Where was your last overseas trip?
I travelled to Cuba

Why did you choose Cuba?
Ever since 1988, when I studied the Cuban revolution in History, I have always had a desire to go there. I am a sucker for the underdog and the whole Cuban/USA standoff held a romantic interest for me... and I love mojitos!

Tell us a little about the itinerary
Travelling by myself I chose the safe-girl's way. I chose to do a package from London which included a week's stay at the Melia Las Americas resort in Varadero and flights.

Where did you stay along the way, and why?
Based in Varadero I did day trips to Havana, Matanzas province, Belle Mar Caves (think Cango Caves but much, much smaller) and into Varadero itself. I wish I had spent a night in Havana as I don't think I got to see as much of it as I would have liked.

Your favourite meal during your time away?
No one goes to Cuba for the food. In fact it is famous for bad food!

Did you find any 'hidden secrets'?
Because the people are materially poor they are always approaching tourists for money, clothing, stationery items. I met two young boys in a town square one day and gave them ballpoint pens. They were very grateful and rewarded me with picked flowers. A very special day to receive flowers from two boys!

Your best travel tip for others planning a visit there?
Buy cigars, drink mojitos in the square, take photos of the old cars and look beyond the derelict buildings and see the beauty beneath.

Meet any interesting locals?
A few marriage proposals aside — I was the first South African that many had met, but the proposals weren't serious, they just wanted off the island. If you want a Caribbean island holiday don't go to Cuba but if you want a beach holiday combined with incredible architecture, history and a living communist country then go.

Yes, the people may be "poor" but when you think that they have complete free health care, free schooling, subsidised food, subsidised rent and funerals paid for they are very rich! I guess for a South African I have a completely different take on poverty as opposed to the masses of Canadians there on a cheap holiday.

For South Africans though, Cuba is not cheap. The CUC (Convertible Cuban Peso) is 16:1. So 16 of our Rands gives one of their Pesos. Not a cheap holiday!

A mojito in a plastic cup in a square in Havana cost me R60. Expensive but the experience was priceless.

What's the best way to get around?
There is public transport, but most tourists use taxis or tour buses.

Where's next on your travel 'to-do list'?
China and, Russia (Communist theme perhaps?) and the Cango Caves — I have to prove to myself that it is bigger and better here at home!