Three City Trip from Havana- Day 2

Time-Warped Trinidad

As one of our guide books says, "Trinidad went to sleep in 1850 and never really woke up."  This strange twist of fate is good news for visitors like us who can roam the perfectly preserved mid-19th century sugar town like travelers from another era. It is not difficult to imagine what life was like then because it is still the same today.  The narrow streets are paved with cobblestones that formerly served as ballast that was left behind as empty ships coming from various ports filled their holds to capacity with sugar cane.

While the sugar cane days are gone, the town is still a working town with a population of about 50,000, catering to tourism and working to maintain its UNESCO World Heritage status by constant maintenance including restoration and cleanliness.  

   

  

After a great dinner in a Paladara (private restaurant) we spent a "warm" night at the charming private hotel of Vivian & Pablo-warm until we figured out  air conditioner.  The bedroom was very basic but the rest of the property was wonderful.

 

Here are some photos showing the nicely renovated home Number 50.

   

 

Breakfast was better than any Continental breakfast one could find in Europe--fruits, cheeses, Cuban coffee, fresh mango juice, little corn cakes (arepas) with honey.

After another little walk around Trinidad, we returned to our car and drove to Santa Clara, home to the memorial of Che Guevara.  It is a large building filled with photos from the Revolution.  No cameras or and all visitors had to remove their hats.  

IINTERESTING TIDBIT- As we were about to enter our guide was questioned about his "guests" (us) by the security.  He had to sign some papers.  We asked him later what that was all about and he told us that Americans and people from the Czech Republic are considered "high-risk tourists".  We asked, "Ok, we understand the feelings toward Americans but why the Czech Republic?"  He explained that it's because the Czech Republic is a former communist country, visitors from there were thought to have bad feelings about Cuba's communist government and consequently were "high-risk".

Another hour or two on the road and we were back at our boat by 5pm.  

The Cuban agricultural and national park areas are beautiful.  We are glad we made this part of our visit.