The friendly state, located in the Western Hemisphere, has always enjoyed a special sympathy among the citizens of the USSR and was a reliable outpost of socialism in the region. In the 1990s, countries were separated: one of the consequences of the collapse of the Soviet Union was the disruption of economic, cultural and political ties with Cuba. At present, the situation in the country has stabilized, and Russian tourists are happy to visit the tropical island, rest and get acquainted with the sights , especially as the reasons for making the journey are more than enough. Since the formation of an independent state, there have been many myths about Cuba, some of them proved to be very tenacious. Consider the most established myths about the island of Liberty.
6 myths about Cuba
Myth first. In Cuba, there is a card system, according to which the residents of the state are given a limited food set.
Reality
Indeed, back in 1962, a card system was installed in the country, but it regulates only the basic set of food products. By the way, Cuban children under 6 years of age rely on 1 liter of milk. But Cuba also organized state trade at free prices.
Myth of the second. On the island in the course of only an inconvertible currency, Cubans can not acquire a convertible currency.
Reality
There is a network of exchange offices in the country where Cuban citizens can exchange pesos for dollars at the current rate of 27: 1. It is also possible to deposit the convertible currency at the rate of $ 1 26 pesos. In addition, many working Cubans receive wages in convertible units. With the development of tourism, some local residents rent out their dwelling, receiving a fee in dollars.
Myth three. Cubans can not go to work in another state.
Reality
Unskilled workers, as well as pensioners, can go to work in any country in the world. But those who received education at public expense (doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc.), can go to work abroad only by concluding a state contract, under which a Cuban with education, working in another country, receives from 150 to 300 dollars and the salaries received at home are saved. The remaining funds go to the state revenue.
Myth Four. Citizens of Cuba can not open a private business, entrepreneurial activity in the country is the prerogative of foreigners.
Reality
Small business in the archipelago is legalized. You can open a cafe-snackbar, mini-hotel, be engaged in the manufacture and sale of souvenirs, earn private transport and receive money for renting a living space. Local individual entrepreneurs must overcome many bureaucratic obstacles, but if desired, all can be overcome. But business expansion is impossible. In addition, in accordance with the Constitution, the state has the right to expropriate any private property.
Myth five. The Russian language in Cuba is the second state language.
Reality
Among people of the older generation, a certain part of the Cubans speak Russian (mostly those who studied in the USSR). Among the youth, English and Italian are popular.
Myth of the sixth. Local beauties are easily accessible and are given directly for souvenirs.
Reality
Cuban girls are beautiful and temperamental. In the 1990s, there was officially recognized the presence in the country of a special category of women - hinters, who earn money through sex primarily with foreigners. At the same time, there is a ban on the manifestation of open relations of local residents with foreigners. So the meetings are semi-legal. Cubans do not differ in their special laxity of morals, but not for some ladies (and now for boys) the money received for "love" is the only opportunity to survive in difficult economic conditions.