One of the most popular destinations for Canadians to head for their winter vacations is Cuba. In the 20 odd years I've lived here the thought of going for one week to an all inclusive resort and just lying on the beach had no appeal for me while I was more interested in history, architecture, and culture.

With the US sanctions regime against Cuba Canadian tourists were always sought after with bus and tv ads making this one of the most popular winter destinations. Now that Obama has recently eased relations there is a feeling of now is the time to go before the Americans move in and commercialize everyone.

I hadnt done anything south of the US in my years of travel except for Merica Yucatan in Mexico last year to see the Mayan ruins along the Ruta Puuc (see blog http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog/lo ndone7/33/tpod.html) I wanted to try something other than Mexico again and Cuba appealed for some of its historical heritage in Havana.

I tried looking for tours to Cuba but due to the sanctions travel agents weren't able to offer anything other than an all inclusive resort. However I did find one interesting five city week long tour online thru an agency called Locally Sourced Cuba http://locallysourcedcuba.com/.

They had many excellent reviews on Trip Advisor and they pricing of only $680 USD for the 8 day tour excluding flights was very reasonable. Even better they did not charge for a single supplement as most tours do!. I also liked the idea of this tour as it was more community driven staying with local families so more of an authentic cultural experience.

With so many Canadian tourists Canada has direct flights to Havana from Toronto. I managed to grab it early for $450. Unfortunately my Sunday morning flight was 8am meaning a very early start. I tried looking at the Saturday flights but they were no good arriving 10pm and I've had bad experiences with late night arrivals so prefer to be in the day and make use of daylight for walking. The Friday flight times also didnt work as I'd have to take an extra day off work.

For my 8am flight I'd ordered a cab online for 6am. The night before I hadnt slept properly. Saturday night for my flight I tried to sleep and woke 3am. I tried to doze off for a bit and passed out cold. Lucky I had two alarms set for 4am or I would have missed my flight!

530am I called the cab company to ask for a cab now instead of 6am as I was ready to leave. As I went down a cab had just dropped someone off so it couldnt have been mine this early. I went in and asked him to call the cab company to cancel the other one but he just replied the other driver would leave. So much for helping out your fellow cab drivers!

I took a short ride to the Dundas West airport train which has started running at 530am. I took the 5.50am train and was at the airport by 6.05am. Train fare is only $5 after the outrageous $20 when it first launched resulting in a mass boycott!.

After printing my boarding card I went to the gate. The flight was packed full. They had the rear doors open for loading stuff and we could feel the morning icy chill coming thru. On take off due to clouds there was nothing to see.

It was a short 3.5hr flight before arriving in the heat and chaos of Havana airport. You had to go thru a scanner, they wouldnt give an extra basket so piled everything on high causing my passport to fall off and almost get lost on the belt.

I had a couple of apples which got flagged so I had to goto a separate check. She replied "non possibla" and was going to throw them out. I tried to eat one but before I could she replied "non possibla" again and threw them in the bin.

I was out the terminal 11.45am and there was supposed to be someone with a sign and my name. I walked round and round for 15 mins reading all the names but nobody was there. What a great start. Maybe I was out too early as I had no checked baggage or he was out having a smoke.

I decided to exchange some money first. I was told the lines were shorter in the departures hall instead of arrivals but it was still a 45 min wait with only one window open. When it was my turn they said they will only buy Pesos in the departures hall and to exchange dollars I must goto the arrivals hall. I wasnt going to stand in line for an hour again but I didnt even have money for a cab.

This time when I went down I saw a guy with my name but spelt wrong. I confirmed the flight number and time with him. I told him I was there from 11.45, walked round and round for 15 mins and noboby was there, so I went to the money exchange. He replied Mister, told me he had been outside with the sign, and it is not his job to come inside even though everyone else with signs was waiting at arrivals.

At least I had my driver but I told him I had no money and I had to wait in line again to exchange my dollars. He said there is a place by my hotel and its the same rate as its set by the Government.

We made it to my Casa in the town centre where I left my bag before starting my afternoon walking tour and going to the money exchange so I can get something to eat and a drink.