Central Planning

I’m normally not one for organization or planning, but occasionally events in Cuba can push my limits in those areas. One example- on our most recent trip to Santiago and Baracoa, we decided to travel both ways by plane. All domestic and international flights are controlled by the few existing state airlines, and we chose to fly Gaviota, the military airline. We made it to Santiago with little mishap, a little worse for wear from the turbulence, and there we had to return to the airport a few days later to recover Reiko and Zulema’s lost baggage from Mexico. Initially told that customs were closed and they would have to come back the next day, a little ten CUC loosened the regulations and we were able to get the bags. Fast forward to Baracoa, where we board a flight that is presumably straight to Havana. Once aboard, a commotion ensues when we are casually told that we’ll be stopping off in Holguin, getting off the plane, dropping off a few passengers and re-boarding for Havana. Later we are told the reasoning for the confusion- the passengers were supposed to have been dropped off on the flight from Havana to Baracoa, but some forgetfulness or miscommunication left them hanging on the plane all the way to Baracoa. Finally we get to Playa Baracoa, 30 minutes from Havana and wait for 45 minutes for our luggage to unload off the small plane that we can see just meters away. I ask Elliott, what can possibly be the reason for this terrible service? He shrugs, central planning.