Off to Cienfuego
Trip Start
Sep 20, 2010
1
6
42
Trip End
Nov 23, 2010
Yawn, god it is early but I can't wait to get out of this place and onto the bus. Get to the station but no availability on the early bus so I have to wait until 11:30 but it is a good chance to catch up on my blog. Internet cafe's are almost impossible to get here in Cuba and expensive so I have to write everything down and upload it when I get a chance. So tonight will be in Cienfuego which is a UNESCO world heritage site with a fantastic array of 19th century french architecture. 4 hours on a bus, more sleeping time. The guest house is not too far from the bus station and the room is great with the biggest en suite bathroom that I have ever seen. Unpack a few things as Iīm only here for one night and it is off to the naval history museum. If you ever come here and think it is one of the things that you have to see, think again. Basically the officers in the base started an uprising here in 1957 prior to the big revolution that finally overthrew Batista but this one was crushed before they managed to get too far but it was a catalyst for what was to come. Unfortunately for the officers all were executed. Anyhow, I was asked when I arrived if I spoke any Spanish and I said only a little but I was "assigned" a guide who proceeded to launch off into a big story at every single exhibit. I explained that I had very limited Spanish but she didnīt even slow her stride. 2 hours later I was begging her to stop. Finally I managed to make my escape just as it started to rain. This was followed by a thunder clap and then the heavens opened. I took shelter, like all good Irish men on holidays in a bar where I just felt obliged to have a beer. Rain to Cubans must be like snow to us at home as the kids were out playing in the streets having a ball. Adults were out of their houses grabbing a free cooling shower or giving their cars a good wash. After 2 hours and several beers I decided that I would just have to brave it and make a run for the guest house. Dinner was in the B&B and it was excellent. Alex - glad I took your advice on eating local when given the chance. Best moment from today was standing in a random street doorway cursing my luck when I hear "Donīt cry for me Argentina" from Evita blasting out from somewhere inside the house and when I turned around there were some little faces peering around the door at me and giggling. Love those random moments.
