That just about sums up the Cuban internet, and why I wasn't able to publish my blogs on my travels in Cuba until I left the country!
It also describes just how much this country is isolated from the rest of the Americas, although that is mainly the fault of the Imperialist USA trade sanctions.
Talking of money, well loosely, that's another frustration. American Dollars were banned here last year and replaced with a special Peso Convertible, which is a licence for the government to rip you off. Firstly the Peso Convertile is colloquially know as a dollar, bus is fixed at $US0.89, and the government casas de cambios take an extra 10% commission if you are changing dollars! Stupidly, I changed 25 of my precious Euros into the other, National Pesos Cubanos, thinking I would get better value for money if I use them. There is actually little you can by with them, except perhaps a bread roll with something dubious inside it from a street vendor. Try changing them back as I did, then all manner of obstacles are put in your way...like trekking across town to a special booth, to find it closed for lunch whilst a long queue of Cubans wait in the sun...
So that's pretty much it for Cuba. It is a stunning country, but frustrating if you want to get under the surface, and you need to take a lot of money.
Back to Mexico City for a one night stop-over before catching my return flight to London, via Toronto, Yes I know it sounds a long way round, but it was the cheapest option at the time!
A truly fantastic 8 or 9 months. I have met wonderful people and seen amazing sights. Have I got the travelling bug out of my system? The next few months will prove that. Many people have asked if the trip has been life changing...I shall think about that one.
Lots of love,
Chris x