January 28, Back to Havana

Our second-last day. It seems hard to believe.We were promised, and got, a flat road from just outside Cienfuegos all the way to Playa de Girón in the Bay of Pigs.. Today is the 28th, also a holiday in Cienfuegos because it has to do with josé Marti. So we had to manoeuver the bus around a bit to get past the planned parade. But the we got to the place where wer were to start biking. Road was bad, but clouds few, temperature mid-20s, and wind negligible.so we were happy.

The towns we biked through seemed to be relatively new and well-maintained; we learned later that this had to do with the hurricane whch had destroyed many homes, so the government had to come in and rebuild.

We stopped for lunch and some free time at "Corteda Buena" (beautiful cove). And we soon learned why. The sea was wonderful, and I went swimming with a mask to watch the fish as I swam around. the water was warm and salty: so much so that I couldn't dive at all. It was great.

We had then a two plus hour drive to Havana, along their National Road, which is four lanes, smetimes six, and not at all busy. I read and slept.

Staying at the Armadores de Santadander, a hotel in Old Havana, right on the Alameda de Paula, near the Plaza Vieja. A wonderful old place: our room has 20-foot ceilings, an anteroom as well as a bathroom (with bidet)

and pretty modern fixtures. Of course, this being Cuba, there was a small problem: the toilet did not flush. But Gary and I figured a fix for that, so we're golden for now.

Tonight was supper at a state restaurant in Havana, with lots of meat, and some veggies as well. I'm bushed, so going to bed now.


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Location:Havana