Sun ,sea, cigars and lots of chicken!
this was my first trip to Cuba and when we land I see dismantled aircraft at the side of the runway. It reminds me a little of spain in the 1970`s.
We are met by Jorge our Cuban guide for the week. He speaks perfect english which he learnt in Moscow! He is a huge baseball fan which we talk about because I lived in the USA for some time, and he is annoyed at Castro for not allowing baseball to be shown on Cuban TV from the USA.
The bus is clean [made in china] and Jorge tells us it is state owned together with many taxis. It is illegal to own a car without government permission and you can get 15 years in jail for killing a cow!! Hence no beef at meal times and a desire to make chicken taste like beef! Even at the Hotel Nacional

I notice a long queue, Jorge tells us this is for ice cream and up to a 3 hr wait!
The problem with state owned enterprises obviously is the lack of incentives for employees.

Cuba does have a great national health service and good educational system.
The buildings are in colour,pink blue,red, they all need a coat of paint, however this adds character.

The highlight of the trip for me is a trip to the Cigar plantations at Pinar del Rio.
I smoke a freshly rolled cigar and it is absolutley wonderful! I also visit the Upmann factory and make a visit to Habanos SA.
As I returned to the shop in Mount Street and smoke a Montecristo I remember the quote by Churchill,”I always hold a bit of Cuba in my mouth.”