Introduction to Cuba

It wasn't the old Russian plane. It wasn't even a Cubana jet. For some reason, my flight was operated by some random Mexican charter airline that I've never hear of. Still, that was better than I'd expected. Smooth flight.

Because Cuban immigration only stamps the tourist cards, I couldn't get one in my passport. Bummer. I like collecting those... : (

The first thing to do at the airport was to exchange money. Surprisingly, the Japanese yen had a great exchange rate, better than the Mexican peso. I didn't really have a use for my yens for the remainder of the trip, so I exchanged all of my large bills. About 20,000 yen. Hopefully, that would last me the 5 days in Cuba.
Cuba has 2 currencies in circulation, the CUC and the CUP. Most tourists will only encounter the CUC, which is used for accommodations, restaurants, transportation, and tourist attractions. Backpackers, like myself, who take the really local bus systems and eat at stalls, however, need the CUP. 1CUC = 24CUP. Very confusing calculation.
Plus, they don't mark prices as CUC or CUP. You basically have to figure it out on your own using your intuitions or by asking. I don't think I ever got the hang of it during my entire stay. Always confused!
For instance, this lunchbox sold at various stalls in Chinatown is only 5 CUP. Great potatoes.On the other hand, these pastries are 0.25CUC.Oh, and incidentally, foreigners aren't even allowed to buy food at some stores, especially at the local bakeries where bread is rationed. All "supermarkets" charge for products in CUC.

Anyways, as soon as I stepped out of the airport, retro cars galore! So colorful, big, and just plain cool. Unfortunately, our transfer to the hotel was on a regular bus.

Our prearranged hotel turned out to be CRAP. Location was OK, but really dingy rooms. Like one of those cheap roadside motels in the US. Plus, there was no hot water when we got there, which totally pissed me off!!! Of course, I proceeded to complain. I couldn't change rooms because the hotel was full for the night. Even if I did, they told me it wouldn't matter since the hot water wouldn't be back on until they were done with the pipe work. I thought they were lying, and went down to the reception every 30 minutes to complain, with the response that they were still working on the pipes. Which turned out to be true. The hot water was back in the evening.
Lesson of the day - I need to be more patient and trusting!