So it seems they won't let the homeless into Cuba...

MaryLyn told me I would have to book a room before I got there.  But I didn't really listen because 1) I had given no thought to the plan at that point & 2)  MaryLyn travels like normal people who plan stuff and I just assumed she was reminding me to try to be responsibly normal and not spend my first day wandering the streets of Cuba looking for a room. 

But after reading the first few pages of my Lonely Planet, I realized that what she probably really said, had I actually paid attention, was that I HAD to have a room booked before arriving in Cuba or they won't let me enter.  I have to stop thinking that Cuba is the same as Mexico.

So then I dithered for a few days (7) until I started to freak out a bit.  Based on my extensive research (first 25 pgs of LP & a couple of converstions with people who have been there) I knew I didn't want to stay in a hotel.  Cuba has Casa Particulares, which are rooms rented out of people's houses.  How cool does that sound.  And they are cheaper. 

So I found a website (hopefully not a front for the white slave trade) that lists Casas.  Here is the link for those of you planning to go to Cuba as equally as unprepared as I.    I emailed last night and they emailed me back this morning letting me know my first choice is available.  So, if all goes according to plan, here is where I will be staying:   The Prado Colonial. 

Here is the entrance

Here is my room (I think)

And the living room

I don't have the exact address yet but I think it is close to the Museo de la Revolution.  (Everyone get a Che T-shirt for Christmas!!) 

Update:
I am now confirmed and have an address.  110 Prado, Havana Vieja, Havana, Cuba.  Here is the Google map (it is the green arrow, not the red A).

Leo, the Casa Particulares.org guy sent me a very helpful email with links and tips.  Here is my favourite advise. (this is going to be fun)

The hosts will be waiting for you at the house. You must also be
aware that the taxi driver might try to take you the wrong address
as they sometimes try to favor their own friends who might be in
the renting business too (sometimes renting illegally and not very
safe). So, it´s always a good practice to check the number of the
house once you arrive there and the name of the owner. You can
tell the driver you have paid already for the accommodation )

Very important.

Once you know the time you are coming if you can send us an
sms to our mobile (+535 29514466 ) the owner can wait for you in
the bus stop ( Bar cabaña in the old town holding a sign with your
name, the casa is located around 600 meters )  As sometimes a
common scam is to steal guests, sometimes from the bus
terminal, bus stop and sometimes  from outside the front door. If
you are told by someone in the street that the owners no longer
rent , or are full, or have asked this person to take you to another
casa, do not go with them until you have rung the bell and checked
the story with someone inside the house. Jineteros (hustlers) are
very skilled at diverting you from your intended path. Some even
change the numbers above the door to take you to another house where they will receive a commission and the casa may be illegal where you won't have any safety.

Now I just need to find out about a room in Veradero for my last night.  My flight leaves Veradero at 7 am-ish so I can't stay in Havana.