Recent posts by Runs_with_scissors | Debbie's Caribbean Resort Reviews Forums

In Dec. we prefer the South coast for the more reliable weather. We also like Los Galeones because it is small, quiet, adult only and has spectacular views. With nearly 300 steps to the beach and not a lot to do it is not for everyone.

The coldest Cuban days we have experienced have been in Varadeo in April 1998 and in Cayo Largo in March a couple of years ago.

	Ropa Vieja – Old Clothes, has been a favourite here too. Several years ago we had Plantanos Fritos with several excellent salsas at the Brisas Ranchon in Trinidad. I haven’t seen those salsas or anything similar elsewhere

We spent 2 weeks at Farallon several years ago and are considering going back. For us, kayaking through the channels in the mangroves across the bay and hanging out on the deserted Caribbean beach over the hill with a bottle of wine purchased from the hotel shop are our better memories. Can we still do these things? We really don’t want to spend much time at the pool or inner beaches. We’d rather hitch our travel hammock to some sea grapes.

Thanks.

	There are lots of Dive shops on the Caribbean side. The Atlantic side where we were was pretty churned up the whole time we were there. We only got in once (near Roseau) and it was to see a volcanic vent that releases bubbles. We didn’t see any bubbles just a sand bottom and some mediocre coral. Best snorkelling I have experienced was off Laughing Bird Cay from Placencia Belize.

We just returned from 3 weeks in Dominica. We stayed in Sea Cliff Cottages outside of Calibishie (pop. 1700) on the North East Coast and enjoyed a stunning sea scape from our veranda. As there is very little interest in Dominica on this forum I am not going to post a lengthy review. Dominica is a beautiful and largely unspoiled volcanic island. There is no international airport so getting to and from the island is a bit awkward. The capitol, Roseau appeared a bit seedy, especially on the outskirts but the rest of island seemed safe enough. Nonetheless one tourist couple had their belongings stolen while in the water at Bai’Tibou beach near where we stayed. Everyone seemed to know about the incident and had theories on the culprits. Bai’Tibou is quite remote and unpopulated. Portsmouth on the Northwest coast benefits from having Ross University located there. It appears more prosperous than the capitol about 50km. away. A new road and seawalls are being built between the two communities by the government of China and a new water supply line is paralleling the road.We traveled about by local buses, on foot and by taxi. We were able to purchase bread, prepared food, fresh fish, eggs and veggies from vendors that drove by frequently. Other supplies we picked up in Calibishie and Portsmouth.

Another Canadian tourist related a story about staying at one resort near Santiago that had a large group who were in the habit of putting towels on all the prime pool side loungers late at night. After a day or two of this a young tourist took it upon himself to go to the pool in the middle of the night and throw all the towels into the pool. After two nights no more towels on loungers.

(This is a repost from another group)

	The towel people are not unlike those who butt into line, go through express checkouts with more than 10 items or being able-bodied park in handicapped spots. They all share the same sense of personal entitlement.

Just received this:URGENT ADVISORY…Brisas Los Galeones / Sunwing Vacations We have received the following advisory from Sunwing Vacations concerning your upcoming trip to Brisas Los Galeones resort / Santiago De Cuba.Due to low occupancy, the Los Galeones will be closed until Dec.15/09. Sunwing Vacations are offering to re-locate guests to the Brisas Sierra Mar as a replacement.

If this is not satisfactory then you are intitled to a full refund of all monies paid.

Jet pilot I’m a bit late here. Sorry I missed the follow-ups. (We really need an RSS feed on this forum).

I saw the posted exchange rate. I was there.

I think you are wrong about safety razors.I believe razor cartridges are allowed but since you can’t can’t always count on the rocket scientists at the security gates to be up to date on the latest policies…I always carry a loaded sensor in carry-on. I also carry spare blades in my checked through.

I figure if I have to I can eject my blade for the rocket scientists to study and catch up with a spare blade in my checked through. The worst case is I have to grow a beard. So far I have never lost a blade.

I just finished packing a few minutes ago. I pack my carry-on assuming my checked luggage will get lost.In it I have: PassportMoney( A few CUC’s from last trip and Cdn to exchange)& a money clipCamera, charger and minipodComplete set of toiletries (liquids and gels within the size limits) including sunscreen and deet wipesRazor, brush, contact lenses, sunglasses, case for glassesMag liteHatBathing suit1st aid suppliesSandalsComplete change of clothes – plus extra socks and underwearDense magazine (CCPA Monitor)Lingua translator and calculatorList of critical telephone numbersPen and paper padIt all weighs in at about 4.5 kg.

I just received these pictures today and have permission to post them. It appears the road is being hard surfaced! It is not yet complete but they are working on it. It looks promising judging from these shots.

In March/April 2004 we stayed at Breezes Jibacoa. Many of the tours from the resort go to the town of Santa Cruz. As a result this town receives most of the donations from guests. The school officials are concerned about direct contributions to students. As a result of this practice there are a number of students actively seeking donations (a.k.a begging) from tourists. Donations should be made to the school not to the kids. There is also a high school and primary school in the village of Canasi which is closer to the resort but is not on the tours. If you are going to be staying at Breezes Jibacoa, please consider making your donations to these schools. This village seems relatively unspoiled by tourism and we were not hassled by anyone there. We delivered 2 batches of school supplies and clothing to the primary school on different days. We rode the resort bikes. It is about a 35 minute ride each way. (There is very little shade.) The first door you come to on the left as you approach the school is the main office. The school has over 300 students. The staff were most appreciative and had us sign a a guest book. They also invited us to an open house the following week but were unable to attend.We asked specifically what supplies they need. In September 2004 English will be introduced to the senior class and they could use Spanish English dictionaries. Also calculators are in short supply. I would suggest solar powered ones. Also they asked for colouring books and crayons.

I may be mistaken, but is that school in Canasí instead of Cansii? Arcos de Canasí is a community near Jibacoa where there are both primary and secondary schools.

As it is off the tourist path it doesn’t get a lot of donations. About 3 years ago we rode bicycles to the school and delivered school supplies and caps to the primary school. We were very well received. They insisted we sign a guest book and we were invited back to a school event scheduled for the following weekend (our departure date). We left the supplies to be used and distributed as they saw fit. We never had the impression that anyone was malicious and there were at least at 6 people in the office who witnessed the donation.

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