TT

> >> > I was told that its not such a big deal if North Americans spend
> >> > local money. Others told me you risk arrest. Its a big incentive
> >> > as the exchange rate of one is many times that of the other. I
> >> > guess if you have a long enough visa, and the cost of living is
> >> > dirt cheap, and you can find a place to stay, you're home free.
> >> > And if they do live there, how long can they stay at a time?

OK - back on topic. Just talked to a woman from Cuba who left a year
ago. She said that tourists spending local money are safe - basically
the authorities don't care. And she thought it would be no problem
finding a reasonably priced (maybe extremely cheap) place to stay if you
ask around. So many people are so broke that they would only be too
happy for additional income. On the downside, she did say fresh
vegetables were quite expensive. Fruits should be relatively
reasonable. Grains/peas/lentils/beans/nuts/seeds.....not sure. Maybe
somebody who has been there could fill us in. For local market prices,
not restaurant prices of course as everything originally comes from the
market.