Santiago de Cuba to Baracoa

Tuesday 7 June

 

Today we set off for Guantanamo, not the infamous bay, but the province and town. We visited a small building where members of the Tumba Francesca society performed dances for us. They raise money to help people after events such as hurricanes or other disasters. It was great to see different generations dancing happily together and keeping alive traditions and rhythms dating back to the days of slavery.

 

Directly across the road we entered the House of Changui - Cuban rhythm. A great band played for us, demonstrating typical musical styles of the region. Music is BIG here, partly because they have so little else. These were fine musicians and it was such a shame to see the state of the double bass player's instrument. It was coming apart and had been partially taped back together. He deserved better.

 

Lunch was in a restaurant by a river and from there we headed to a lookout point where we could see the U.S. Base at Guantanamo Bay. It was hazy and quite far off. Apparently the U.S. pay Cuba about $4000 a year for the land, following some sort of deal many years ago, and the Cubans are so insulted they send the money back. Good on them!

 

We climbed and crossed a huge mountain with a number of landslides to be seen. A pretty hairy road. The country here is quite different, much drier and sandier. Tough for farming I should think. At last we arrived in Baracoa and checked into our hotel. Lovely view across the sea from our room. The other pairs have problems with their rooms so we are hoping ours is OK when we get back. Wifi is only available in the foyer so Anne and I are both busy here.

 

 

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