Riddled with cliches, many of them true, Havana is like no other
city in the Caribbean - or in the world. Living with the effects of
an embargo dating back nearly 50 years, it is constantly trying to
move into the 21st century while proudly embracing its past. On 1
August 2006, less then two weeks before his 80th birthday, Fidel
Castro - the world's longest-serving political leader - took
the unprecedented step of handing over power to his brother, Raul,
who he had already chosen to succeed him when he dies. Even if this
proves to be merely a temporary measure, this latest setback is a
reminder that Havana could be about to change forever. If you
haven't visited before, go now.
