Translation of vals

The machine arrived in Cuba at nine and it was already dark. The border control was nothing like the one in Mexico. They were communist and one could see the strictness and uneasiness of them.
It seemed like a very cute settlement and a great place to stay in for a night or two and I hoped that they would have rooms. However, since I wasn't sure I decided to carry my backpack with me.
I chose a room in the center of town. I went to the northern beach of the island which was supposedly the most beautiful one. There were many young tourist lying in the sand but I still felt foreign.