Cuba advice (& pics)

I know some of you have been to Cuba. I'm headed there soon for a couple of weeks. Other than some advanced Spanish work and mandatory salsa lessons, I'll be pretty much on my own, staying at a casa particular in Habana Vieja. Could use some tips on places to go & things to do in the city and within a few hours' bus ride beyond.

Secondly, I'll be writing an article or two about the experience for my travel blog. Angles I'm considering include language learning as a vehicle for travel; Cubans' relationship with Nature; and Cubans' expectations & hopes for the future. Any suggestions for other interesting angles?

Finally, I'm curious what you've found to be the easiest, most reliable way to stay in touch from Cuba with folks back in the US.

First, for staying in touch back home I used Skype. I used it mainly to call the local movie theaters while in Cuba so I could continue to post the weekly movies.

Not sure how long you'll be there. There is SO MUCH uniqueness to see and experience in Cuba. Be sure to visit Hemingway's home "Finca El Vigía" where you'll find everything just as he left it and where you can see his recently restored fishing boat "Pilar". Here it is while restoration was underway.

The Hemingway library at Finca El Vigía.

Bacardi Building at dawn (but we ONLY make mojitos with Havana Club!)

The DuPont Beach Home in Varadero - great place for lunch

The Palacio del Valle in Cienfuegos - a magical place in a magical town on the way to Trinidad

Ruins of the Iglesia de Santa Ana in Trinidad de los Ingenios,

Trinidad de los Ingenios - the town where Cortez set sail to Mexico from.
Easy to spend lots of time in this region. Must see the disco in the cave!

The Tropicana in La Habana. I got asked to dance. Man, did SHE have some moves!