15 days in Cuba was unlike anything else I’ve ever done. As we travelled across the country, the landscape may have changed but the hospitality and friendliness we experienced did not. We stayed in casa particulars at every stop except Havana. The homes were clean and well cared for and, despite the language barrier, our hosts were friendly and went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable and felt at home.

 The majority of the tour books I had read said to expect food that was bland. The food wasn’t spicy by any means but it was delicious and there was always way more than I could possibly eat: tender pork loin with sweet onion sauce, fish in coconut sauce, juicy chicken, BBQ ribs, fresh vegetables, rice, and flan, flan, flan.

 Our local guide did an excellent job of making sure that we had fun; he arranged any excursions we were interested in and even led a couple of them himself. The pride he had in his country was obvious by the way he answered our questions and talked about the music and culture; most nights were spent at casa de la trova where we enjoyed the music and mingled with the locals.

 There is an unexplainable warmth to this country that has nothing to do with the temperature. It’s just there: in the smiles on faces, the colors and sounds, the worn buildings and the classic cars; in the old and the new. There’s a warmth that just invites you to sit down, relax, and take it all in.

My trip to Cuba was easily one of my top three vacations.  Unlike so many people I know, I chose to do a tour of the country and not a resort stay and I’m so glad I did that.  The country is beautiful, from the pristine beaches to the rainforest to the city squares.  The people we met were so genuine and friendly.  Our hosts in each town welcomed us so warmly into their homes and provided us with delicious meals.  As a guide, Romey was excellent.  He is knowledgeable about his country and passionate to share it.  Because of Romey, I was able to see so much more of Cuba than I would have on my own.