Cuba Fabulous, Place Fabulous People (Holiday Resorts in Cuba)

Member Name: karenroach

Product:	Holiday Resorts in Cuba
Date:	18/06/09 (35 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Unspoilt by MacDonalds

Disadvantages: It's a very long journey

I had not planned to go to Cuba, but when my youngest daughter booked to go on her own, I was worried sick Cuba was just like Russia (when it was behind the Iron Curtain) only warmer wasn't it? You only went if you had to. I only went to make sure she was alright. Nothing could be further from the truth!

We touched down at the airport at Ciego de Avila in Cuba after a fairly routine 10 hour flight from Gatwick. We had all read the tourist guide books- don't take photos of airports policeman, soldiers installations, oil wells or anything else that looked dodgy. If in doubt, ask your tour guide. Don't stay talking with the locals too long, or the Cuban police will question them and they will be in trouble. We prepared to enjoy our holiday of a lifetime despite the restrictions.

We all got through customs and were on our way in about the same amount of time and with the same amount of red tape as at any other international airport. We all piled on to our bus and were greeted by our tour guide, a retired teacher (Tour guiding paid better than teaching). We made the two hour journey to our holiday complex Hotel Tryp on Cayo Coco. (Since we went, the new Airport that was under construction has opened just down the road from the Hotel Tryp.)

We needed advice on what we could snap and who we could talk to, our guide was more interested in telling us which Rum was the best, and which Cigars represented best value. But as for the photos-take whatever you like!

When we got to the hotel, we were ready for it, we'd been travelling through the night for hours, then driving for hours, we'd all had it.

What an experience awaited us. Two whole weeks of being treated like princesses. The hotel was absolutely fabulous with marbled piazzas, azure blue swimming pools, lagoons full of flamingos and the most breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean I have ever seen. the very high quality accommodation was dotted around all the complex. Check it out on the website you'll see what I mean.

The First Choice rep was happy in her work-why wouldn't she be. She was lovely and as helpful as the day is long, but the real stars were the Cuban staff. There was our maid Maria who came and made beautiful arrangements of our linen and clean towels. She insisted on tidying up after us, even though we had told her we would do it ourselves. Nothing was too much trouble.

Then there was Boris our waiter who always made sure that we were aware of the choices on offer, eagle eyed to make sure that everything was just so for us. The food was about the same as you will find on any "All Inclusive" five star resort. Food and Drink was on tap 24/7.

There was Rickardo our tour guide who took it very personally when some items were thought to have been stolen from some of his party, I felt more sorry for him than for them!

We had excursions to Havana and Holquin. Took photos with the policeman outside of Fidel Castro's headquarters. Wondered at all the celebrity photos past and present lining the walls of the world Famous Hotel Nacional. Swam with Dolphins, Shopped, Learned Salsa, Watched a Carnival, drank Daiquiris in Hemingway's favourite bar (there were a few of those). Went to the Tropicana Club for an unforgettable performance that took place on stage and amongst the audience.

The whole experience was a real eye opener. The people were resourceful, colourful, open and friendly, and even though Cuba was poor, it was also very rich.

We had a fabulous time. Our flight home was to Bristol, it was raining and all I could think was welcome home!

Summary: Cuba Live every moment to the full