"Lew" wrote...
I'm taking a LEGAL trip to Cuba in a couple of months. I assume I can
get CNN World Service on the hotel's TV, but I would like to carry
along a very portable shortwave receiver to pickup English news
broadcasts when I'm out and about.

I've looked at some reviews, but the tiny, new (and not reviewed -
that I can find) Kaito KA-105 seems like it would fit the bill.

Other suggestions? Stations (frequencies and times) most likely of
use?

Thanks.

Hi Lew,

I just ordered a KA105 from Kaito's website
http://www.kaitousa.com/KA105.htm

There are no reviews that I can find either, but
I took a chance, and Walter (kaitosales at earthlink dot net)
said if I'm not satisfied I can send it back with no restocking fee.

I should have it next week sometime.

For frequencies and times I think you'd do OK if you
got Monitoring Times magazine's issue that coincides
with your trip... going it March? Get the March issue.
They come out around the last day of each month in
bookstores (or did) and I get my subscription issue during
the last week of each month.

Also, Passport To World Band Radio 2004 would come
in handy. Amazon.com has it for about $17 US.

I listen to BBC from Antigua on 15190 kHz everyday.
I'd say you have a good shot of hearing a lot of stuff
targeted at the Americas... which you can find easily
in Monitoring Times. The real experts here will undoubtedly
have more specific suggestions.

Please post again and let us know what radio you got and when
your trip is. And when you get back be sure to let us know
how it went and what you heard.

Best wishes.