We were not certain when we decided at the very last minute to travel to Cuba. We had heard horror stories. Nevertheless, we jump on board and we were definitely not sorry. What a beatiful country. The people are just so hospitable and friendly. It was for a one week holiday and promised ourselves that we would go back to Cuba for a longer period of time.

Some might argue that the food in Cuba is terrible. We found that, although it is not Cordon Bleu cuisine, we never went hungry. We have to understand that Cuba is Cuba. Some mornings you may have bananas and other mornings there are none. It all depends on what was shipped.

The resort was spotless and the beach, although a little small compared to others was just beautiful. The water was clear and turquoise.

We dared to get out of the resort and found a nice state-owned restaurant. We made reservations and walked back to the resort. When we went back to the resto, I had gathered some soap and shampoo and cream and brought my modest gift to a local lady. We continued our trail to the restaurant. The food was fantastic. We each had a gigantic langoustina almost the size of a lobster tail. It was just delicious.

Upon our return to the resort, the lady to which I had given her my gift came to greet us and gave me a beautiful necklance.

In Cuba, the education system is free and so is the health system. The problem with the health system is that they don't have medicine.

If you go, do bring lots of toothpaste, face clothes, headache medicine. Don't take anything for granted. They need it and they love T-Shirts, etc. I saw toothpaste in a store nearby and they were selling it for 1.90 CUC. Give me a break, they can't afford that. I paid mine .46¢ Can.

we just returned from holguin, and thought we would tell you folks it was a fantastic trip all in all. we stayed at the briasas guardalavaca had a few minor problems but nothing much, it was what it was.when you go to cuba its not about the food or hotel its about the country the people. i've never felt so safe ever, jump on a scooter and go that was the best time ever . we will go back for sure this is the true canadian destination they love us so go and have fun!