Cuba: Ready Or Not, Here We Come!

As you know, I’m a pretty good little planner. I like having my ducks in a row when I travel. Not every moment of every trip planned, just documents ready, arrangements made and bags packed in Tetris-like fashion.

Cuba is probably the one country I’ve traveled to that having that planner personality is key. Except, of course, this the one time I haven’t exactly donned my Type-A hat.

Crap.

It’s been a crazy Q4 at work, absolutely the busiest, most exhausting time I’ve had at my job in the last 4 years. Combine that with traveling to see the hubster, family, a wedding and well…Cuba took a back seat.

Xanax, now please.

The following is an except from my brain currently:

Since our American credit and debit cards will not work in Cuba, we needed to figure out just how much cash to bring in order to exchange it. It took a lot of back and forth between the 4 of us on what we felt comfortable with based on conflicting information from friends and online. We didn’t want to be without cash (duh) but too much and it we’d be left with CUCs and no place to exchange them back.

You have to remember, Cuba is a third world country that still has sanctions against it from the US. Information seemingly changes weekly.

We knew we needed a tourist card (visa) that we could get at our boarding gate, but we heard just yesterday that we also needed medical insurance. Some places said to buy it separately and some places said to check your airline. Literally within the last 3 months, airlines now include your medical insurance fee with the cost of your flight. So as long as you have your boarding pass with you in Cuba, it serves as proof of medical insurance. Phew.

I still need to buy extra travel insurance, for my electronic valuables.

Which reminds me, I need to back up all my stuff: computer, iphone, photos, etc.

Which reminds me, I need to activate my SIM card.

But shit, AT&T still hasn’t sent me confirmation they’ve unlocked my phone!

SEE! I’m leaving in 2 days and still finalizing stuff for CUBA. This would be slightly better if I were heading to Japan or even Mexico, but Cuba feels like so much more because so little is known about American tourists there.

AH.

<insert Xanax now>

Do I pack that extra dress? (NO!)

Will my SIM work, will I have service in case of an emergency?

I heard the taxi drivers were on strike. How much would a taxi even cost?

I need to pack my protein bars so I don’t get hangry in case the customs line takes 2 hours like I’ve heard. Protecting my marriage and preventing hanger, go hand-in-hand.

Feliz Año Neuvo.

Feliz Año Neuvo.

Feliz Año Neuvo.

I promise myself I’m going to say Happy New Year in Spanish to someone while I’m there. Gotta talk myself into it.

I’ve printed enough maps and restaurants and monuments and emergency phone numbers to kill at least 3 trees.

We all got upgraded on our flight to Havana, so that’s exciting. I’m sure we’ll annoy half of first class with our giddy antics, but whatever, those people need to loosen up their bluetooth ear pieces anyway.

If we get upgraded on the way back, how will I know? No wi-fi. Do I have to wait in line at the airport. THE HORROR.

Girlfriends fly in today. Hubster flies in tomorrow. Nail appts made for tomorrow. Prosecco is ready in the fridge.

I think I’m good, right?

Right.

Oh, I haven’t seen the hubster in over a month. This is the longest we’ve ever gone without seeing each other.

Must make time for major make-out session. 

Adios, mis amigos!