When I went to varadero in Jan I had a gal with me, but when I went in March alone, what a difference. Each night, I usually walked about 30 blocks from my hotel to a night spot on Cale 62 - on an average I’d get a “hey, you want a chico” about 4 x a night. Very low key though, and no repeat attempt or pressure if you said no. So prostitution is definitely a whole lot less than in most places I’ve been to, incl here, but it is there.
Also this spring some of the spring break crowd moved from Cancun to Varadero (some Canadians don’t like going to Mexico just now because of several mysterious deaths of Canadians there). I don’t have any first hand knowledge but in another forum this got some coverage - one group got a free trip to the airport and out on the next plane; another group got relocated to a lesser hotel. Assume if it continues, some hotels will become gathering points and people wanting quiet will learn to avoid those hotels and spring break time. Also time will tell how tolerant Cuban police will be.
As for the changes expected when masses of Americans come, it definitely is cause for concern - and let’s be fair - we’re not talking just Americans - resort towns in Spain and otehr European countries have their little Germanys and little Britains ...
Don’t think most Americans will like the unique atmosphere that Cuba is and what many of us like it for - expect McDonald’s, Burger Kings, KFCs etc in no time. Don’t expect a return of the wild life Americans came for under Batista though.
