Day 18 Tour of Santiago de Cuba

We may not have driven hundreds of kms, but we were exhausted doing it.

The temperature today was 30+, but the humidity was 80% at 9:00. During the morning we all lost buckets of sweat.

Picked up at 8:45 and then went round the round a bout several times trying to find a parking space in the hotel opposite us, to pick up the others. Eventually worked our way through the one way streets and then down the road to Revolution Square as distinct from all the other Revolution squares! They have had so many revolutions and wars it is hard to keep up with each specific one. This one is VERY impressive and is where they have their major May Day march and where Pope John Paul 11 celebrated mass.

The statue on top is amazing- a combination of steel and bronze. I can never remember which general is which. But he died in battle and the steel structures around, represent the machetes of the people rising in revolt.

Then we cruised through the city to the Cemetery, where both locals and all the revolutionaries were buried. It is the oldest cemetery in Cuba and combines Carrara marble and local marble. But possibly the most impressive thing is the changing of the guard – in this heat- every half hour. Once again very impressive watching their meticulous timing. They have to especially choose guards who do not have to bend their heads to go under.  Our guide was so knowledgeable.

Many leaders were Masons. Symbolism everywhere.

From the cemetery back into the oldest part of town to visit a local museum, which was originally the first house in the town. They have done an amazing job of restoring it. I had to pay the usual $5 to photograph. The ceramics and carpentry were most impressive. Our guide was great – another tip.

Back on the bus after nearly expiring in the heat of all the marble of the cemetery. Off to San Juan Hill for another memorial, this time to the Cuban- Spanish- American War. Then off to see the next square dedicated to one of the wars/ revolutions before going to the original garrison that Castro and his men tried to unsuccessfully overtake, resulting in the deaths of many. At least we stood in the shade here.

Back on the bus to go to the harbour. Some ventured into the water to paddle. The broken bottles in the sand put me right off. This town is incredibly clean and tidy, so it was quite a shock to see so much litter at the small inlet.

Huge similarity to Spanish/ Moorish influence. 

Back on the bus, sweating profusely to go up the hill to the Castle Del Morro, which guarded the harbour from pirates and was later used as a prison for political prisoners, but lovely architecture. We walked to restaurant, where we all scoffed off our first drink in record time, before ordering a second. The usual meal of soup, salad, prawns/ chicken and ice- cream. Walked back to the bus at snail’s pace for some, the heat and humidity was so intense. But from here back to the hotel for a well-earned rest before dinner tonight.

Our washing was delivered at 4:45 after waking Heather up from a deep sleep with the phone. I was typing my notes after downloading photos.

Our towels for tonight.