Most Inspirational Moment
Learning about the history and culture of Cuba is just fascinating because there's probably now nowhere on earth like it. "Viva le Revolution" say the signs, but wasn't that all over 50 years ago? Well maybe, but it's still the driving force behind the country. Cuba is in a whole series of time-warps which leave you constantly thinking about where it's coming from and where it's going. However it is changing, with some small-scale private B&Bs and restaurants knocking spots off the state-owned ones. Havana might just be the coolest city in the world to hang out in - and we aren't "hangers-out". You really can spend all day in the squares drinking fabulous coffee, watching the world go by and enjoying all the street entertainment. Then there are all those amazing Spanish colonial cities, not to mention the Bay of Pigs!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Fantastic. He was well-organised, educated, friendly, helpful, flexible and willing to talk about anything we wanted to. Like, we suspect, many Cubans, he was both proud of his country's many achievements yet frustrated by the limits on personal aspiration. People like him will be the driving force behind the new Cuba.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just don't expect too much from this developing country, and don't forget to take your sense of humour with you. If your hotel room has both hot water and lights that work then you've probably hit the jackpot. If not then there's little point complaining because it won't change anything! Accept the country as it is and drink in the experiences you have while you can still have them. After all you could have gone to any Caribbean island, so you chose Cuba for a reason.