Day 7 - Cuba

The alarm was set for 8:30 am. What a treat! After a light breakfast at the hotel, we gathered up the clothing, shoes, pencils, pens, etc. we had brought with us and grabbed a bicitaxi, or bicycle taxi.

We told the cyclist where we wanted to go and showed him on the map too. It was a most interesting ride. Several times we heard a strange sound coming from the bike chains and we wondered if we had broken the bike! Our weight plus the amount of stuff we were carrying was a heavy load for the cyclist. He took us to a building that we didn't think was the right place and it was closed. The driver asked some locals, then realized where we wanted to go.

Unfortunately, the church we had chosen on the map as being the closest, was closed. We didn't know what we were going to do with all the stuff we had with us but the driver had another idea. We set off again and after quite a bit further, our cyclist found us an open church. By this time, we were on a first name basis with the cyclist. Jose showed us photos of his little girl on his cell phone and we visited as best we could between his English and my very poor Spanish.

The church where we stopped was a large cathedral and we weren't sure what to do after we walked in. There were some people at the front of the church who were busy, and Jose explained for us why we were there. They received the donations gratefully and were very pleased we had come.

Jose took us back to the general area we had been, this time to the National Art Museum. What a nice young man he was! The art museum consists of two buildings but we were only interested in the Cuban art exhibits.

It is a well curated museum with a large collection. The 18th century art was remarkable in scope. Cuban art and music is really promoted here and there are many talented people in and of this country. I liked a few of the more modern pieces, but lots of it I just didn't 'get'. Anyway, it was a most worthwhile visit.

We walked back to the hotel down the Paseo del Prado. It was filled with people strolling and sitting, kids playing baseball and various vendors, most of which were selling their art.

At the hotel we grabbed a quick bite and packed for the afternoon. Then we caught the beach bus right in front of our hotel. For 5 CUC, we got a ride to the area which was about 20 kilometres away. It was so worth going that distance.

The recommended stop was at the Tropicoco Hotel. Due to the lay of the land, we couldn't see much until we were right up close, then wow - live bands, kite surfers, beach bars, people, and the beautiful green-blue ocean!

We had a ball walking in the warm water, beachcombing and taking photos of course.

We found lots of beach glass and I had particular luck in finding some nice pieces. Several friendly Cubans interacted with us as we walked along and many wanted us to take pictures of them with our cameras for some strange reason.

It was fairly windy out but it was a warm ocean breeze.

The time went by all too fast and we had to make sure we caught the last bus out of there. We unloaded out treasures back at our hotel, then set out in search of the Floridita, a haunt of Ernest Hemingway. While we paused at a corner, a local asked us where we wanted to go. When we told him, he said he knew a better, cheaper place he would show us. We thought it wouldn't hurt to have a look.

We needed up having supper at one of the many places where the Buena Vista Social Club plays. Supper was nice but much larger portions than I wanted or needed. On the way back home we did find the Floridita and stopped in for a strawberry daiquiri. The place got insanely busy and we didn't stay long.

 Only one more day.

Day 6 - Cuba

Another early morning pickup - thank goodness I was feeling better. Today's excursion was to the north to the Vinales Valley. Our young guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. I still needed more rest though, and I had a pleasant nap enroute.

Our first stop of the day was at the farm of a tobacco grower.

He was quite a character and enjoyed joking with the group. He showed us inside his tobacco drying shed and then he rolled a cigar with his tobacco leaves.

We were then invited into his home for a coffee and a look around.

I am always fascinated to see how other people live and I was in my glory capturing snippets of another world with my camera.

Vinales is a beautiful area, lush and green. The distinctive mogotes of the area are huge, dome-shaped hills amongst the flat land. I can see why tourism is so very popular there - that and growing tobacco.

We went on to visit the Mural de la Prehistoria painted on the side of the mountains. It is intended to represent the history of evolution, but it wasn’t really all that amazing.

Lunch was another delicious meal but my appetite still wasn't back. Nearby was the Cueva del Indio or Indian Caves.

The first part of the passage was through narrow tunnels lit with artificial lighting. The ceiling of the cave was so very high and the rock formations were fascinating.

At the end of the walkway, we boarded a boat an exited the cave on the underground San Vincente River.

There were two more stops before we headed back to Havana. The first was a viewpoint overlooking the entire valley.

I could see some more tobacco sheds below along with a variety of fields and pastures.

The second stop was at a rum factory, however production had ceased for the day.

We arrived back at our hotel just before 8 pm and went in search of a light supper somewhere besides our hotel. We ended up in a bar by the name of Sloppy Joe's, founded in 1917.

There's no rush tomorrow morning - hooray! 

Day 5 - Cuba

The alarm was set for 6 am with plans to have a shower, however the water was cold so that didn't happen. At breakfast I had no appetite whatsoever. The dog outside got most of my meat and cheese bun but I did get some peppermint tea in me.

At 8, we were picked up in huge, old Russian camouflaged jeeps and headed out on some rough paved roads.

After about half an hour, we disembarked and set out with a knowledgeable local guide.

It was quite cool in the mountains and I was glad I brought my wind jacket for extra warmth. Part way along I recalled that my capris were actually pants that folded up so I took advantage of that - duh!

The first part of the trail was quite easy and we stopped frequently for our guide to explain the uses of the various plants we passed. Then the trail began to change and walking single file was necessary. 

It also became more rocky and we descended. We stopped at a few picturesque spots including some lovely little waterfalls.

We had been told to bring our swim suit and towel as there was a lovely swimming hole with a waterfall in the background. The morning had been sufficiently cool enough that I knew that wasn't going to happen! In the middle of "nowhere" there was a bar where we could order drinks, with and without alcohol. All I could think of by that point was how much better I would feel if I could get rid of what was churning in my stomach. So I went off on my own and that's what happened.

I did feel better and so we carried on the interesting jungle path.

Our destination was a restaurant at the end of the trail where we were served a delicious lunch. Unfortunately I still had no appetite for the wonderful organic, tender chicken along with many other dishes.

After dinner, we got back in the jeeps and went to meet our bus. Along that road we stopped at a fruit/coffee stand by the side of the road and many of the group made purchases. I was feeling sick again and did my 'thing' away from the group.

After the high energy activity of the morning, the rest of the day was mostly spent sitting in the bus as we headed home. The bumpy ride did nothing for my stomach.

We stopped in Santa Clara for visit to the Che Guevara museum and memorial. The Cubans sure do love that man!

It was late when we arrived back at our Havana hotel, and the trip wasn't made better by the bus driver forgetting our stop. I had a shower and hit the bed, getting up to do this entry before I forget. I hope this is over by morning!