CASTRO'S LAST CUBA? (One of Three Today)

After our last visit 5 years ago, Cuba today seems on the brink of the most radical change since Castro's Revolution in 1959. Although few Cubans will say so aloud, Castro's influence and dogma is fading fast in favour of a freer economy that motivates the citizens and maybe saves Cuba's finances through increased taxes that are standard everywhere else in the world.  Two big factors. The first is that Cuban-Americans can now travel to Cuba freely, bringing with them lots of cash remittances and goods of all kinds. The second is that Cubans can now buy and sell their own homes! Combined, these two are accelerating a middle class and their inevitable desire for more choices, more comforts, and more democracy. Oh-Oh.

There's still the compulsory recognition of  socialism and sacrifice. But Old Havana is being restored by UNESCO efforts into a beautiful and  historic capital. Small businesses are allowed such as restaurants (8 tables or less), meat shops, car repair, and (gulp!) real estate agents. Signs of prosperity include chic women's fashions, chrome wheels on the old cars, and lavish treats for happy children. A bustling ChinaTown. Latin America's biggest Film Festival.

There are still 2 separate currencies. The locals use Cuban pesos, worthless anywhere else. But foreigners must use CUC's (appropriately pronounced "KOOKS") which are convertible and inflate prices 10 times what the locals pay. (For example, a litre of gasoline would be 11 cents for them, $1.10 for us.) When Cuba returns to a single currency for all, Castro's last Cuba will have ended. Better arrange that beachfront shack now. Cuba si, Yanqui see??