Wow, I am so behind with these blogs! So much to say and so little interent access!

Trinidad was the location for 3 nights from Monday 28th January to Thursday 31st January 2008. It was a really popular place with us travellers, its a bit more off the beaten track so theres less tourists, and it just looks like it hasn't been touched in decades. The only thing I didn't like about it was the cobbles, which were really uneven, sometimes sharp, and they trashed my shoes and feet. All part of the package though, if I go back, I'll be sensible and wear hiking boots instead of flip flops and flimsy shoes.

Trindad is a very pretty place. We stayed at Motel Las Cuevas and the rooms were in bungalows and were situated on a hill, so we had great views. And there was another pool- I was not expecting this luxury but as I'm sure it won't last, i'm going to enjoy it.

We arrived here around lunchtime on Monday and filled our bellies. Guess what I had...? Yes, ham and cheese, but it was pizza this time. It was really good actually. After that it was time to sort out the laundry and then pool time. As we were expecting new arrivals the next day, our city tour was postponed until Tuesday afternoon giving us free time. After being covered in cold water when I didn't get in the pool with the others, I figured I may as well get in and swim a few lengths only to find that I get in and the others all get out moaning that their cold and shivering under their towels. Typical! The most exciting thing about today though had to be the buffet. It had mashed potatoes and lots of other yummy stuff and was included in the trip. There we were thinking we only got breakfast. A buffet is definately the way to go in Cuba, you get to see the food before it goes on your plate, you choose the quantity, and you don't have to wait to be served. Its pure genius! A few of us had gone to the poolside shop before dinner to buy alcohol (mostly rum) and mixers and after dinner we headed to Susannah and Veronika's room for drinkies. It was an entertaining night, an interesting mix of philosophical conversations about life in Cuba and homosexuality, and then at the other end of the spectrum was Veronika´s surfing demonstration and Otto's pillow, Maria.

Tuesday was a planned lie in day, but the ever so efficient laundry man woke us up at 9am. It was a lazy morning, with tukola (Cuban coke) and Crunch chocolate for brekkie (sorry mum) and tv- Desperate Housewives was on. For the first time since i'd met Annora I ventured out on my own that afternoon for an internet cafe. Afterwards I returned to the hotel up the hill that killed me, arriving in the lobby sweating, short of breath, bright red and desperate for water, just in time to meet the 4 new people. Great first impression I must have made. We have lunch by the pool and then go on the walking tour. The tour only takes around an hour, including a ration shop, begging children encouraged by their mother standing nearby, local sellers and afterwards we try a local cocktail- La Canchanchara. Then its walking back up the hill again. That night we go to the steps, where the locals gather to salsa and rumba. We stick to observation, but i can`t stop my feet from tapping and have a permanent smile on my face. Its very dirty dancing and one of the girls reminds me of Jennifer Grey- its her hair. After that we headed to a club in a cave and worked on our salsa moves. Great night!

On Wednesday a group of us went to the beach Playa Ancon having heard great reports about the snorkelling the day before. I opted to veg out on the beach and was relieved I had when the snorkellers returned with jelly fish stings. Not serious stings, just irritating. After that it was time for my first ever salsa lesson! We were split into boys and girls at first and taught the basic moves first, then we were put into pairs. It was so much fun and I've no doubt that its the first of many lessons! I was proud of myself when I got some good feedback from the teacher. At the end the male instructor came over and borrowed me from Dan to show me some turns- I could`ve kept dancing for hours! Trindad has to be highlight of the trip- the group was full, their was lots happening, and of course, there was the salsa!