your answer made my day… yes. You are right. Even a minimum wage appears so much to Cubans. What they do not understand is that our expenses ( what we pay for living, is much much more than they do ). In another words they would be happy to have our minimum wages and pay the same money they currently pay in Cuba. It is the very misleading hope which they unfortunately believe in. For example, they pay 10% of their income to rent state apartments. Here in the usa it does not exist. WOW, that would be great….(I pay 70% of my income to have a place to sleep…)
We pay rent asked by the owner. There is no regulation released by government to protect people not to be taken advantage of any company…that is hard for Cubans to understand ..Rent goes up any time you sign for a lease…

They have no idea what words : fight for survival really mean.

Because they do not have to. If they would have the same problems like us ( I tend to believe that Canadian people have much better lives than we do here in the US of A…. I may be wrong.. I do not know ) they would start to change their thinking…..logically.

Will describe my experiences in Cuba…( if I may)

I arrived to Habana at about 3.p.m. Took a taxi to get to Varadero. The first question I had to the taxi driver was: How soon I can be there, can you drive fast? He was smiling and said he would be doing his best..( I could not wait to be there..) When we left Habana he started to speed. Police stopped us after about 15 miles.
Here in the usa when stopped by police there is no way you would not be fined.
What happened that day: I came out of the car and asked the policeman to understand that it was completely only my fault because I could not wait to be there and I offered to pay the fine.I explained to him in details what my situation was about to be able to go to Cuba just for a few days to enjoy the life there.

He did not want any money! ( I was offering him a hundred dollars bill).
He did not take it. He said: Lady, I wish for you to have a great vacation, I understand ). Then I asked him a question: I know your law.. you have to report the driver for speeding, my concern is that the man would not be punished for my pushing him to violate your law…I will never forget his smile and face of understanding.
He said: It is not going to happen, I told you I understand..

Imagine: In usa, there is no way you would not be fined once police stops you.

I have more experiences there that show they are good people. I can continue…

I too have tried to explain to my friends in Cuba where our money goes and in the end most of us are left with nothing. Even if one makes the minimum wage, it appears so much to Cubans. Perhaps that is why many do return – and return they do – because the grass is not always greener on the other side.

Yes, we have the freedom of choice but that has not made us happier and love life the way they do. I am humbled each time. Each time I discover life again and more of myself. For that alone I am forever grateful.

May you too return again soon!

I am so glad to read your post since you speak my heart out.
I have visited Cuba 5 times and feel just the same as you do.
Last time I was able to take the spirit with me and keep it for about another week or so…

You feel alive there because there is no fear, no stress and people are naturally happy. Cuban people are honest and friendly and they will share with you everything.. I have friends there and have experiences within their families. Some of them complain about not having enough money to travel, but it is nothing against a problem not to have money to pay a doctor o medicine as a lot of us have ( not in Canada ) in usa; They are happy not knowing what real problems are when it comes to health. And they do not have to pay.I have explained to them several times: the money you do not have to pay for doctors or education is your income, that you receive in different way.. and it is thousands of dollars they need to think of when they complain. Socialism is a system where government takes care of people like parents take care of their children. The difference is that socialist government is doing that for life (which parents do not ). This is not only my opinion. This is a statement of my am. ex husband.. after a month tour …..

Can you believe that bush put this country on list of countries that support terrorism? It is not enough the usa government has been destrying this country by embargo for decades?

I would live there in a minute, however, Cuba does not accept immigrants….

Have you seen the documentary movie SICKO? (Michael Moore ). It shows a lot about Cuban solidarity and health care.

I love Cuba more than my origin country and wish Cuba the best and also wish to you to go back as many times you can to enjoy the passion of life.

Life could be heaven for everyone ( John Lennon ). As long as some states dictate their leadership, there is no chance.
Life is precious and everyone should be happy.

Good Luck…and I hope you can back soon.