17 July 07

We visited the Che Guevara memorial and the wreck of Batista's train which was derailed by Che and his comrades using a bulldozer. This was key in overthrowing the Batista government in 1959. We stopped for drinks at the Yacht club hotel has stunning views over Santa Clara's shore line. Sitting overlooking the sea and the boats in 34 degrees and pure blue skies. A moment I will never forget. This is Cuba. The roads to Trinidad wind like a roller coaster, we all did the Mexican wave on the bus.

Photo Mountains and beaches made the journey picturesque. The Iberostar grand hotel in Trindad is unbelievable. There is free internet access, a pool room, amazing restaurant and bar, my bath can fit more than 3 people and my room has a walk in wardrobe and a patio area. I love the fluffy bath robes and 5 star food- even the orange juice lol.

18 July 07

Today we explore the UNESCO world heritage site of Trinidad on foot. Many tourists admire the colonial architecture and walk the cobbled streets. It has 11 museums, the most of any of the places we visited. The Plaza Mayor (main square), Iglesia Parroquial de la santisima Trnidad, museo romantico (converted mansion with china and period pieces), casa Templo de Santeria Yemaya (Afro-Cuban religious house), Iglesia de Santa Ana and Plaza Santa Ana are all on the itinerary. We also sampled the house cocktail at La Canchara, made from rum, honey, lemon and water. Playa Ancon's white sandy beach is 12 km south of Trinidad. Swimming in the Caribbean sea, enjoying the weather and admiring the views strengthened my desire to never leave. Poring rain on my return to the hotel reminded us of hurricane season. I made a last ditch visit to the arts and craft stalls before closing time for souvenirs. As I was to later discover, the prices here were much cheaper than Habana. Pieces of art which cannot fit into your suitcase require an export licence from the artist.

19 July 07

We depart for the pinar del Rio province, the main tobacco growing region in Cuba. We stop at Guama and take a boat to a replica Indian village on the shores of Treasure Lake. Next is the hotel located in the Sierra del Rosario nature reserve. We can see the mountains, hear the birds and be at one with nature.

20 July 07

After stopping to admire the stunning views of theVinales valley, we take a boat through the El Indio limestone caves. We visit a tobacco factory, drink tea at a farmer's house and have dinner at another local farmer's house. Castro and government officials have been known to eat here as the quality of food is very good.

21 July

We tour the bio reserves local community of Las Terrazas. There is a school, medical centre and post office. This community exemplifies Cuba's infrastructure. Health and education is free. The government pays for your funeral and 95% of the country has electricity. We swim in the San Juan river. The rocky floor is slippery but the water is refreshing. The children are so sweet, with their floats learning to swim for the first time.

Touts, beggars and expensive prices are the negatives however Cuba has exceeded the expectations of everyone of us. In terms of size, diversity ( architecture, cultural sites, beaches, mountains, greenery all sit on the same island) and beauty.

22 July

The long queues for check in and the fact that it is raining in London all add to the cheery atmosphere. To anyone considering a trip, just do it! My impending entry into the F1 is the only reason I get on the plane back. After one last glance over the blue green waters I am comforted because in my heart I know that some day in I will be back.