(Aside… I only just realized I had 3 blog posts saved as draft leftover from my Cuba trip so I’m going to post those first before I get to South America).
Due to the delay from Fidel’s caravan, I didn’t arrive in Playa Pesquero until 2am & was starving since I hadn’t eaten since breakfast. Thankfully there was a spot still open. There were 3 Canadian guys sidled up to the bar who claimed to have never seen an American in Cuba before & in fact, they were experts bc they come to Cuba every year. Well to be clear, they came first to Varadero & then every year since, they come to Pesquero. Never anywhere but all inclusive resorts. But they claimed to be the experts on Cuban culture. So much so they claimed, within earshot of a very nice bartender who spoke enough English to be dangerous & who already appeared somewhat annoyed w them, that Cubans would much rather have gifts like tee shirts than money. Me: What? 

Canadian: Yeah bc if I give them a CAD$5 bill, they have to declare it & then the govt takes a cut. 

M: Right, but why don’t you just give them $CUC. 

C: Silence. Blank stares. 

C: Oh that’s the currency, right? Yeah, I’d rather not take the time to exchange. 

M: Oh so this is really all about convenience for you huh? It’s much easier to give them some old Maple Leafs tees than it is to exchange money? 

Background: This is the same guy who claims to love Cuban culture so much yet brings along from home his own ketchup & maple syrup. And he was lamenting the fact that Americans will likely be coming soon in droves. 

C: I mean, you’re really cool but there are some not so cool Americans out there. 

M: Right, I’ve met some not so cool Canadians & Europeans on this trip not at all interested in really experiencing the Cuban culture & I’m not so sure they’re any different from the Americans you’re referring to. 

He agreed. But yet he had no idea I was digging on him. His friend figured it out & I think was somewhat embarrassed so ushered him out. The bartender sat down on the stool next to mine & commented on what assholes they are & how he does not enjoy their annual visits. I settled up by tipping him CUC$5 for his troubles which pleased him very much & then I crashed.   
Daylight revealed this is another pretty beach. Cuba has a lot of them. It’s just that none of them are a secret anymore. This one isn’t so windy, has a bit better snorkeling, the sand is slightly more brown than white but it’s pretty darn soft so that’s just being picky. It’s lovely. I just can’t stand the other people visiting.