Cuba Day 1 - Santa Clara

Arrived safely at the airport ahead of schedule, but got the most thorough custom questioning ever. She must have asked me 10 times if I have a girlfriend or know anyone here, and if I'm brining anything to anyone. I must have been the last one through the custom, She copied all my hostels information. At the airport, there were no exchange place, no bus out to the city. I asked another officer how to get to the city, he then asked me the same question the custom officer already asked me, in addition he asked if I'm carrying any drugs. Then he said "enjoy your trip" without answering my original question. I think they don't like solo backpackers here. I got out and found the one and only taxi waiting for passengers from the weekly flight, I got in agreeing on $20 Canadian cash, not knowing my hostel (Florida Hostel Center) actually sent someone to pick me up without confirming with me they are coming. When I got to the hostel, the owner was surprised, and the driver later came back and gave me the look. As one of the tripadvisor comment mentioned, this hostel sent the person to another hostel without telling him in advance, I was kind of expecting the same fate, and they did send me to another that is like 7 blocks away (Roberto y Terresita), luckily the owner is super nice, like a mother, and she gave me the upper double room without extra charge. It's full of serenity here, 'cause I'm the only tenant here. I settled down, got my money exchanged in time before close of business, and ready to take an early rest.