I visisted Cuba in 2001 with a student group, and we stayed for a week and a half, living in dorms at the Universidad de la Habana.
Most of the students there are VERY pro Castro; brainwashed as far as I could tell. But most of them were pretty respectful of what we had to say, althought we didnt say much, except to answer all of their questions (LOTS). Sometimes they talked with some awful misconceptions of the world outside, and I corrected them slightly.
I did travel outside the university, on my own, with a few other students. I used the bus system and visited a few local towns. I certainly did not look like a tourist, and tried not to act like one. Maybe they recognized me a few times. But its not like I look out of place in Cuba
Its like going back in time, everything is old. But not once did I see famine or something that made me feel sad, like in Dominican Republic or Mexico.
Children LOVE sports in Cuba, and thats pretty much all they do when they are not at school. Play baseball, etc. In the poor parts of Dominican Republic or Mexico, kids dont have the luxury of playing much sports or even going to school. You cant go twenty yards walking without some kids begging you for money or food.
I'll try to get some pics scanned later.
