We left Trinidad and drove through the countryside, lush green countryside with mountains which is the main area of sugar cane cultivation.we stopped at an old hacienda where there was a tower to survey the surrounding countryside. I climbed to the top to see the views. However we had to run the gauntlet of the stalls, but they were selling beautiful embroidery, some with coloured embroidery and some with drawn threadwork and whitework, called margarita stitch. I stopped to talk but don't really need more. One person suggested I give away some clothes to make room. I said I had already done that!
Our main stop today was the Che Guevara mausoleum, where we saw the tombs of the revolutionaries and the flame. He is a national hero and the aspiration is for children in school to be like him, following high principles. I remember reading the New Society magazine when I was a grammar school and being inspired by the story. The famous portrait was on the cover. I have resisted making a Che purchase, it seems a bit materialistic and not in keeping with his anti imperialist philosophy. On the coach we have watched a documentary about his life, we have also seen one about the special period when the Russians withdrew and the Americans blockaded Cuba and the story of how they returned to being a rural economy producing their own food in an environmentally friendly way. I would have liked to have seen more of this. They also reduced drastically their dependence on oil. This is certainly a nation that has coped with adversity.
We stopped for lunch at Santa Clara in a hotel and I managed to get a quick look around the town square with its theatre and grand buildings. I also managed to check in for my flight and got a bit excited about an upgrade, only to find it was only available on the second leg from Schipol, not much to gain there!
We had one stop in the afternoon in a cafe that had some amusing sayings displayed. Andy gave us a rose and chocolate, because yesterday was World women's day. I said no one had given me roses and chocolates since Albert died.
Then we had some music and had to learn the words of Guanatamera, we have heard this throughout Mexico and Cuba, but apparently it is significant for Cubans and was made famous by Pete Seeger- didn't know that!
We are now arriving back in Havana to visit Revolution Square and the National hotel, then a group meal. Looks like I have to give thanks to our driver in Spanish. This time tomorrow I should be awaiting take off.
We went out to eat again as Andy had not been around yesterday evening. We arrived st the restaurant and had to wait outside. Any tried to sort out the reservation but we ended up sitting on separate tables. I had been volunteered yo give a vote of thanks in Spanish to Jorge our driver. Some went on to a show afterwards. I went around the local streets in search of a hot chocolate but failed completely. Similarly I failed to find tea at the airport on Saturday.
On Saturday I visited the Museum of two capes, which focussed on Cuban European history. It is a beautiful modern museum using a lot of technology. I then had coffee and waited for Allison, we finished our holiday with a vintage card ride in a 1949 Chevrolet.
Then it was off to the airport for the long trip home.
Our main stop today was the Che Guevara mausoleum, where we saw the tombs of the revolutionaries and the flame. He is a national hero and the aspiration is for children in school to be like him, following high principles. I remember reading the New Society magazine when I was a grammar school and being inspired by the story. The famous portrait was on the cover. I have resisted making a Che purchase, it seems a bit materialistic and not in keeping with his anti imperialist philosophy. On the coach we have watched a documentary about his life, we have also seen one about the special period when the Russians withdrew and the Americans blockaded Cuba and the story of how they returned to being a rural economy producing their own food in an environmentally friendly way. I would have liked to have seen more of this. They also reduced drastically their dependence on oil. This is certainly a nation that has coped with adversity.
We stopped for lunch at Santa Clara in a hotel and I managed to get a quick look around the town square with its theatre and grand buildings. I also managed to check in for my flight and got a bit excited about an upgrade, only to find it was only available on the second leg from Schipol, not much to gain there!
We had one stop in the afternoon in a cafe that had some amusing sayings displayed. Andy gave us a rose and chocolate, because yesterday was World women's day. I said no one had given me roses and chocolates since Albert died.
Then we had some music and had to learn the words of Guanatamera, we have heard this throughout Mexico and Cuba, but apparently it is significant for Cubans and was made famous by Pete Seeger- didn't know that!
We are now arriving back in Havana to visit Revolution Square and the National hotel, then a group meal. Looks like I have to give thanks to our driver in Spanish. This time tomorrow I should be awaiting take off.
We went out to eat again as Andy had not been around yesterday evening. We arrived st the restaurant and had to wait outside. Any tried to sort out the reservation but we ended up sitting on separate tables. I had been volunteered yo give a vote of thanks in Spanish to Jorge our driver. Some went on to a show afterwards. I went around the local streets in search of a hot chocolate but failed completely. Similarly I failed to find tea at the airport on Saturday.
On Saturday I visited the Museum of two capes, which focussed on Cuban European history. It is a beautiful modern museum using a lot of technology. I then had coffee and waited for Allison, we finished our holiday with a vintage card ride in a 1949 Chevrolet.
Then it was off to the airport for the long trip home.
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