Cuba is such a cool place. Visited there last summer and had a wonderful time. It felt like one of the safest, friendliest places I'd ever been to. Havana is a bit run down, but then what do you expect with a lack of money in the country? Since the demise of the Soviet Union their economy has suffered big time, the loss of a major market for their produce. However they still seem to spend their meagre resources wisely, on the important things like literacy and healthcare - we could learn a thing or two !! Whether you like Castro or think he's one of the 'last dictators' the refreshing thing was that they're one of the last places on earth who continue to stick two fingers up at the US, although there are a number of South American countries who are becoming less tolerant of US meddling in their affairs - Venezuela. (politics over now) I spent two weeks travelling around the countryside, staying with local families in Casa Particulares (family run B&B's). Met the some fantastic, people who were very generous. The scenery, the history, the music, the cigars, the Mojitos - all amazing. Would really recommend it to anyone who wants a bit of an adventure. Jiminy |