Our Day in and out of Havana

We were to go to the east of Havana to a place called the "Escalaros de Jaruco". Danny had billed this as one of his favorite rides, and we could see why. It was also neat, since we picked up Danny at his home, and his wife and three daughters and one neice came along with us.

The ride itself was, as usual, partly uphill and partly downhill. There was one killer hill, but the rest was easily manageable. Over the 43 Km, we went through some forest, some fields, some towns. Quite varied scenery.

We also stopped for juice and coffee at El Arabe, and mountain-top area Castro built in 1974 with the help of Libyan financiers, for the Cubans (and likely himself). Gorgeous views of the surrounding country and out to the Atlantic.

Then downhill, as I said, through some of the towns and out to our stop in Guanabo for a pizza lunch which was hard to beat. After that, back to Havana, to the Revolution Square,

and then Central Havana before getting back to the hotel.

Supper tonight was out at the best state-owned restaurant in Havana: La Guarida. And it vertainly lived up to its reputation. the restaurant itself is on the third floor of a derelict building, so you go up two flights which are rather nondescript and a bit worrying, then get to the place itself, which is awesome. Hard to believe that this si the same type of ownership as the pplace the night before, where the service was mediocre at best. This was exceptional: the food was terrific, the service was terrific, the venue was great. Some of the folks staying on are going back for more tomorrow night.

Now I'm back at the hotel, having given our good-bye's and ready for bed. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad.

Location:Havana