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Cuba is a fascinating place to visit because it is almost frozen in time due to the difficult political situation over the last few decades. It is relatively easy to visit from most of the world, with the obvious exception of citizens of the USA for whom there have been major restrictions. The famous sights of huge 1950s American cars and colonial architecture of Havana are mixed with the obvious poverty, but it still retains a vibrant musical culture. There are many tourist beach resorts in Cuba, popular with divers, but for a real cultural trip the smaller cities of Cienfuegos and Trinidad are an excellent place to visit.

It is relatively easy to get to Havana and other tourist areas with regular flights from Europe, Canada and many major cities around the world. A visa is required to enter Cuba unless you have a Russian Passport.

Getting around is easy. There are both modern and the iconic old fashioned taxis, tricycle and motorbike rickshaws. Hiring a car from Havana is easy, but expensive and can be arranged from the major hotels in Old Havana. Driving and navigating in Cuba is fairly difficult, with poor roads, maps and road-signs. Alternatively a big old car and driver can be hired for hours or even several days for a similar cost to the rental car. Renting a car has the added problem that if you leave it people will wash it for you or guard it, then demand money on your return.

Old colonial european architecture, vibrant atmospheric cafes and bars make Old Havana a wonderful place for tourists to chill out. The grand old hotels with roof terraces make a great place for an evening drink and perhaps a cigar. There are many old American 1950s cars in Havana. Imports from the US stopped at about that time and the cars have been maintained. Many of the other, newer cars are from Russia.

There is a vibrant, yet relaxed atmosphere in Havana. Music is very important here, with many street performers and house bands playing in the roof-topbars of the old hotels in Old Havana. A wonderful way to relax in the evening after a busy day of sight-seeing. The most famous music from Cuba is perhaps the Buena Vista Social Club

Hemingway seems to have been everywhere in the world that I have been to and there is usually a place referred to as Hemingway's favourite bar... except in Havana there appear to be about 20 of them including El Floridita, which is a particularly atmospheric drinking establishment.

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