Originally Posted by
daypassdel
Hello, I used to do that, until we got to spend some time with a Cuban family. Yes, they don't make a lot of $, they have a huge underground trade system. A lot of family's have a person or two who work in the hotels and around tourists. The family we stayed with, the wife worked in a hotel. Under her whole bed was FILLED with stuff from the tourists they dont use. They trade for other things, but when most of the family's are trading the same stuff, it doesn't work very well. We met a few of their neighbors.. same thing.
The dangerous part is they had a huge bag of medicine they didnt know what it was or what it was for. We sat there and went through a bunch of it to try and explain what it was for and what the dosage was etc. In talking to them, things that they could use were things they could use to make an income...little tool sets, fishing line, lures, and they LOVED the bike locks.. most get around by bike and most dont have a bike lock.
I also brought sawran wrap they thought that was the neatest thing ever! just a fun thing we brought.
Anyway that has been MY experience. Our friend says they are always polite when they get the make up, toothpaste hair stuff etc.. but it goes in the box.....
Have a great trip to Cuba!!! Its my happy place! Going back to visit in Feb, can't wait!!