Most Inspirational Moment
Walking around the colourful streets of Havana; the magnificant architecture, music floating on the balmy breeze, the ambience, the history and of course the friendly, smiling Cubans. Santa Clara; the history and of course, the Revolucion! The battles fought in and around Santa Clara were the turning point of the Revolucion the city belongs to Che Guevara - he is everywhere. Unfortunatley we didn't spend enought time to walk the streets of the city and absorb the ambience.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mariella (not sure of spelling) was an brilliant tour leader/guide. Her historical knowledge was second to none and her passion for all things Cuban was wonderful and her sunny disposition made us feel relaxed when we arrived in Havana after a long day of travelling. Our driver Eduardo was fabulous and very accommodating. The tour ran smoothly; our hotels were very comfortable and well located (except the location of the hotel in Miramar, fabulous hotel but too far out of Havana). All our meals were very good - contrary to what all the guide books say - the food was really tasty and varied.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Cuba, despite all the really positive things is a poor country. Take lots of colouring pens for the children, cheap automatic umbrellas (£1 shop) for the elderly ladies to use as parasols and any spare summer clothes you don't need. Trinidad is a fabulous preserved Spanish colonial city sandwiched between beautiful mountains and the Caribbean Sea. It is also touristy and locals ask for pens and clothes mostly. DO NOT GIVE TO THE LOCAL PEOPLE. Give your donations to your tour leader who will distribute to the people who need it the most.
Suggestions
Visit Cuba whilst it is still under communist rule. The political climate is changing some of it good but no one knows if it will become commercial/capitalist - if it does - Cuba will never be the same again.
