Voices of Cuba #3
September 19, 2005 at 3:36 pm | In Sancti Spiritus | 1 Comment
When not in school, Mercedes sells art created by her family in the Trinidad markets.
She plans to get a job planning the yearly carnival in Santiago de Cuba.
Voices of Cuba #1
September 19, 2005 at 2:21 pm | In Sancti Spiritus | No Comments
Jose was my guide on horseback from the West Part of Topes de Collantes over to Trinidad.
My horse (which carried all of my baggage, including my bike) is one of 6 that he owns, which are fed, supplied and cared for medically by the State.
He makes his living by teaching horse riding and guiding people across the mountain, and has a permanent smile across his face.
He’d like to visit Canada one day to see a dog sled.
Cienfuegos and Trinidad
September 15, 2005 at 12:19 pm | In Sancti Spiritus, Cienfuegos | No Comments
Wow. 3 days in Cienfuegos was quite an experience. The entrance to the Casa I was staying in was totally dilapilated leaving me expecting the worst, but one you set foot inside you´re greeted by gorgeous colonial furniture, 12+ foot ceilings, marble and granite everywhere, and a very warm family.
A city of contrasts, the uber-hip shopping street “The Boulevard”, lined with Palm Trees, marble benches and trendy shops and cafes is only a couple blocks down from some of the poorest slums I¬¥ve ever seen.
Then to Trinidad, where hustlers and prostitutes have their angle of attack down to an art - I didn´t get bothered much because I can get away with looking like a local. It´s a gorgeous little town, and I´m going to stay here for a week to cool down.
I might bus the rest of the way to Santiago, as my bike has started complaining a little…
Again, when I get back, I¬¥ll have a lot more to write… Internet access here is painful to say the least…
