Therefore, the Cuban seeds were sown... I knew I could find some information from Andy Mitchell whom I worked with on the RSPB song thrush project a year earlier. So after gleaning as much info as possible from Andy regards both tourist practicalities and some sites of ornithological interest (this being one of the reasons that I personally wanted to visit) as well as some extensive reading and net surfing, we prepared a rough route and booked some accommodation with (Captivating Cuba/Voyager Travel). We flew with Cubana (the national airline) from London Gatwick direct to Havana Jose Marti.

1: Getting There Flying Cubana and negotiating Customs before a first night in Havana. 2: Havana Strolling along the malecon and a visit to the Pardegas Cigar Factory. 3: Old Habana/Vieja The unwanted attention of hawkers leads to a wonderful discovery, the mojito. 4: The Road to Vinales Leaving Havana for the countryside, the lads take in some fantastic scenery. 5: Sierra De Rosario The food in the local palador is excellent and Cuban coffee should be added to a list of banned substances!

6: The Road to Trinidad Taking the most dangerous drive in Cuba to the UNESCO world heritage listed city of Trinidad. 7: Moron & the Northern Keys This was the longest and either most exciting or traumatic day of the trip, whichever way you care to look at it. 8: Bay of Pigs There are still pill boxes on the beach and the odd memorial to those that lost their lives here. 9: Varadero Varadero is Cuba's equivalent to Cancun in Mexico or the Costa del Sol in Spain, for better or worse! Birding Trip Report Cuba is fantastic for bird- watching. This is Derek's report from this trip.