Crimes against tourists are extremely rare but crime between Cubans is common. Particularly in the eastern provinces where unemployment is high and the police are generally chosen for their political loyalty and not their expertise. My Cuban family in Guantanamo got robbed soon after I left for Havana. I think those nights I was sitting on the porch put some ideas into their neighbour's heads that a 'rich tourist' was there and there must be great gifts inside. They didn't find anything and instead stole all the clothes they could carry. If you do make friends in Cuba be aware of the impact your presence will have on your friends as well.
Written Oct 5, 2002
I don't know if politics have changed in the last 20 years, but at that time everyone was restricted to the base. The entire base is surrounded by a high barbed-wire fence. If that isn't a tourist trap...
Written Oct 5, 2002
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