IELTS Reading practice by Aigul Karimova https://padlet.com/milagros1827/xk0j2svbjou6xlij Made with an open mind en-us 2020-08-29 06:30:36 UTC 2026-03-23 08:03:54 UTC hello@padlet.com The foremost thing to understand is that for most Cubans, the words “tourist” and “American,” when shaken and stirred, evoke bad memories. So the Cuban government stipulated that most Americans travelling to their island must be for one purpose and one purpose only: to deepen one's appreciation for Cuba and its people. This is why group tours have long been packed with activities that promote cultural learning-such as visits to schools or artist studios-and facilitate encounters with everyday Cubans. milagros1827 https://padlet.com/milagros1827/xk0j2svbjou6xlij/wish/706470482 2020-08-29 06:31:09 UTC https://padlet.com/milagros1827/xk0j2svbjou6xlij/wish/706470482 After more than five decades of communist rule, the Cuban economy is in tatters. Stuff just doesn’t always work. The electricity is out. The restaurant is out of your menu choice. The hotel you’ve booked into cancels your reservation at the last minute or transfers you to less appealing accommodations. If you're not willing to roll with unexpected-and often inexplicable-changes, you're probably not going to enjoy your time in Cuba. milagros1827 https://padlet.com/milagros1827/xk0j2svbjou6xlij/wish/706470663 2020-08-29 06:31:50 UTC https://padlet.com/milagros1827/xk0j2svbjou6xlij/wish/706470663 An organized tour may be the best choice for first-time visitors to Cuba, non-Spanish speakers, and those unused to travelling outside of their comfort zone. Tour operators not only take care of logistics, they can also avail themselves of long-standing relationships at local hotels and restaurants, thus minimizing "guest turbulence." In a country like Cuba, local guides ensure that last-minute snags don’t morph into disasters milagros1827 https://padlet.com/milagros1827/xk0j2svbjou6xlij/wish/706470845 2020-08-29 06:32:24 UTC https://padlet.com/milagros1827/xk0j2svbjou6xlij/wish/706470845 milagros1827 https://padlet.com/milagros1827/xk0j2svbjou6xlij/wish/706470976 As a result of the embargo, only a few banks across Cuba are equipped with ATM machines that allow withdrawals from U.S.-based bank accounts. Likewise, most restaurants, homestays and hotels-excepting major chains serving international travelers-won’t (or really can't) accept U.S. credit or debit cards either. To avoid headaches, either book and pay in advance or bring a mountain of cash to convert to Cuban pesos upon arrival. Tip: A 10-percent surcharge is typically applied to U.S. dollars at the exchange counter, so you’ll get better bang for your buck with euros, Canadian dollars, or pound sterling. ]]> 2020-08-29 06:32:50 UTC https://padlet.com/milagros1827/xk0j2svbjou6xlij/wish/706470976 Instagrammers, Snapchatters, and compulsive texters be warned. You will not have cell phone service in Cuba. Cuban citizens are not allowed to have private access to the Internet. Wi-Fi is nearly nonexistent outside of major hotels, and even there, you’ll need to pay for service (unless you’re a guest with a pass code) and the connection will almost undoubtedly be slow. Internet cafes are available, but rare. The government has recently set up Wi-Fi hotspots on several Havana street corners and in major tourist centers such as Trinidad. To use them, you’ll need to shell out a few pesos for an official data card. milagros1827 https://padlet.com/milagros1827/xk0j2svbjou6xlij/wish/706471282 2020-08-29 06:33:37 UTC https://padlet.com/milagros1827/xk0j2svbjou6xlij/wish/706471282 Flexibility is important milagros1827 https://padlet.com/milagros1827/xk0j2svbjou6xlij/wish/706471449 2020-08-29 06:34:18 UTC https://padlet.com/milagros1827/xk0j2svbjou6xlij/wish/706471449 Tourist is a dirty word milagros1827 https://padlet.com/milagros1827/xk0j2svbjou6xlij/wish/706471621 2020-08-29 06:34:47 UTC https://padlet.com/milagros1827/xk0j2svbjou6xlij/wish/706471621 Digital Detox milagros1827 https://padlet.com/milagros1827/xk0j2svbjou6xlij/wish/706471711 2020-08-29 06:35:12 UTC https://padlet.com/milagros1827/xk0j2svbjou6xlij/wish/706471711 Group travel has its advantages milagros1827 https://padlet.com/milagros1827/xk0j2svbjou6xlij/wish/706471856 2020-08-29 06:35:35 UTC https://padlet.com/milagros1827/xk0j2svbjou6xlij/wish/706471856 Cash is King milagros1827 https://padlet.com/milagros1827/xk0j2svbjou6xlij/wish/706472080 2020-08-29 06:36:27 UTC https://padlet.com/milagros1827/xk0j2svbjou6xlij/wish/706472080 Learn the language milagros1827 https://padlet.com/milagros1827/xk0j2svbjou6xlij/wish/706472147 2020-08-29 06:36:47 UTC https://padlet.com/milagros1827/xk0j2svbjou6xlij/wish/706472147