Cuban authorities, eager for the dollars that Americans bring, facilitate this process by refraining from stamping blue passport holders, leaving no trace that the trip ever took place. In order to enter Cuba, proof of a reservation in a reputable hotel or an invitation letter is required. I noticed signs of economic hardship soon after my arrival. After being in Cuba just few hours, we went for a stroll and witnessed people forming lines down the block and around the corner. The best-educated, most highly qualified Cubans spend their days waiting in line for basic necessities, like food.
People get enough food to survive despite having a very low income.
To purchase provisions, they use libretas , the government ration books first introduced in 1962. The government puts a limit on the amount of food he is allowed to purchase. On our second day in Havana, lunchtime came and went, and we were regretting having eaten another overpriced, under-spiced Cuban meal, accompanied by the usual sweet soda and flavorless frijoles negros. The food on the island bears no resemblance to Cuban food cooked in Miami Beach or New York City. The worst part of the dining experience, however, was realizing that the bland meal we had just consumed was equivalent to three months of Pedro's income.