Friday, August 12, 2016

Santiago de Cuba-without photos

Cuba: Santiago de Cuba

Today was our last of three cities on our Cuba visit. We visited Santiago de Cuba, the nation's second largest city known as a lively cultural showpiece with some of Cuba's greatest contemporary musicians and the largest Afro Cuban population. It is famous for its annual carnival celebrations, Afro Cuban religious traditions such as Santeria, it's unique vocabulary, and Son and music. This is also a city known as the cradle of revolution as it played a major role in wars of independence, the 1898 naval battle between the US and Spain, and some of Fidel Castro's battles and final victory took place here. 


Once again, I was up on deck bright and early from 7:50 AM till 8:30 AM to watch the spectacular sail-in.  I was perched in a wonderful spot all the way forward, as the ship gently glided into port, slowly revealing the beauty of this lovely city. 

I had my last port day breakfast after a relaxing coffee on my balcony, joined my tour at 9:30 AM, and we left the port with Esther our tour guide at 10 AM. We learned all about the city's 500-year-old history as we made five stops and enjoyed lunch. Unlike the other cities we have visited, Santiago de Cuba is built on hills, there were many more motorcyclists, there was lots of exhaust from vehicles, we encountered many baggers in the main squares, and they provided us with police escorts, "to help navigate traffic."

Our first stop was to the Cafe Teatro Macuba community project where a team of colorfully dressed singers and dancers performed in a small local theater. The performance lasted for 45 minutes. The themes of their performance were love, loss, hope, triumph, and joy. It is unfortunate that no one gave us an overview of the plot in advance.  As a result, those of us who don't speak Spanish, "sat in darkness",  missing key parts of the message. My frustration was a bit of a distraction for me--even while watching such a colorful vibrate upbeat performance.

Our next stop was to Cespedes Park, a major gathering spot, day and night for residents, travelers, and aggressive people begging. The park is a beautiful mix of eclectic architecture, with tall shade trees, gas lamps, and comfortable benches filled with pensive people.  One of the more aggressive beggers was an older woman who approached many in our group. I could only imagine how difficult her life must have been. She was probably forced to sell her body during her younger days and is in desperate survival mode. There were several live musical acts throughout the park who entertained and solicited fees for their performances. Key structures around the park are the Townhall, the cathedral of the Ascencion, and the ancient mansion of Spanish conquistador, Diego  Velaquez (possibly the oldest house in the Americas.). The colonial town hall is famous for the January 1959 revolution speech delivered by Fidel Castro to adoring masses.

Our tour guide gave us free time to stroll around the area. Many in our group purchased Cuban items at the nearby (government-run) souvenir shop. A lot of them lined up to buy cigars and rum.  I explored the famous Casa Granada, considered the best hotel in town, and strolled along adjacent streets immersing myself with the locals. I was amazed by how many motorcycles zoomed by, most caring two people. I spent time walking up the Heredia, which leads from the park/square and is a popular street with lots of foot traffic, streets stalls, cigar Pedalers, and is lined with live music venues, colonial houses, and locals gathered outside of music houses , necks stretched, stealing a glimpse of the performances inside.

Just as our group collected to rejoin the tour bus, it began to rain. Rain "rained on our parade" throughout most of the rest of the day, off and on. We took several scenic rides through various Santiago neighborhoods and at noon, enjoyed lunch at a traditional Cuban Polydor from 1215 till 2 o'clock. As we left the restaurant, once again, it began to rain. As we drove by the plaza de la Revolución, we requested a stop in front of the gargantuan statue of the hero, Maceo atop his horse and surrounded by 23 raised machetes. Some of us to descended in the rain and took photos. We passed by the original Bacardi  (1868 ) factory that now exports 70% of its 9 million annual liters of rum. Our next stop was the cemetery where we visited the tomb of Jose Marti where there is a changing of the guard twice an hour. It began to rain again so there was no ceremony.

Our last stop was at the massive coastal fortress known as El Morro. We were given free time to visit some of its intricate walkways and alcoves. The views of the bay and the Caribbean coast line stretching all the way to the mountains are spectacular!

Once again, we made it back to the bus just as it began to sprinkle.

Back at the port, fellow travelers lined up to exchange the remaining Cuban currency back into US currency and purchase final souvenirs of our awesome visit.

The following are suggested tipping guidelines in all of our ports:

Main tour guide--8 to 10 CUC per person per day
Local guide--2 to 3 CUC per person per day
Driver--3 to 5 CUC per person per day
Waitstaff--2 to CUC per person
Street performers--2 CUC per person
$.50 to 1 CUC for bathroom attendants.

Tonight, I took another cha-cha dance class, watched the fathom game show, and listened to the live Cuban band.

On the last night of the cruise, I watched one of my new favorite movies called Viva Cuba https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viva_Cuba.  Later, discovered it had been nominated for and received several international film festival awards. I adored this movie and it was a great last activity on this wonderful travel experience to Cuba!!

Places Where I Have Traveled *=more than once

  • India
  • China
  • Dubai
  • Israel
  • Russia*
  • Iceland
  • Cuba Aug 2016
  • Egypt*
  • Indonesia
  • Tahiti Feb 2016
  • Northern Ireland
  • Cook Islands Feb 2016
  • New Zealand Feb 2016
  • Australia Feb 2016
  • Belize
  • French Polynesia Jan 2016
  • Mallorca
  • Shetland Islands
  • Faroe Islands
  • Brunei
  • Morocco*
  • Brazil*
  • Philippines
  • North Borneo
  • Crete*
  • Ionian Islands*
  • Singapore
  • Hong Kong
  • Azores*
  • Norway
  • Dodecanese Islands (Rhodes)
  • Bosnia
  • Palestein
  • Croatia
  • Romania
  • Argentina
  • Ecuador
  • Tunisia
  • Corsica
  • Bulgaria
  • Columbia
  • Peru
  • Montenegro
  • Columbia
  • Chile*
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Uruguay
  • Jordan
  • Gibraltar
  • Turkey*
  • Bermuda
  • Estonia*
  • Viet Nam
  • Finland*
  • Malta*
  • Thailand
  • Guatemala
  • Crete*
  • Jamaica*
  • Panama*
  • Grand Canyon
  • Scotland
  • Niagara Falls
  • Greece*
  • France* lived there
  • Japan*
  • Bilbao, Spain*
  • Canada*
  • Costa Rica
  • Bahamas*
  • Banff Hot Springs
  • Hawaii*
  • Italy*
  • Catalina Island
  • Luxembourg*
  • St Johns
  • St Marteen/St Martin
  • St Thomas
  • South Padre Island Texas
  • Mexico*
  • Vatican City*
  • Austria*
  • Denmark*
  • Monaco
  • Portugal*
  • Belgium*
  • Holland*
  • Ireland*
  • Alaska
  • England*
  • Sweden*
  • Switzerland*
  • Spain*
  • Germany*
  • Madeira

Events/Experiences

  • Pyramids at Giza
  • Taj Mahal
  • Climbed Great Wall of China
  • Western Wall-Jerusalem
  • Transited Panama Canal 3X
  • Rode Camel in Tunisia
  • fathom Adonia--1st US cruise ship to Cuba--Aug 2016
  • Old Town in Havana
  • Burj Kalifa in Dubai
  • Saw Kangeroos, Wallabees, and Koalas in Australia
  • Kayaked in Bay of Islands, New Zealand
  • Vaparreto # 1 in Venice
  • National Museum in Brunei
  • Saw Geysers Erupt in Iceland
  • Drink at Raffles Hotel-Singapore
  • Fish Spa in Greece and Philippines
  • The Peak in Hong Kong
  • Pedicab Tour in Manilla Philippines
  • Road Amalfi Coast, Italy
  • Chewed Gum in Singapore
  • Marched in St Pat's Day Parade in Dublin
  • Sailed Kotor Bay
  • Old Bridge in Mostar, Bosnia
  • Smithsonian Museums-DC
  • Toured Ancient City of Petra, Jordan
  • Transited Suez Canal
  • Rio for Carnivale 2X
  • Cruised along Cinque Terre, Italy
  • Fish Spa in Corfu, Greece (teeny fish scrubbed my feet!)
  • Subway in Russia
  • Flash Mob (dance) on stage on several cruises
  • Visted 21 Countries on 5 long cruises in 2012
  • Ceviche in Peru
  • Cremation Service in Bali
  • Saw Lamas in Lima
  • Vasa Museum-Stockholm
  • Buddhist Monastery in Viet Nam
  • Drove Amalfi Coast
  • Queen Mary 2
  • Berlin Wall
  • Mummies In Cairo Museum
  • Jordan River; Sea of Galilee
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Luxor at Sunrise
  • Transited the Pirate-Infested Gulf of Aden
  • Ski Dubai
  • Fellucca Ride on the Nile at Sunset
  • 16-day Europe/Transatlantic on Queen Victoria
  • Tahrir Square-Cairo
  • Toured Pompeii
  • In Fashion Show Aboard Queen Victoria
  • Rode Elephants in Thailand and India
  • 7-Country Baltic Cruise
  • Hermitage Museum
  • Checkpoint Charlie
  • Transatlantic Crossing on QM2
  • Climbed Tikal in Guatemala
  • Mediterranean Cruise 6 countries
  • Audience with Swami in Rishikesh, India
  • Poetry Class in France
  • Kissed Blarney Stone
  • Pike's Fish Market in Seattle
  • Photo with Snake Charmer in India
  • Dacau near Munich
  • Hitchhiked from France to Scotland
  • Climbed Washington Monument in DC
  • Oktoberfest in Bavaria
  • Toured Panama Canal
  • Wine Country in France, California and many others
  • Guest of Placido Domingo in Chicago
  • The Alamo
  • United Nations
  • San Diego Zoo
  • Helicopter over Grand Canyon
  • Club Med in Cancun
  • Eurailpassed Twice Thru Europe
  • Hollywood
  • Albuquerque Hot-Air Balloon Festival
  • Rodeo in Dallas/Ft Worth
  • NCAA Playoffs in Charlotte and New Orleans
  • Cucchi Tunnels in Viet Nam
  • Grammys in New York
  • Paella in Spain
  • Rain Forest in Costa Rica
  • Xmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on 5th Avenue
  • Niagara Falls
  • Disney Land & Disney World
  • Voodoo Museum New Orleans
  • Cancun Jazz Festival
  • Reggae Sunsplash in Jamaica
  • Las Vegas for Trade Shows
  • Key West for Hemmingway Festival
  • Art Classes in Louvre
  • Black Ski Summit in Vail and Colorado Springs
  • Texas State Fair
  • Mardi Gras in New Orleans
  • Italian Class in France
  • Nude Sunbathing in St Marteen
  • Danish Pastry in Denmark
  • Palace of Knossos Crete
  • Anne Frank House Amsterdam
  • Karaoke in Japan
  • Leaning Tower of Pisa
  • Lobster in Maine
  • Belfast Black Cab Tour
  • Dozens of Transatlantic Sailings