Woke to an overcast sky that stayed all day. Heather was
feeling much better. Picked up bags and were waiting for Jose and crew before
8. They came early- no surprise.
Drove through fields of cane today and lots of cattle
grazing. The day started with the drive through the beautiful, lush Valle de
Los Ingenios, where there had been 18 sugar cane mills. We stopped to view the
huge tower built specifically to keep an eye on the slaves. Of course there
were the usual stalls but this time they were selling mostly incredible
handmade embroidered tablecloths and table runners. We stopped to have a drink
in the original country house of the plantation owner, whose city house we visited
yesterday.
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| Valle de Los Ingenios |
Back on the bus for a long two hour+ drive along a secondary
road constructed with government funds by a corrupt individual who put 20% of
the cost into his pocket. Consequently the road is a tight squeeze in places.
Sometimes we had to slow right down behind a bike / cart. We drove though
lovely countryside. Once again many carts, people walking along, waiting
patiently for buses, waving their notes at us for a ride, bicycles and
tractors. A few motor bikes and fewer cars. It must have been washing day. So
many homes had washing waving in the wind- so clean and so white. Even the most
primitive home appeared clean and tidy, often with someone sweeping/ cleaning
out side. The usual slogans along the road and the statues of the heroes of the
revolution.
We stopped for a break at Florida, then onto Camaguey. The
city that defies a GPS/ map. It is such a labyrinth, that Jose had to ask
directions many times. By now it was very hot. Eventually we found our fabulous
restaurant and had the best meal of the entire trip. Delicious beef and vegies
and of course there was a band! And of course we had to pay a tip.
Next we were joined by our local guide. The group was
divided into three and we went on the local version of three wheel tourist
taxis. Heather and I just squeezed into the back and we had the chief guide. He
took us around to four important sites in the town. We saw some fabulous local
art work Martha Jiminez. The town is another heritage site. The old section is
just quaint and the “modernish” areas have been upgraded, but is definitely not
concrete, steel and glass.
Jose left us in the square while he tried to find Vladimir,
which took quite a while. The city is a labyrinth. Eventually we got our bags
and possessions and walked down to the hotel to check in. Hot and sweaty.
Heather and I went down to the desk to exchange money, get one more card and
inquire about the internet. He sent us to the next hotel who sent me up to the
office of the local phone company office to get cards.
Strange system. No numbers, but you had to wait for your
turn to be served and you needed a passport to get a maximum of three- 1 cuk
each and only lasts for ½ hour. Thankfully a young man in there spoke
reasonable English and was able to help me. Back to the square to meet Heather
to find I’d missed a punch up! We sat and had a drink in the square. It was
incredibly hot. Back to the hotel for a WELL deserved shower. Downloaded photos
and then off to dinner upstairs, which was better than the last hotel. But our
room is “less than spacious”. Another very busy day. Music is pounding outside
and we are on the third floor.
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