BrownBuffalo78

Coming Home - Infinity and Beyond, Near Death on the Road, Monotony, Boredom and the End of the Magic Man Thurs 12/06 - Present Final Days The coach moves over the bridge and into Varadero's main drag. Back once again with the ill behaviour, back to the beaches and the easy living lifestyle. I'm optimistic that the troubles are over. I've paid for everything up front and my hotel is all-inclusive. I've around 50cuc left, which I'm planning on spending on a few souvenirs and cigars. I'm confident I've covered all the bases. I'm just going spend my last few days relaxing, recuperating and reaping the benefits of another free bar. The hotel Cuatro Palmas is located roughly half-way along the main road, in the town centre. I'm dropped off and met at reception by unenthusiastic ... read more

You Can Leave Your Hat On (The Bus) - Tragedy in Trinidad, Cuba Sun 01/06 - 05/06/08 I leave the hotel Paradisus just before 1pm, and arrive at the main coach terminal. I'm headed for Trinidad, a small town South East of Varadero. The terminal is crowded and noisy, and I attract unwanted attention from a pair of fat, bad-manned guys, who find me interesting because I'm English and alone. I can't work out whether these pigs are local or tourists like me. One is ginger-haired and covered in vile, greasy boils, skin like a carrot-topped pizza. He stands opposite me, sweaty and rank. The other is darker and balder, and sat down next to me. I suspect he has inclinations to molest me, and I make plans to strike first should he get too close. ... read more

Ultra Inclusive and Infinite in Varadero - Part 3: Nice Day for a White Wedding Morning. I get out of bed, and walk to the bathroom. There are mirrors all around. I stand in front of them, transfixed. I can see myself from every angle - every tight, knotted muscle, every sinew, every patch of bright red sun burn. I turn, like a chiselled chicken in an oven. I stretch. I flex a little. My reflection goes on and on, and it never ends; there is never an end to me. I am on-going. I am ever-decreasing. I am infinite. I believe in taking care of myself, in a balanced diet of alcohol and recreational drugs. I have a vigorous exercise routine. In the late morning, if my face is a little puffy, I'll put on ... read more

Ultra Inclusive and Infinite in Varadero Wed 21/05/08 The bus from Havana to Varadero, Cuba's most popular tourist resort, costs 10CUC and takes around two hours. I leave at 2pm, full of positive vibes. There are, as usual, a few variables that could place a potential spanner in the works and put a frown on my happy, happy face. Firstly, I'm not 100% sure in which hotel my friends are staying. I'm almost certain it's the Paradisus Varadero, a five star, ultra-inclusive hotel with two pools, eight restaurants and a sports centre, but I haven't actually gone as far as checking my emails to make sure. Secondly, they don't know that I'm coming today. Surprise is a wonderful thing if there's someone around to receive it. However, I'm arriving on the day of the Champions League ... read more

Seven Days in Ecuador - Part Three Fri 16/05 - Sun 18/05/08 The coach pulls into Mindo around 11am. Mindo is a small town with less than 3000 inhabitants. The high street extends a couple of hundred yards, consisting mainly of bars, restaurants and tour operators. Mindo thrives on ecotourism, pulling in the punters who come to see the diverse wildlife and to take part in outdoor activities among the lush jungle backgrounds. I booked myself into a place called the "Frog Hostel" online, and so set about trying to find it. No one in town seems to have heard of the place, but I've got directions. I need to head for a place called Mindo gardens, then make a left and the hostel is a five minute walk from there. Mindo Gardens are 4km away, ... read more