American writer David Latt visits Havana and Cuba's capital impresses him with its public art displays.

PLAYA LARGA, CUBA – Birds are giving the morning rave notices. Crows, kestrels, spoonbills, herons, woodpeckers, cuckoos and the Cuban national bird, the tocororo. Birds hang-gliding, flapping, hopping, hovering, fidgeting, chirping, cheeping.

CIENFUEGOS, CUBA — It was 56 years ago that American-backed insurgents landed on the beaches of Cuba’s Bay of Pigs. That invasion was a failure, but, thanks to the recent warming of relations between Cuba and the U.S., there’s a new American invasion taking place. How this one will turn out is anyone’s guess.

VARADERO, CUBA - “The first thing you need to know about Cuba is that it is not an island,” says L.J., our local guide, as our van travels toward Havana.

HAVANA -I really can’t remember how many times I’ve come to Cuba. I’m here a lot on business but always find time to indulge in the sweet pleasures of this sugar cane island.