Kelsey H.
Rosario and her family made every part of my stay feel special. She met me at the airport holding a handmade sign with my name, then took me to the taxi she had arranged for the roughly 30-minute ride to her place, which cost $30 CUC. For the return trip, she negotiated a $20 CUC fare because I was running low on CUC after visiting a farm and buying cigars and honey :) I stayed in an upstairs room with its own kitchen, hot stove, cookware, utensils, dining area, bathroom, and two beds. The fridge was stocked with water, pop, and beer to buy. I think water and pop were $1 CUC each, equal to $1 USD, and having them there was a big help. There was also a hair dryer with diffuser, shampoo, toothpaste (expired, so bring your own), towels, linens, private keys for the living quarters, and fantastic, fast A/C. Breakfast cost $5 CUC and could be served whenever I wanted. It came with fresh fruit, bread, cheese, sliced meat, avocado, a big jug of fresh juice, milk, and coffee. I was stuffed. If Rosario's mom offers to make dinner, say yes. I'm a foodie and friends with world famous restaurateurs, and it was the best meal I've had in my 32 years. I asked to be surprised and got some kind of shrimp and rice dish. I don't know its name, but it was nectar of the Gods ;) Rosario's mom and her 92-year-old grandmother live with her. They're both lovely, though they don't speak much English, and Rosario is glad to translate. Rosario's boyfriend plays bass and sings amazingly in a salsa band. They were generous enough to give me a personalized, signed CD from the band. Rosario speaks English very well and uses a translation app for unfamiliar phrases. She's friendly and LOVES Twilight, the vampire movie. There's none of its memorabilia in Cuba, so if you want to bring her a gift, she'd love anything Twilight related. The neighborhood has lots of character and is very close to the action at El Capitolio and Central Park. The neighbors have little dogs, so bring earplugs if you're not used to them. They didn't bother me, though. I found them amusing, and only heard them during the day while I was out exploring anyway. Across all 21 countries I've visited, Rosario and her family are the kindest, most generous hosts I've had. I have no doubt you'll be glad you stayed there. My only regret is not knowing about Rosario's love of Twilight beforehand, because I would've brought her alllllll the memorabilia. Please do me a favor and bring some :)
