Cuba Visit 2015

Varadero Airport

March 5^th --- Coming in to Cuba:

OMG! Brian got through Customs ok. I got detained due to being an American. They let me go through, then called me back in to show my travel insurance papers (which I’d already given to them). Next thing I know, they called someone to come get me. A woman came in and took me to another area, had me show her all of my papers and asked me lots of questions. I had to show my list of all the casas we were going to be staying. She asked a lot of questions about Brian – had to tell her he was a retired teacher, where, teaching what, and more – no idea why. Finally got through after 1/2 hour. Brian was waiting on me and MAD at ME!! I was so upset and shaking like a leaf. I damn sure didn’t need more grief from him!

He did tell me the next day that he was also nervous/frantic because I was gone so long and he couldn’t be with me, not knowing what was happening.

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April 14^th ---Leaving Cuba:

We checked in, exchanged our Cuban money for Canadian dollars, and paid the $25 (each) departure tax. Customs was easy. However TSA sucked! They took away our lighters, my nail scissors, and cuticle nippers! I’ve traveled with those for 3 years, with no problems, because they are very short blades. They are all replaceable but the lighters (for immediate use) -- they have a smoking room in the airport so what's the point?? We bummed a light off a lady who had her lighter in her camera case so the scanners didn't see it.

When we got to the hotel, in Toronto, the desk clerk gave us each a book of matches that we could use those until we got home.

 

Matanzas

March 5^th  -- First stay ….

I don’t have many experiences to write about, for Matanzas, as we were only there for 2 nights arriving in Cuba, then 2 nights when departing. So, we didn’t do much there.

The casa we stayed in was the Hostal Azul owned by Ayline and Joel. They have small children who could be quite noisy in the evenings. They would play in the courtyard right outside our room. However, they went to bed fairly early so our sleep wasn’t disturbed too much.

The water pressure was VERY loooow for our showers. Brian said he could've licked himself clean faster! HAHAHA!     

                                                     Brian relaxing in the courtyard

                                                                The dining room




We had walked to the bridge, seeing many old cars on the road. During the Revolution, in the 50’s, many foreigners had to flee Cuba. Having to leave their cars behind, the Cubans took them and still keep them in repair through whatever means they can find – or make themselves.

                                                              Brian on the bridge

Off to the side of the bridge is a huge mural, made with all natural stones in their original color, of Che Guevara. 

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April 12^th  -- return stay to go back to Canada …

After 6 weeks in Cuba, the water pressure here now seems normal for us - Ha!

We walked to a place that made handmade books. They were pretty cool. Brian bought one for $25. Then we were just walking around, and across the bridge, when Brian spied a place with sailboats. We walked across the highway down to the place which was situated in a bay.

It was the Cienfuegos Sports Club, non-profit, mainly for children to learn how to sail. 

We met Andy, the local head of operations, 20 years old -- very personable/charismatic, and he spoke a bit of English. He said we could sail for $5. Then Brian saw a HobieCat catamaran! He was so excited because, during our entire trip, he’d tried to find one for rent or to be able to go out on with someone. On our last day, he finally found one! So we waited awhile for them to rig it up.

 

Several kids then carried the HobieCat down to the water. Brian and Andy helped me get onto the Cat without killing myself – I’d never ridden on one and didn’t know what to expect.

 

It was really cool! Sitting on the nylon tarp, riding in the cool wind. Waves would splash up over, and under, us. Brian had put his camera and shoes into a locked room before we took off. I put my camera/money in a Ziplock bag and kept it in my fanny pack. I left my shoes on – they were Crocs so no need to worry about getting them wet.

 

We rode from 11am to 1215 noon. On the way back it was very still – no wind -- plus HOT. Brian gleaned several tips from Andy so now he wants to get his HobieCat out, fix it up and use it this summer. I’d love to do that too!

When we got back, Brian paid him the $5 plus $20 for a donation to the club. Andy was thrilled and thankful. It was well worth it!!      
 

                                                                 Me and Andy

                                          This is all you're sitting on -- you do get wet!