Indivisibilities Wiki - User contributions [en]

Isle Of Wight

2006-05-13T18:01:47Z

62.255.84.18:

[[Image:Isle_o13.gif|center]]

== Holiday Brief ==

For the bank holday at the end of May, we should go to the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England. We can go from Saturday to Monday if it's possible. There are a few things that need to be organised, but it shouldn't be too hard, wight?!

== Who's coming ==

*Marc - definite
*Ben's Cookies (Rebecca flavoured) - probable
*Caz - probable
*Tom - probable
*Matt - definite
*Dr Sloan (if Ben's Cookies can persuade him)
*Teri (Caz's friend) - mayble
*Lee - definite
*Tim - mayble
*Sissy - mayble
*Definitely - Maybe

== Transport there and back ==

Assuming we're taking a ferry across, we should probably book this quite quickly...

1. [http://www.redfunnel.co.uk/redfunnel/travel/html/main2.shtml Red Funnel] - Car + 5 people = £105

From Southampton to East Cowes (55 mins)
 
2. [http://www.wightlink.co.uk/travel/fares/index.htm Wightlink] -

Car + 4 people = £107

1 person = £13.40

From Portsmouth to Fishbourne

Or from Lymington to Yarmouth

== Where we'll stay ==

[[Image:Ryde.jpg|right|Ryde]]

We'll be staying at Ryde, the Isle of Wight's largest town with lively pubs, restaurants and golden beach.

Once two separate small communities, Ryde is now the Island's largest town. In 1781, Union Street connected the hilltop-farming village with the small fishing hamlet. With the construction the pier - Britain's first - in 1814 and the establishment of a regular ferry service from Portsmouth in 1825, Ryde grew into an elegant Victorian town.

There are grand town houses and terraces throughout Ryde. Designed by Gilbert Scott and built in 1869, All Saints Church with its grand spire dominates the skyline of the town.

Union Street, lined with fine Georgian and Victorian buildings, together with the long high street are packed with shops of all types. The Royal Victoria Arcade contains a number of boutiques and antique shops and there is an intriguing stalls market in the cellars beneath.

In addition to the fine shopping, Ryde town centre also offers a cinema, a theatre, a gym and a public library.

Ryde Pier, at nearly half a mile, is the second longest pier in the country. A high-speed passenger catamaran operates between Portsmouth and the pier head where the rail way line from Shanklin terminates, using 1930 London Underground rolling stock.

There is also a connection with the Isle of Wight Steam Railway at Smallbrook Junction near Ryde. Next to the pier is the hovercraft terminal which links to the mainland in as little as eight minutes.

With its six miles of glorious sandy beaches, a grand esplanade and promenade, Ryde's seafront offers its visitors a wide choice of activities. Along the esplanade you will find ten-pin bowling with an indoor children's play area and amusements, an indoor ice rink, and a swimming pool with retracting roof. There is also a canoe lake, paddling pool and a small fun fair and a dotto train, and at Appley a children's play area with pitch and putt course.

The promenade stretches from the esplanade, past Appley Gardens to Puckpool Park. Along the promenade is Appley Tower, a Victorian Folly. At Puckpool park there are remains of a 19th century battery and leisure facilities including tennis courts, a bowling green, crazy golf, putting green and a children's playground.

Below the sea wall lies a fine golden sandy beach, which at low tide extends for hundreds of metres. This offers an excellent sunbathing and play area for children but care should be taken by parents of young children and non-swimmers, as the tide can turn very quickly and the low lying sand can be covered in minutes.

If we are unable to stay in Ryde, there are the following places:

* Cowes - Large town, you can get the ferry over from Southampton.
* Newport - Large town in the centre of island.
* Sandown - Typical seaside resort. Amusement arcades/crazy golf/pier/zoo etc. Plenty of B&Bs.
* Shanklin - Just down the coast from Sandown, again lots of B&Bs.

Nightclubs are mainly in the 'holiday' areas of Shanklin / Ventnor

== What we'll do ==

[[Image:Image-Dick2.jpg|left|Ryde]]

=== On The Way Down ===

==== Zorbing ====

[http://www.zorbsouth.co.uk/vouchers.htm Zorbing] is possible in theory, but we'd have to make an early start :-( ie. leaving at 9am! and also, it's a bit expensive -

* £35 for 1 person/ ride
* £55 for 2 people/ ride
* £65 for 3 people/ ride

But I'm up for it though. Again, we'd have to book this quite quickly.

-- Matt

Actually there is 2 for 1 on Zorbing at the moment [http://www.zorbsouth.co.uk/zorb-gift-vouchers.htm Spring special] so it's a bargainous 2 for £35! But we'd hav to do it on the way back because the offer excludes saturdays.

-- The Great Thumbholio

==== Shakeaway ====

Buy an aero ® mint ~ after eight ® (v) ~ amaretti (ng) ~ apple (v) ~ apple & blackberry (v) apple pie (ng) ~ apricot (v) ~ bakewell tart (ng) ~ banana (v) ~ banoffee muffin (ng)battenburg (nv) (ng) ~ blackcurrant (v) ~ blackcurrant cheesecake (ng) ~ black jacks ® (nv)blueberry nutrigrain ® (ng) ~ boost ® (ng) ~ bounty ® dark ~ bounty ® milk bourbon biscuit (ng) ~ bournville ® (ng) ~ butterscotch ~ cadbury's caramel ® cadbury's chocolate mini roll ® (ng) ~ cadbury's creme egg ® ~ cadbury's fruit & nut ® (ng) cappuccino muffin (ng) ~ caramel shortbread ~ caramel snack-a-jacks ® carrot cake (ng) ~ cherry (v) choca mocha ~ chocolate ~ chocolate & cherry ~ chocolate chip cookie (ng) chocolate fudge brownie (ng) ~ chocolate digestive ® milk (ng) ~ chocolate digestive ® plain (ng)
chocolate hob nob ® milk (ng) ~ chocolate hob nob ® plain (ng) ~ chocolate muffin (ng) chocolate & peanut butter ~ chocolate pop tart ® (nv) (ng) ~ coco pops ® (ng) ~ coconut (v) coffee (v) ~ crunchie ® ~ crunchy nut corn flakes ® ~ cucumber (v) ~ curly wurly ® custard ~ custard creams (ng) ~ dime bar ® ~ dolly mixtures ® (nv)
double decker ® ~ egg custard tart (ng) ~ farley's rusk ® (ng)
ferrero rocher ® ~ fig roll ® (ng) ~ flying saucers ® (nv) (ng) ~ fondant fancies ® (nv) (ng) fruit salad chews ® (nv) ~ fry's orange cream ® (v) ~ fry's peppermint cream ® (v)fudge ~ ginger (v) ~ ginger nuts (v) (ng) ~ gooseberry (v) & custard
grapefruit (v) ~ haribo starmix ® (nv) ~ hazelnut choc chip cookie (ng)
hershey's cookies 'n creme ® (ng) ~ honey ~ humbug mints (v) ~ iced gems ®
jaffa cake ® (ng) ~ jam doughnut (ng) ~ jam tart (ng) ~ jamaica ginger cake (ng)
jammie dodger ® (ng) ~ jammie wagon wheel ® (nv) (ng) ~ jelly babies ® (nv)
jelly beans (nv) ~ jelly tots ® (v) ~ kinder bueno ® (ng) ~ kit kat chunky ® (ng)
lemon & lime (v) ~ lemon curd ~ lemon drizzle cake (ng) ~ lemon meringue ~ lime (v)
lion bar ® (ng) ~ liquorice allsorts (nv) ~ love hearts ® (nv) ~ malted milk biscuits (ng)maltesers ® (ng) ~ mandarin (v) ~ maple syrup (v) ~ mars ® (ng) ~ marshmallow (nv) melon (v) ~ milky bar ® ~ minstrels ® (ng) ~ m&m ® peanut (nv) (ng) ~ nutella ® orange marmalade ~ oreo cookie ® (ng) ~ parma violets ® (nv) ~ passion fruit (v) peach (v) ~ peanut butter (v) ~ pear (v) ~ pineapple (v) ~ raspberry (v) ~ reeces cups ® refreshers ® (nv) ~ revels ® (ng) ~ rhubarb (v) & custard ~ rolo ® ~ sesame snaps ® (v) sherbet fountain ® (v w/o liquorice) (ng) ~ skittles ® (nv) ~ smarties ® (nv) (ng) snickers ® ~ snowball ® ~ special k bar ® (ng) ~ spotted dick (ng) ~ starburst ® (v) strawberries (summer only) (v) ~ strawberry cheesecake (ng) ~ strawberry laces (nv) (ng) strawberry trifle (ng) ~ sugar puffs ® ~ syrup sponge (ng) ~ terry's choc orange ® milk (ng) ~
tic tacs lime & orange ® ~ tic tacs mint ® (v) ~ toblerone ® ~ toffee cheesecake (ng) toffee popcorn ~ treacle tart (ng) ~ trebor extra strong mints ® (nv) ~ turkish delight ® twix ® (ng) ~ vanilla (v) ~ walnut whip ® OR weetabix ®
flavour milkshake at Southampton branch of 'Shakeaway' if we get the ferry from there.

=== While We're There ===
==== Matt's ideas ====
* play volleyball on the beach?

==== Tom's Ideas ====

* Go for a walk along the beach / cliffs
* Go and have a look at the needles and the lighthouse
* Make sand castles
* Faffing about

==== Marc's Ideas ====

* Album Bay (coloured sands)
* The WW II fort built into the cliff (either on the east or west point of the island)+
* The old ballistic missile testing range
* Blackgang Chine (incredible trippy theme park with gnomes and life size giants etc)+
* Cowes (if it's the right time of the year)

+ - if they are still there; the sea has been eroding the cliffs and making them fall into the sea

==== Caroline's Ideas ====

Only preferences are extreme sports/activities, as follows:

* scuba diving/snorkelling and surfing
* water skiing
* visit Branston farm (ok not so extreme, but we'll need a break and there might be baby animals there!!!)
* Robin Hill Country Park (Boasts the island's three biggest rides - The Tobaggan Run, The Time Machine and Colossus plus MUCH MUCH MORE)
* Isle of Wight Horse Riding (let me know in advance so that I can bring my horse riding outfit, helmit included!)

* Butterfly Paragliding Ltd (Tandem flights: Soar the cliffs one on one with an instructor. Usually around twenty minutes airborne.
Same day bookings and gift vouchers, free upgrades.
Allow enough time for a full afternoon on site.
An unforgettable 'learning to fly' experience)

* Vectis Gliding Club: Gliding may be an activity that you have always wanted to try but have never had the opportunity to do so. Well, why not come and experience the thrill of silent flight by visiting the Vectis Gliding Club on the Isle of Wight.
The sensation of flight differs from that of any other activity and the view from 2000 feet above the ground provides an interesting and quite different view of the Islands natural beauty.

*Island Offroad Adventure. Experience adrenaline at 5mph! 4X4 driver training and corporate entertainment. Open to all, whatever your experience. Fantastic white knuckle site. Qualified instructors.

* Goodleaf Tree Climbing Adventures. Based in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Goodleaf Tree Climbing Adventures offers you the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic couple of hours climbing ancient trees on private land. Under full supervision from a qualified arborist you will soon be swinging between the branches and seeing the Island from a new perspective!

==== Rebecca's Ideas ====

*1. Crazy golf tournament
*2. Beach football and volleyball and frisbee
*3. Surfing +
*4. Wakeboarding +
*5. Sea kayaking +
*6. Horse riding
*7. Country walk or cycle with Bens picnic cookies lunch bens
*8. Tennis - no yellow 'tennis outfits' allowed
*9. The WW2 Fort and Blackgang Chine ++
*10. Old fashioned country pubs
*11. Funfair (or theme park if there is one, I'll believe it when I see it)
*12. 2 pence machines at the amusement arcade
*13. Day out at the public lending library

+ If weather conditions allow
++ If they have fallen into the sea - sounds funny!

Cuba

2006-05-13T17:52:41Z

62.255.84.18:

<table border=1 align="right">
<tr>
<td colspan=2 align="center"> Cuba
<tr>
<td align="center">
 [[Image:CubaFlag_40_per_cent.jpg]] 
Flag
<td align="center">
[[Image:Cuba_coa_smaller.png]] 
Coat of Arms



<tr>
<td colspan=2 align="center"> Motto: Spanish: Patria y Libertad 
(English: "Homeland and Freedom")
<tr>
<td colspan=2 align="center"> Anthem: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Bayamesa La Bayamesa] (The Bayamo Song)
<tr>
<td colspan=2 align="center"> [[Image:LocationCuba.png]]

<tr>
<td> Capital <td>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havana Havana] 
23°8′N 82°23′W
<tr>
<td>Largest City <td>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havana Havana]
<tr>
<td>Official Language <td>Spanish
<tr>
<td>Government: 
President of the 
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_State_of_Cuba Council of State of Cuba:]
<td>Republic 
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fidel_Castro Fidel Castro]
<tr>
<td>Independence 
- Declared from Spain 
- Cuban Republic declared 
- Date recognised in Cuba
<td>
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Years%27_War Ten Years' War] 
October 10, 1868 
May 20, 1902 
January 1, 1959
<tr>
<td>Area - Total - Water (%)
<td>110,860 km² ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_and_outlying_territories_by_area 104th]) 
42,803 sq mi 
negligible
<tr>
<td>Population 
- 2005 est. 
- 2002 census 
- Density
<td> 11,345,670 ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_population 70th]) 
11,177,743 
102/km² ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_population_density 73rd]) 
264/sq mi 

<tr>
<td>GDP 
- Total 
- Per Capita
<td> 2004 estimate 
$33.9 billion ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_%28PPP%29 89th]) 
$3,000 ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_%28PPP%29_per_capita 126th])
<tr>
<td>Human Development Index 
<td> 0.817 ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_Human_Development_Index 52nd]) - high
<tr>
<td>Currency 
<td>Peso 
Convertible peso (see ~1~)
<tr>
<td>Time Zone 
- Summer (DST)
<td>EST 
(Starts April 1, end date varies)
<tr>
<td>Internet TLD
<td> .cu
<tr>
<td>Calling Code
<td> +53
<tr>
<td colspan=2 align="center"> ~1~ 1993–2004, the U.S. dollar was used in addition to the peso until the dollar was replaced by the convertible peso.
</table>

==Cuba==

[[Image:Cuba1.jpg]]
 

====Overview====

Known as the "Pearl of the Antilles", Cuba offers picturesque colonial towns, an Afro-Cuban culture, almost 300 unblemished beaches, great countryside, potent rum and excellent beer. Cuba is great for scuba diving, yachting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and golf. Cuba has been described as a "fascinating smorgasbord [[http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=define%3A+smorgasbord&meta= (eh?)]] of nonstop discovery and experience".
 

====Timing====
November is the start of the dry season in cuba. Temperatures are normally around 27 Celsius. We will also miss the peak tourist season (mid Dec. to mid-March, & all of July & August). 

====About Cuba====

Cuba is the largest Caribbean island [16th largest island in the world :-) ]. Of its 11m inhabitants, 60% are of Spanish descent; there are also substantial African and mixed-race minorities. Spain colonised Cuba in 1512 and decimated its indigenous population of Arawak Indians. In 1898 the US occupied the country, but relations soured in 1959 when the charismatic Fidel Castro came to power. The ban on US tourism has its advantages: apart from the coastal resort of Varadero the island remains non-commercial, and the people genuinely friendly. Well known for its musical culture, the rumba, mambo, cha cha cha, son and salsa all originated in Cuba. The Capital, Havana, founded on its present site in 1519, is one of the oldest cities in the Americas. 
 

[[Image:Cuba_big.gif]]

====Things to do, when in Cuba====

- smoke Cuban cigars

- take a ride in a Vintage american car

- stay in a 'casa particular' - a common phenomenon in Cuba - for locals to rent out a room or 2 of their houses for tourists, this is the best way to gain an insight into the country

- drink 'Mojitos' - 'just the ticket after a hard day on the beach, Cuba's quintessential cocktail, a refreshing concoction of rum, limes & mint'

==Havana==

The capital, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havana Havana], with its colonial architecture and ostentatious 50s and 60s cars, is the biggest Caribbean city (pop. approx. 2.2 million) and the hub of Cuban nightlife.

We will spend a good 2 or 3 days in Havana.

Havana has four main areas: La Habana Vieja (Old Havana), a World Heritage Site; and La Habana Moderna (Modern Havana), no less attractive and full of life and visitors, Miramar, and Vedado.

====Old Havana====

"Old Havana has so much charm that only by visiting it can one capture fully the contrasts, sounds and colors that coexist there."
[[Image:delmorro.jpg|left|The Castillo Del Morro]]
Old Havana has all the appearance of a Spanish colonial city. Havana is ideally situated for trade and communications, and many of the defences built to protect it from pirates and corsairs still exist, which is why it is impossible to walk in Old Havana without encountering impressive fortresses like the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, the Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta, La Cabaña, and the most unique of them all, '''El Morro (Morro Castle)''', located at the entrance to the Bay. From here each night the lighthouse guides ships passing by Havana, and by day visitors come to admire the stunning views the capital has to offer.
[[Image:Viejaplaza.jpg|right|The Vieja Plaza]]

Old Havana also has spacious and beautiful cobbled plazas (squares) such as la Plaza de San Francisco de Asís, la Plaza de Armas, la Plaza Vieja and la Plaza de La Catedral (Cathedral Square), the latter a popular choice for photos and post cards of Cuba. Here you can try out some Cuban cocktails in an open air restaurant, while enjoying the view of the surrounding buildings and the sound of Cuban music in the air.

Havana has numerous museums: the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales (Palace of the Spanish Governors) which houses the Museum of the City of Havana, the Gabinete Arqueológico (Archaeological Bureau) and the Museo del Chocolate (hmm!!)

In nearby Morro Castle there is a permanent exhibition of the fort's construction process. Also located on that side of the Bay on a hillside is the giant statue of Christ of Casablanca, which is lit nightly.

'''La Guarida restaurant''' - where the excellent food is matched by Baroque surroundings, in the location where the film Strawberry and Chocolate was filmed. Note- La Guarida is a Paledar. Paledars are privately run small restaurants in homes. The operators pay a fee to the government for the right to have up to eight tables. The food is often better than the boring, bland food offered at most official restaurants, and the prices are much better. Service, however, is frequently painfully slow, and menu items at many paledars are limited.

====Modern Havana====
[[Image:cemetary.jpg|left|Christopher Columbus Cemetary]]
There is the state-subsidised '''Coppelia ice-cream parlour''' (you have to pay in pesos) where a dollar gets you 22 scoops. Apparently not bad ice cream.

There are several night clubs that offer music programs, among them El Gato Tuerto (The One-Eyed Cat), the Jazz Café, the Cocodrilo (The Crocodile), the Habana Café and Dos Gardenias (Two Gardenias).
[[Image:Malecon.jpg|right|The Malecón]]
'''Necrópolis de Colón (Columbus Graveyard)''' - Besides its tranquility there are some amazing stories there. There is a tomb shaped like a domino piece, one surrounded by women who wanted to get pregnant, a pyramid tomb built for the professor of the school of architecture...lots of interesting things to see.

It's along '''the Malecón''' that Havana's architecture really shines. From what I can gather, the Maelcón is a promenade much cherished by the people of Havana.

====Miramar and Vedado====

'''Fabrica de Tobaco Partagas''' -[[Image:bacardi.jpg|right|Edificio Bacardi]] A famous Havana cigar factory, offers a fascinating insight into the skills behind cigar making and lays bare some idiosyncratic Cuban working practices. Pricy, but good, apparently "more interesting and less touristy than expected".

'''The Edificio Bacardi''' - A slice of dazzling art deco architecture, the former pre-revolution headquarters of Bacardí, the famous rum company, it is a fitting place for to enjoy a Cubre libre.

'''Maqueta de la Habana (Miniature Havana)''' - The realistic scale model of Havana takes up almost 88 sq. m (946 sq. ft.). You can walk around it on the ground level, or climb a narrow interior balcony that rings three walls. This is not to be confused with a similar (and much smaller) scale model of Old Havana, found in Old Havana, of course.

==Trinidad==

Trinidad - a world heritage site, the country's most perfectly preserved colonial city, and also close to the beach & mountains. tbc

[[image:trinidad.jpg]]

==Other potential places to visit==

Maria La Gorda - approx. 5 hrs drive from Havana - this seems to be the best place in Cuba for scuba diving. And also, you don't have to know how to scuba dive already!

Varadero - Fantastic beaches, and also good for scuba diving

==Transport in Cuba==

There are two types of buses that run throughout Cuba, the dirt-cheap ones that are falling apart and stop at every roof they pass; and the more direct, fast and comfortable coaches with air con that cost in dollars but still not that much (eg. $60 for the whole length of the island). The fast ones sometimes leave from a different bus station, so look out for that.

"if you do take a cab, try to take one of the government ones. I can't remember what the visual difference is, but it's worth finding out - the price is a tenth of a private hire cab."

It's apparently relatively easy to catch a ride with a friendly local car-owner willing to act as a 'taxi'.

- prandial

==Tourist Tips==

Restaurants are reportedly relatively non-existent, because the economy won't support them. If you make sure to interact, it's seems that it's not hard to find a local who'll invite or direct you to a local house where they'll be willing to cook you a meal, for a small renumeration.

Eat from street vendors.

"A cheese sandwich is a cheese sandwich and the only time my friend and I got food poisoning was when we went to a dollar restaurant instead of a peso one." -prandial

==Tourist Traps==

A lot of the Cubans sold even in Cuba are fake or inferior.

You will be hassled a lot on the streets, low grade begging, nothing dangerous.

You'll find it near impossible not to be fleeced if you don't speak any Spanish (and pretty hard not to be even if you do) - most people who speak English are those who've learnt it to work with tourists.

If you hook up with some locals, they may suggest going with you to a place that's really touristy, saying they like it. In fact it's because you'll be paying their cover charge and they'll collect their cut later. If somebody tells you to go to "Cabaret Tropicana", bear in mind that this place is expensive and you'll see a typical cabaret full of people trying to get money from you.

In Old Habana, you'll have to dodge a lot of peddlers hawking "Cohibas" , cigars, and 'herbal aphrodysiacs' and whatnot, but they aren't that pushy if you politely don't show interest. Just remember to NEVER EVER buy from these people. If these people are caught by the police selling to you they could get in serious trouble and you possibly as well. If you buy cigars make sure they have the government seal on the side of the box.

La Guarida don't bribe the taxi drivers- so if any of them tell you the restaurant is closed or has been closed for a while- don't believe them. Persist, and they will take you there.

==Advice from Travellers==

Advice from prandial (someone on a forum) who's been to Cuba:

- V touristy but a great thing to do: go drink mojitos at night in the garden bar at hotel nacional. And then leave the tourists and hang out with the kids dancing to Cuban and American hip hop at the big outdoor parties just down the hill to one side (not in the hotel grounds, natch)

- try to get a ride in a cadillac. But they'll probably throw you out as they aren't licensed cabs.

- eating in Paladares can be fun, if you find a good one it's excellent. But it's a risk and a tricky one without speaking any Spanish.

Oh and Havana is amazing but really crappy and grey in the rain. Sad but true. But you'll have a great time.

==Useful Links:==

For practicalities - health, visas, climate etc.
[http://travel.guardian.co.uk/countries/information/0,8766,420477,00.html The Guardian]

For geography, history & culture:
[http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761569844/Cuba.html Encarta]

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba Wikipedia]

Cuba

2006-05-13T17:50:15Z

62.255.84.18:

<table border=1 align="right">
<tr>
<td colspan=2 align="center"> Cuba
<tr>
<td align="center">
 [[Image:CubaFlag_40_per_cent.jpg]] 
Flag
<td align="center">
[[Image:Cuba_coa_smaller.png]] 
Coat of Arms



<tr>
<td colspan=2 align="center"> Motto: Spanish: Patria y Libertad 
(English: "Homeland and Freedom")
<tr>
<td colspan=2 align="center"> Anthem: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Bayamesa La Bayamesa] (The Bayamo Song)
<tr>
<td colspan=2 align="center"> [[Image:LocationCuba.png]]

<tr>
<td> Capital <td>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havana Havana] 
23°8′N 82°23′W
<tr>
<td>Largest City <td>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havana Havana]
<tr>
<td>Official Language <td>Spanish
<tr>
<td>Government: 
President of the 
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_State_of_Cuba Council of State of Cuba:]
<td>Republic 
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fidel_Castro Fidel Castro]
<tr>
<td>Independence 
- Declared from Spain 
- Cuban Republic declared 
- Date recognised in Cuba
<td>
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Years%27_War Ten Years' War] 
October 10, 1868 
May 20, 1902 
January 1, 1959
<tr>
<td>Area - Total - Water (%)
<td>110,860 km² ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_and_outlying_territories_by_area 104th]) 
42,803 sq mi 
negligible
<tr>
<td>Population 
- 2005 est. 
- 2002 census 
- Density
<td> 11,345,670 ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_population 70th]) 
11,177,743 
102/km² ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_population_density 73rd]) 
264/sq mi 

<tr>
<td>GDP 
- Total 
- Per Capita
<td> 2004 estimate 
$33.9 billion ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_%28PPP%29 89th]) 
$3,000 ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_%28PPP%29_per_capita 126th])
<tr>
<td>Human Development Index 
<td> 0.817 ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_Human_Development_Index 52nd]) - high
<tr>
<td>Currency 
<td>Peso 
Convertible peso (see ~1~)
<tr>
<td>Time Zone 
- Summer (DST)
<td>EST 
(Starts April 1, end date varies)
<tr>
<td>Internet TLD
<td> .cu
<tr>
<td>Calling Code
<td> +53
<tr>
<td colspan=2 align="center"> ~1~ 1993–2004, the U.S. dollar was used in addition to the peso until the dollar was replaced by the convertible peso.
</table>

==Cuba==

[[Image:Cuba1.jpg]]
 

====Overview====

Known as the "Pearl of the Antilles", Cuba offers picturesque colonial towns, an Afro-Cuban culture, almost 300 unblemished beaches, great countryside, potent rum and excellent beer. Cuba is great for scuba diving, yachting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and golf. Cuba has been described as a "fascinating smorgasbord [[http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=define%3A+smorgasbord&meta= (eh?)]] of nonstop discovery and experience".
 

====Timing====
November is the start of the dry season in cuba. Temperatures are normally around 27 Celsius. We will also miss the peak tourist season (mid Dec. to mid-March, & all of July & August). 

====About Cuba====

Cuba is the largest Caribbean island [16th largest island in the world :-) ]. Of its 11m inhabitants, 60% are of Spanish descent; there are also substantial African and mixed-race minorities. Spain colonised Cuba in 1512 and decimated its indigenous population of Arawak Indians. In 1898 the US occupied the country, but relations soured in 1959 when the charismatic Fidel Castro came to power. The ban on US tourism has its advantages: apart from the coastal resort of Varadero the island remains non-commercial, and the people genuinely friendly. Well known for its musical culture, the rumba, mambo, cha cha cha, son and salsa all originated in Cuba. The Capital, Havana, founded on its present site in 1519, is one of the oldest cities in the Americas. 
 

[[Image:Cuba_big.gif]]

====Things to do, when in Cuba====

- smoke Cuban cigars

- take a ride in a Vintage american car

- stay in a 'casa particular' - a common phenomenon in Cuba - for locals to rent out a room or 2 of their houses for tourists, this is the best way to gain an insight into the country

- drink 'Mojitos' - 'just the ticket after a hard day on the beach, Cuba's quintessential cocktail, a refreshing concoction of rum, limes & mint'

==Havana==

The capital, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havana Havana], with its colonial architecture and ostentatious 50s and 60s cars, is the biggest Caribbean city (pop. approx. 2.2 million) and the hub of Cuban nightlife.

We will spend a good 2 or 3 days in Havana.

Havana has four main areas: La Habana Vieja (Old Havana), a World Heritage Site; and La Habana Moderna (Modern Havana), no less attractive and full of life and visitors, Miramar, and Vedado.

====Old Havana====

"Old Havana has so much charm that only by visiting it can one capture fully the contrasts, sounds and colors that coexist there."
[[Image:delmorro.jpg|left|The Castillo Del Morro]]
Old Havana has all the appearance of a Spanish colonial city. Havana is ideally situated for trade and communications, and many of the defences built to protect it from pirates and corsairs still exist, which is why it is impossible to walk in Old Havana without encountering impressive fortresses like the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, the Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta, La Cabaña, and the most unique of them all, '''El Morro (Morro Castle)''', located at the entrance to the Bay. From here each night the lighthouse guides ships passing by Havana, and by day visitors come to admire the stunning views the capital has to offer.
[[Image:Viejaplaza.jpg|right|The Vieja Plaza]]

Old Havana also has spacious and beautiful cobbled plazas (squares) such as la Plaza de San Francisco de Asís, la Plaza de Armas, la Plaza Vieja and la Plaza de La Catedral (Cathedral Square), the latter a popular choice for photos and post cards of Cuba. Here you can try out some Cuban cocktails in an open air restaurant, while enjoying the view of the surrounding buildings and the sound of Cuban music in the air.

Havana has numerous museums: the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales (Palace of the Spanish Governors) which houses the Museum of the City of Havana, the Gabinete Arqueológico (Archaeological Bureau) and the Museo del Chocolate (hmm!!)

In nearby Morro Castle there is a permanent exhibition of the fort's construction process. Also located on that side of the Bay on a hillside is the giant statue of Christ of Casablanca, which is lit nightly.

'''La Guarida restaurant''' - where the excellent food is matched by Baroque surroundings, in the location where the film Strawberry and Chocolate was filmed. Note- La Guarida is a Paledar. Paledars are privately run small restaurants in homes. The operators pay a fee to the government for the right to have up to eight tables. The food is often better than the boring, bland food offered at most official restaurants, and the prices are much better. Service, however, is frequently painfully slow, and menu items at many paledars are limited.

====Modern Havana====
[[Image:cemetary.jpg|left|Christopher Columbus Cemetary]]
There is the state-subsidised '''Coppelia ice-cream parlour''' (you have to pay in pesos) where a dollar gets you 22 scoops. Apparently not bad ice cream.

There are several night clubs that offer music programs, among them El Gato Tuerto (The One-Eyed Cat), the Jazz Café, the Cocodrilo (The Crocodile), the Habana Café and Dos Gardenias (Two Gardenias).
[[Image:Malecon.jpg|right|The Malecón]]
'''Necrópolis de Colón (Columbus Graveyard)''' - Besides its tranquility there are some amazing stories there. There is a tomb shaped like a domino piece, one surrounded by women who wanted to get pregnant, a pyramid tomb built for the professor of the school of architecture...lots of interesting things to see.

It's along '''the Malecón''' that Havana's architecture really shines. From what I can gather, the Maelcón is a promenade much cherished by the people of Havana.

====Miramar and Vedado====

'''Fabrica de Tobaco Partagas''' -[[Image:bacardi.jpg|right|Edificio Bacardi]] A famous Havana cigar factory, offers a fascinating insight into the skills behind cigar making and lays bare some idiosyncratic Cuban working practices. Pricy, but good, apparently "more interesting and less touristy than expected".

'''The Edificio Bacardi''' - A slice of dazzling art deco architecture, the former pre-revolution headquarters of Bacardí, the famous rum company, it is a fitting place for to enjoy a Cubre libre.

'''Maqueta de la Habana (Miniature Havana)''' - The realistic scale model of Havana takes up almost 88 sq. m (946 sq. ft.). You can walk around it on the ground level, or climb a narrow interior balcony that rings three walls. This is not to be confused with a similar (and much smaller) scale model of Old Havana, found in Old Havana, of course.

==Trinidad==

Trinidad - a world heritage site, the country's most perfectly preserved colonial city, and also close to the beach & mountains. tbc

[[image:trinidad.jpg]]

==Other potential places to visit==

Maria La Gorda - approx. 5 hrs drive from Havana - this seems to be the best place in Cuba for scuba diving. And also, you don't have to know how to scuba dive already!

Varadero - Fantastic beaches, and also good for scuba diving

==Transport in Cuba==

There are two types of buses that run throughout Cuba, the dirt-cheap ones that are falling apart and stop at every roof they pass; and the more direct, fast and comfortable coaches with air con that cost in dollars but still not that much (eg. $60 for the whole length of the island). The fast ones sometimes leave from a different bus station, so look out for that.

"if you do take a cab, try to take one of the government ones. I can't remember what the visual difference is, but it's worth finding out - the price is a tenth of a private hire cab."

It's apparently relatively easy to catch a ride with a friendly local car-owner willing to act as a 'taxi'.

- prandial

==Tourist Tips==

Restaurants are reportedly relatively non-existent, because the economy won't support them. If you make sure to interact, it's seems that it's not hard to find a local who'll invite or direct you to a local house where they'll be willing to cook you a meal, for a small renumeration.

Eat from street vendors.

"A cheese sandwich is a cheese sandwich and the only time my friend and I got food poisoning was when we went to a dollar restaurant instead of a peso one." -prandial

==Tourist Traps==

A lot of the Cubans sold even in Cuba are fake or inferior.

You will be hassled a lot on the streets, low grade begging, nothing dangerous.

You'll find it near impossible not to be fleeced if you don't speak any Spanish (and pretty hard not to be even if you do) - most people who speak English are those who've learnt it to work with tourists.

If you hook up with some locals, they may suggest going with you to a place that's really touristy, saying they like it. In fact it's because you'll be paying their cover charge and they'll collect their cut later. If somebody tells you to go to "Cabaret Tropicana", bear in mind that this place is expensive and you'll see a typical cabaret full of people trying to get money from you.

In Old Habana, you'll have to dodge a lot of peddlers hawking "Cohibas" , cigars, and 'herbal aphrodysiacs' and whatnot, but they aren't that pushy if you politely don't show interest. Just remember to NEVER EVER buy from these people. If these people are caught by the police selling to you they could get in serious trouble and you possibly as well. If you buy cigars make sure they have the government seal on the side of the box.

==Advice from Travellers==

Advice from prandial (someone on a forum) who's been to Cuba:

- V touristy but a great thing to do: go drink mojitos at night in the garden bar at hotel nacional. And then leave the tourists and hang out with the kids dancing to Cuban and American hip hop at the big outdoor parties just down the hill to one side (not in the hotel grounds, natch)

- try to get a ride in a cadillac. But they'll probably throw you out as they aren't licensed cabs.

- eating in Paladares can be fun, if you find a good one it's excellent. But it's a risk and a tricky one without speaking any Spanish.

Oh and Havana is amazing but really crappy and grey in the rain. Sad but true. But you'll have a great time.

==Useful Links:==

For practicalities - health, visas, climate etc.
[http://travel.guardian.co.uk/countries/information/0,8766,420477,00.html The Guardian]

For geography, history & culture:
[http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761569844/Cuba.html Encarta]

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba Wikipedia]

Cuba

2006-04-23T23:51:53Z

62.255.84.18:

==Cuba==
====Introduction:====
Cuba is the largest Caribbean island [16th largest island in the world :-) ]. Of its 11m inhabitants, 60% are of Spanish descent; there are also substantial African and mixed-race minorities. Spain colonised Cuba in 1512 and decimated its indigenous population of Arawak Indians. In 1898 the US occupied the country, but relations soured in 1959 when the charismatic Fidel Castro came to power. The ban on US tourism has its advantages: apart from the coastal resort of Varadero the island remains non-commercial, and the people genuinely friendly.

====Havana====

The capital, Havana, with its colonial architecture and ostentatious 50s and 60s cars, is the biggest Caribbean city and the hub of Cuban nightlife.

====Useful Links:====

For practicalities - health, visas, climate etc.
[http://travel.guardian.co.uk/countries/information/0,8766,420477,00.html The Guardian]

For geography, history & culture:
[http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761569844/Cuba.html Encarta]

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba Wikipedia]

Talk:Cuba

2006-04-23T23:47:34Z

62.255.84.18:

<table border=1 align="right">
<tr>
<td colspan=2 align="center"> Cuba
<tr>
<td colspan=2 align="center">
-------- -------
|:| |#| |__|__|
|:| |#| | | |
```````` \ | /
`````
Flag Coat of Arms

(Flag and Coat of Arms to be uploaded) 

<tr>
<td colspan=2 align="center"> Motto: Spanish: Patria y Libertad 
(English: "Homeland and Freedom")
<tr>
<td colspan=2 align="center"> Anthem: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Bayamesa La Bayamesa] (The Bayamo Song)
<tr>
<td colspan=2 align="center">Location Map to be uploaded

<tr>
<td> Capital <td>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havana Havana] 
23°8′N 82°23′W
<tr>
<td>Largest City <td>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havana Havana]
<tr>
<td>Official Language <td>Spanish
<tr>
<td>Government 
President of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_State_of_Cuba Council of State] <td>Republic [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fidel_Castro Fidel Castro]
<tr>
<td>Independence 
- Declared from Spain 
- Cuban Republic declared 
- Date recognised in Cuba
<td>
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Years%27_War Ten Years' War] 
October 10, 1868 
May 20, 1902 
January 1, 1959
<tr>
<td>Area - Total - Water (%)
<td>110,860 km² ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_and_outlying_territories_by_area 104th]) 
42,803 sq mi 
negligible
<tr>
<td>Population 
- 2005 est. 
- 2002 census 
- Density
<td> 11,345,670 ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_population 70th]) 
11,177,743 
102/km² ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_population_density 73rd]) 
264/sq mi 

<tr>
<td>GDP 
- Total 
- Per Capita
<td> 2004 estimate 
$33.9 billion ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_%28PPP%29 89th]) 
$3,000 ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_%28PPP%29_per_capita 126th])
<tr>
<td>Human Development Index 
<td> 0.817 ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_Human_Development_Index 52nd]) - high
<tr>
<td>Currency 
<td>Peso 
Convertible peso (see ~1~)
<tr>
<td>Time Zone 
- Summer (DST)
<td>EST 
(Starts April 1, end date varies)
<tr>
<td>Internet TLD
<td> .cu
<tr>
<td>Calling Code
<td> +53
<tr>
<td colspan=2 align="center"> ~1~ 1993–2004, the U.S. dollar was used in addition to the peso until the dollar was replaced by the convertible peso.
</table>