I'll See You in C-U-B-A (12/1/06)

Fifty years ago this weekend, Fidel Castro landed the yacht Granma on the beaches of Cuba to begin the final battles of the Cuban Revolution. It's a little easier for tourists to get there nowadays, though, and Cuba attracts some 2 million visitors a year. The embargo the U.S. government placed on the country in 1961 has been a curse and a blessing. It's effectively stifled the Cuban economy, but it's allowed the island to avoid overt commercialization and retain its unique character. But what is there for the adventurous tourist to do? Plenty. From the many urban and historical sites in Havana, Trinidad, and Santiago to the natural wonders of the Vinales Valley, there's something for everyone. So, whether you're sitting on the terrace of the Parque Central Hotel or staying at the humblest casa particular, as you puff your cigar and sip your rum and Coke, give a toast to the health (or lack thereof) of El Jefe.