Head to Varadero for a taste of the real Cuba

On the plus side I've managed to shoehorn my clunky reference in so we can now actually talk about the Island of Cuba, socialist republic and all round enigma wrapped up a shell of a mystery.

Now we've done Havana before, so in the spirit of adventure and all that I'm going to take you to Varadero, the best place for beaches on the whole island. The sand is white and fine and soft, while the water is one of those gorgeous places that seems to alternate colours between blue, aqua and green. While you're there, make sure you book up some diving sessions with Barracuda Diving Center, who will take you out on a boat and let you experience the sheer loveliness of the Caribbean sea. It's a winner.

While you're there you should try and take in a baseball game as well. The Cubans are notoriously nutty for the game, despite the fact has been a bastion of anti-Americanism since before the revolution. Check out the local scene here. You won't be disappointed.