There is something about communist or newly post- communist countries when it comes to the art of service. They don’t quite get it – yet! My hotel certainly has the outward appearance of a luxury dwelling (albeit at a reasonable price).
but something is lacking. The public areas (and, in fact my room) are a little ‘cold’, echo-y and impersonal. There is little ‘warmth’ in the place. Few pictures on the walls, no personal touches. The staff – and there are plenty of them –are friendly and helpful enough when you engage them but they don’t naturally engage with you. After my free (with one free drink) dinner which was filling rather than memorable, I had a couple of beers at the bar. 3 customers waiting to be served + 4 bar staff talking among themselves and/or watching the Cuban equivalent of MTV which did, I have to say, include some rather splendid looking ladies!
In the local supermarket
the accent is, once again, on local social interaction rather than service. It is clearly THE meeting place not only between customers but also between staff and customers. The checkout is, therefore, a very long process. And just when you think you are free to go, you have to have another check. The security guard at the entrance inspects the goods in your bag against the till receipt just to make sure you haven’t nicked anything. Interesting!
I’ll have to make another visit to Old Havana, a World Heritage site, as there is just so much to see. It’s an assault on the senses. The old colonial buildings are amazing
although some are in better shape than others
But there are signs of some renovation work
but there’s still a long way to go
but there is no rush when there are the semi hypnotic sounds of Latin American music everywhere
It’s almost overwhelming, so enough for today. As I said, I will have to come back. In the meantime, here’s one little fellow who was not fazed by all going on around him
Until my feet stop hurting
R
thelasthurrahsite 