Cuba

As of the first week of January 2017, Alaska Airlines began flying direct from LA to Havana.  It was the first ever commercial air flight direct to Havana from the west coast.  Felt very fortunate to be with a great Google crew on a flight in the second week of Jan.

Cuba pros:

- Havana looks like how you want it to look.  Incredible, old Colonial buildings, literally crumbling before your eyes, but with people living in them.  Bright pastel colors on the buildings.  Really just incredible walking down the streets.

- The cars are amazing.  60% of the cars on the street are American cars from the 50s.  It's not just a tourist scheme, it really is a way many people get around.  The cars are very well maintained and sounds like many owners are self-made mechanics who make tweaks everyday.

- There is music everywhere.  Seems like all of the musicians are talented, from salsa to jazz.

Cuba cons:

- The food is very bland and we were hunting for hot sauce (which we didn't find) by day 3.  Cubans don't like spicy food, so it's almost impossible to find.  And many restaurants, paladars and bars run out of dishes or drinks.

- The plumbing / bathroom situation is real and hilarious.  Generally no toilet paper in public bathrooms and if there is, it can't be flushed.  50% of toilets have no toilet seat and 50% of toilets don't flush.  That is a recipe for disaster!