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After the winter in Argentina we were really excited to feel the sun and the heat when we arrived in Cuba. We came to Cuba just in time for Castro's birthday, but in spite of this national holiday you couldn't see anything special in the street view.
To experience all sides of the country we had decided to spend the week traveling through the Garden Province in the west of Cuba.
Havana
Before our week-long tour we spent one night in Havana. We felt as if we had travelled back in time to the 50's. We were amazed by all the colorful buildings, cars and people. Even though everything was quite run down it was very unique and charming.
When we got to our HOTEL(!!!) we felt very anxious and had high expectations because our driver had told us it is a "4 star hotel". The lobby was nice and we were offered welcome drinks. But the down hill started at the reception… When we asked if they had Internet in the room we got a laugh as reply (there is no Internet in Cuba). Our room turned out to be a steam sauna and we were welcomed by a strong aroma from the toilet. We also had pets included.
Nevertheless we decided to go out and enjoy the city and already in the evening we met some fellow travellers.
Vinales
Our first stop on our travels was in Pinar del Rio province in a small town called Vinales. It was located in a valley surrounded by mogotes, or limestone pincushion hills. There we stayed in a "Casa", which is a homestead for an immersive cultural experience. Our casa was lovely and we had a very entertaining host Chino with his wonderful wife Yenlis. We strongly recommend staying in a cassia in Vinales because it is a very nice and different experience for travellers. We also got to practice our new spanish skills ;)
In Pinar del Rio we visited a "vega" i.e. cigar factory and saw how the famous Cuban cigars are made. We also went hiking and horseback riding in the tobacco fields. The high light of the evenings was dancing salsa on the Vinales main plaza!
Maria La Gorda
From Vinales we continued our journey to Maria La Gorda, which is located on the Northwestern tip of Cuba. Maria La Gorda is an ideal place for water sports. We went snorkeling and just relaxed on the beach. Snorkeling was amazing because the water was crystal clear. Among others we saw Sponges, Barracudas, Dog Snappers, Snappers and many more tropical fish.
We also did an excursion to Cabo San Antonio, a protected area famous for the sea turtles that lay their eggs on the beach there. Unfortunately the turtles lay eggs in the night so we didn't get to see them. The volunteers working with the project invited us to join their team and we are strongly considering going back after graduation ;)
PEOPLE! you should watch your feet in Cuba because they have hidden steps everywhere. One wonderful evening when we were walking back to our room one of these steps appeared (once again) from nowhere and cut almost half of Jenna's toe away. Since Anna is afraid of blood she decided to help her friend, not with bandage, but with two big glasses of rum. And it helped! Later we also found out an interesting trivia; apparently there are approximately 50 thousand doctors in Cuba and the medicine is really advanced. So Jenna was in good hands.
Soroa
Before heading back to Havana we stopped for one night in a beautiful place called Soroa, known as the rainbow of Cuba. In Soroa we hiked in rain forests and saw amazing waterfalls and natural springs. We also visited an orchid garden with thousands of beautiful flowers.
Havana
The last days we strolled around in Havana and had the last dance in Casa de la musica, a really good salsa club. We stayed at a great little hostel called "Casa de Ania".
All in all we feel happy that we got to experience so many sides of this interesting country. As we said earlier, we felt like we went back in time when it comes to technology, service and administration but this is a part of what makes this country fascinating. You should all go there!
- comments
Elizabeth Anonymous - Wow these are the best wedding pics I have ever seen!! A.C you are lkoniog HOT! You and your beautiful bride should be all over bridal magazines with these photos. Your pics make me want to go out and find someone to marry..LOL All the best to you and you wife. Congrates.Alexsandra