A town with French influence
Trip Start
Jan 01, 2013
1
297
333
Trip End
Dec 31, 2012
Cienfuegos, Cuba
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Circle on map shows the location of Palacio de Valle
JUN 27: We got up early today, because it was the day for our two day bus tour to Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Sancti Spiritus, and Santa Clara. My cost for this tour was 155 CUC's, a real bargain, as you'll understand from what follows. Alexander paid 148 CUC's per person for their share.
CIENFUEGOS: Is a lovely town located on the southern coast of Cuba on a large natural bay about 150 miles from Havana. The French established the urbanistic foundation of the colonos in 1819 who immigrated from Bordeaux and La Luisiana. One can see the French accent in their multiple constructions from the layout of the streets and architectural harmony. It's also a very clean town with nary any trash seen in this lovely place.
We were provided with a short walking orientation tour, then given some free time to roam the main pedestrian street or explore other streets on our own.
One of the most interesting place on this tour was our visit to Pacio del Valle, with Moorish architecture that seemed out of place on the Punto Gorda waterfront. We were treated to cocktails on the roof's terrace bar including soft drinks for the teetotalers. The views from here
were phenomenal looking out over the water and some parts of this town.
We were then provided lunch at Club Cienfuegos, the yacht club, and only had to pay for beer or alcoholic drinks.
1a tour bus & parque marti, 1b scenery
2a Cathedral, 2b Che
3a Palacio de Valle 3b Parque Marti
1a bar, 1b building at end of pedestrian street, 1c Cathedral
2a Church, 2b yacht club, 2c street
3a street with city hall, 3b pottery factory, 3c Parque Marti
We then coached to Trinidad for our accommodations at a resort hotel with swimming pool and entertainment. When we checked in, we were banded on the wrist with a blue ID band that allowed us to have all the drinks we wanted and access to the facilities of the hotel. All the meals were included. I even went for a short swim, and enjoyed a couple of cocktails.
