became a daily annoyance. Despite using repellents and mosquito coils provided by the hotel, Shevchenko stated that many nights turned unbearable.
An Expensive Trip for a Bittersweet Experience
The trip to Cuba cost a total of 415,000 rubles (approximately $4,500), including all-inclusive accommodation, excursions, and flights with layovers. While the family appreciated some moments of the trip, Shevchenko concluded that Cuba isn't an ideal destination for discerning travelers, given the country's current limitations and conditions. "Cuba is an island of contrasts: cheerful and friendly people living amid ruins and scarcity," she summarized in her statements to the Russian news site.
Understanding the Challenges of Traveling to Cuba
What were the main issues faced by the Shevchenko family during their trip to Cuba?
The Shevchenko family encountered several challenges, including poor hotel services, food shortages, power outages, and the general state of disrepair in buildings and infrastructure.
How did the family view the social conditions in Cuba?
Daria Shevchenko was surprised by the social contrasts, noting the widespread scarcity, the use of ration cards for basic goods, and the relatively better conditions of tourism sector workers due to tips and gifts.
Were there any positive aspects of the trip mentioned?
Yes, the family appreciated the warmth and hospitality of the Cuban people, the music and dancing, the experience of swimming with dolphins, and the tranquil beaches of Varadero.