It has been some time since I have “put pen to paper” but much has happened over the past month. Many who visit my space here on the internet are interested in Cuba. And that alone is awesome. So today, I will try to give you a recap of my last trip to the wonderful “GRAN ISLA” of Cuba.  Perhaps you may get some valuable information or new insight of Cuba or just enjoy reading about everything that I enjoyed while I was there. I visited new places, made new friends and reaffirmed the friendships that already exist. Part of me is still in Cuba and will always be. I am planning my next visit … I just cannot stay away!
My flight there was pretty uneventful …… check-in, wait and then the 3+ hour flight. I was surprised that I was not asked to pay for “excess luggage” with all that I had jammed in my suitcase, but I got through with a breeze. I was just anxious to get there!!
I was met by my friend Eddy and we headed to my motel in Cayo Coco. One has to understand that Cayo Coco is basically a resort island with All Inclusive Hotels. Through my persistence, I found this motel Islazul Jardin Los Cocos. It was amazing. Ok it was not on the beach but for 13CUC (20CUC for double) per night for bed & breakfast – it was a steal because I was just there for the one night!
arrival cuba may 2009
The room had plenty of space for the 2 single beds, a huge entrance with closets, large bathroom with an incredible shower, big fridge, AC, TV and a bar in the main building. A bottle of rum and 2 packs of cigarettes and change from $5!! Dinner that evening cost me 6CUC and because I was the only guest, I ate with the staff and had a great meal and lots of laughs.
Next day, my friends Eddy and Maximo arrived at 8am. After breakfast we rented a car and by 1pm we were on the road to collect necessary items in Moron and Ciego de Avila. Then off to Holguin province, where my friend’s family live. I met Cuba’s champion skydiver in Holguin – what an amazing lady – Marisol Maldonado
cuba's sky diving champion
- and then to Banes. We eventually arrived there around 1am and woke everyone up!! Out came the rum and finally made it to bed around 4am.
The next few days were a whirlwind of activity. From seawater swimming pools,
sea water swimming holes
the beach, dancing, new friends and an awesome pig roast. We went to a local farm where there must have been nearly 200 goats and pigs, choose a pig and brought him home. I have never witnessed a killing of a pig and was not sure if I wanted to but I did. The squeal alone would upset many but we are in the country and there are no supermarkets! This is not only special for Cubans but also at home – it’s a celebration and a gathering of friendships, new and old.
pig roast
He was then shaved and roasted over an open pit. It was an awesome feast and we must have fed 20 people that day and continued to enjoy for the next 3. Well worth $35!!
Many in the hillside village ended up calling me the crazy dog lady, as I would take morning walks with their pet dog, who waited with anticipation and excitement every morning for me! Walking dogs is not something Cubans do!
gracious hosts in banes
After 5 days, we had to leave. My friends had to return to work. Everyone was sad, but most of all me. I met and made new friends. The area is beautiful and very peaceful. I promised my hosts that one day I will return. And I will. The memory of those days will be with me forever and I know the next time I visit we will forge deeper friendship.
On our way back to Moron and C de Avila, we stopped again at a small farm and picked a turkey and chicken to take home. Another $10 well spent! They were bagged and put in the trunk …. and off we go again.
turkey dinner
This picture is the second one we had for Mother’s day celebration – but you get the idea! Mother’s Day in Cuba is HUGE and the only day I stayed at “home”!! A constant flow of people in the house but poor Mama does all the work!! She was exhausted at the end of the day but had a joyous day. I was presented with a gift from Eddy’s son Andy for Mother’s Day. Very special, and it is now hanging in my living room as a reminder of how welcome I am in their home.
We had the car for 2 more days which made the 90km to Cayo Coco a little easier. Car rental in Cuba is not cheap, so sadly I returned the car. The next 8 days, I travelled from C de Avila to Cayo Coco on the bus with everyone else. No different really than what people do at home – from Barrie to Toronto. Of course the big difference is that it is free, everyone greets everyone and on the journey home someone will bring out the bottle of rum and share. I paid 5CUC for the return trip – good tip for the driver and sure beats the 90CUC that a taxi would cost each way!
waiting for the coco bus
We would wait each morning at 6:30 for the right bus – without help, I would probably still be standing there on the street corner!! The journey takes just under 2 hours, sometimes faster depending on the driver!!  There is a check point when leaving the mainland and each bus is boarded by an inspector. I had to give my passport and all details are logged. So strange – but there are many checkpoints throughout Cuba.
cuba checkpoint
Sometimes you are stopped and sometimes not. After a few days, my passport was just looked at and not logged. Guess by this time, they knew I was OK!!
So for the next week, I spent on the beach with the team of paragliders. Business has been slow for them this year. The weather has not been conducive for flying and only worked for 4 days in April.  No work, no pay. It’s been harder for them this season. So the call back to work was a relief. Unfortunately it only lasted just under a month and now 18 paragliders are out of work until October/November. Many hotels on the cayo close and do the renovations and clean up that is necessary so there are fewer tourists and the beach is very quiet.
The week I was there though, they managed to get some business and did what they enjoy the most – flying. I was even helping …… I was asked more than once if I lived there …….. “no, just helping”.
me paragliding 550 metres
Paragliding is amazing and I suggest you try if you get the chance. Maximo took me up to 550 metres, the view and the feeling of flying is incredible. We, or should I say he did these spins while we were flying – sure beats ANY ride in a park!!
The week introduced me to more people and more friends. But sadly, it all went to fast and I had to say good bye again.
amigos siempre
Although I am told never ever say good bye, which of course I did not because I will be back, very very soon.
You can view the whole journey if you wish by clicking on My Picture Gallery to your right or RIGHT HERE. Enjoy …… I sure did! I know I will have more to say and will continue to write what I feel passionate about. Cuba tienes mi corazon siempre.
