Es Cuba

 November 17 to 24th 2002

Well the flight was long but not as long as I expected. Looking on a map it really looks far but time flies on flights often. My friends Yoansy, Hamri and his wife Dismey were at the airport to pick me up. I think they had been waiting for quite awhile but they did not seen to mind. We took a taxi from the airport to town; it is not very far so the ride was cheap. After the long flight I was kind of tired so I was not up too late.

Monday the 18^th I really noticed that it was not that warm or hot, it was in the 20s. I would not say it was cold either even though the Cubans felt it was freezing. I still wore my shorts but they wore their sweaters and long pants. We went to the store to stock upon food and necessities. This is something unusual for Cubans, as they don’t have the money for even the necessities. High on my list was toilet paper, a luxury for them and Rum. I bought a bottle of rum, 750ml for $2.80US, got to love it. I had brought some photos on a CD so we went to a friend of my friends that had a computer so we could look at them.

Tuesday the 19^th, we took a taxi downtown and toured around quite a bit. We went to the Masonic Temple but since I didn’t have any ID thanks to Paris and my command of Spanish is really lacking I did not get in see the much of the building. Next time I visit I will be more prepared and go in and see it. It is a very impressive building and it really stands out in downtown Havana. We then spent the afternoon in a taxi, touring town and other than a few short rides he never did turn the meter on. I didn’t complain, as it was a cheap ride. Or final mission for the day was to rent a car, there were lots of car rental places but either they were really expensive or they had no cars available.

The best deal we found was a smaller car a Peugeot for about $300.US for 4 days unlimited mileage. I paid an extra $15. so my friend Hamri could drive, as I had no interest in driving.

Wednesday the 20^th, we got going fairly early and except from various beer stops and/ photo opts we drove straight to Sancti Spiritis a very old Cuban town. We had a mission in mind I had brought a package from a friend in Iceland for a friend of his in Cuba. It was not that far out of my way so I decided we would deliver it in person. It was nice to see him and his mother. We stopped for coffee but did not stay long. Then we drove through Trinidad and ended up in Cienfuegos. Just outside of Cienfuegos we visited my friend Yoansy´s family on a farm. In Cienfuegos I rented a room for $25. and this was the first time I actually had hot water for a shower. It was a nice room and I had a great sleep.

Thursday 21^st, after touring downtown and trying to get on the Internet Yoansy and I headed out to the farm. Yes I was driving and it went well. We went for a little drive to visit more family and even went to a boarding school where his sister is studying. I saw lots of the countryside and met many interesting people. One older gentleman who came in on horseback was really interesting. I offered him a drink and asked if he wanted coke in it. He said he had never had a drink of rum with coke in it so I think it made his day. I must also mention this guy was probably in his 70s. To add a little excitement there was no power for most of the day and night, but I guess that is Cuba.

Had another great sleep and except for lots of rain had a great visit to the countryside.

Friday 22^nd, we returned to Cienfuegos and picked up Hamri and Dismey and went to the beach. The weather was still not great or hot but I felt I had to go to the beach at least once. We also toured Trinidad, which is always a favorite of mine. I got onto the Internet for the first time, checked my emails and sent a few emails. The only problem is Trinidad was that they could not sell liquor. Fidel was coming to visit and so for that day all the bars and liquor stores were closed. It was not too far out of town that we could find a place that sold beer, so I didn’t panic. We saw a military helicopter coming into town as we were leaving; I guess it was maybe Fidel. Along the way we came across a guy selling lobster. I bought 3 large freshly caught lobsters for $12.US. We got Hamri´s Mom to cook it for us to have with the rabbit she was also cooking for us. Before supper we ended up at a new bumper car place. It was a blast and except for a bloody knee I survived. Supper was excellent and I ate too much. I toured the house that I am buying with the help of Hamri, or I should say he is buying with my help. As the house is not quite ready, I stayed in the same room I had rented the day earlier.

Saturday 23^rd was yet another nice day. We drove back to Havana and toured around quite a bit before returning the car. There was still so much to see and time was running out.

Sunday 24^th was my departure day. We were able to relax and chitchat but my friends were dreading the inevitable as I was. I would have likes to stay longer and I don’t know for sure when I can return but I promised them I will be back and the sooner the better for them and me. I was offered 375€ to stay another night and if I didn’t have a change planes and so on in Paris I probably would have taken them up on the offer.

Some people say why visit Cuba. I say the people are the best part. The country is also very amazing and even though I don’t agree with the politics I will be going back.