Baracoa

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The day we left Santiago De Cuba it had started to rain. We were all very happy to leave as none of us liked the place. I can't tell you exactly why. Nothing bad happened. It was more about the feel of the place. It was just very dodgy.

The drive to Baracoa, which is on the east coast, was quite a long one. We stopped in the town of Guantanamo for a break. (the town, not the detention centre). The road outside of Guantanamo is very secure - there was no stopping to take photos. I tried to capture 1 or 2 of one of the entrances to the detention centre as we drove by, but I don't think I got much. Apparently there have been other tour busses that have stopped to take photos (not of the actual entrances, but of the beautiful landscape) and the people have been arrested as a result. I don't think it was worth the risk.

Parts of Baracoa were devastated by Cyclone Gustav earlier this year. The waves were coming in 3 stories high, so most of the houses along the seafront have been destroyed. Amazingly, some seem unscathed. Lots of work is now underway to rebuild. 2 blocks in from the coast and it's all fine.

The town is terrific. We have fantastic hot, tropical weather. Lots of palm trees. Locals who are very friendly and not sleezy or dodgy.

We've been here 2 nights already and both have been big. Again, the music is fantasitc. Lots of salsa places so we are getting lots of practice.

Yesterday was our first full day here and we basically left town to go swimming in a pristine river and enjoy a natural massage from its rapids. Then it was on to a beach that was just lovely. It is unfortunate that I'm unable to upload photos until I leave Cuba because how do I describe laying on a beach where locals sell coconut drinks (from the real coconut), bring you a 3 course cooked fish or lobster lunch so you have it picnic style? At the same time, there is a large sow wandering around with her pigglets in tow. Chikens and geese wander by... Quite an experience.

Today has been a very lazy day. We slept in after having had another night of dancing the salsa at one of the local bars. This morning We walked along the virtually deserted promenade and watched the waves crashing in, then back into town, looking at the mix of delapidated and virtually demolished buildings. The pace is slow and relaxed.

We are off to a big hotel for the afternoon to laze by their pool.... sigh. Waiter! Another Mojito please!

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Comments

[Melissa]

lobster and mojito's on the beach during the day and salsa dancing with Cubans all evening.........heaven!