We arrived in Vinales around 11:30. That was quite the trip over. We ran into wild horses, pigs, goats, cows, bulls all on the highway. Our cab driver had to stop because there was a horse in the middle of the road and couldn't decide which way he wanted to go. The closer we got to Vinales the worse the already bad roads got. It felt a little like Mr. Toads wild ride since there are no shocks in the car on the roads that have never been repaired.
Vinales is pretty. It's a big farming town. Lots of mountains and valleys and tobacco plantations.
When we pulled up to our place we were a little worried, but it turns out we are in the casa behind the one in front. It's doable. Our host, who is quite the cowboy, has horses and likes to take them out but only if the tourists are paying. So we went horse back riding through the plantations, the valley and the real back woods of the local area. They are big on organic farms and gardens here. Who knew a place so backwards could be that current?!
At one point there was a bull about 10 feet from us just staring at us. The only thing between him and us was a single wire fence. Later we would actually ride right past a bull about 6" from us on the trail. We saw a group of people just hanging out over an open fire cooking a giant pot of soup.
Tomorrow our shared cab leaves at 8:30 for Havana. Our last day here. Mark says we're staying at one of the government hotels. Like maybe a real hotel!
If you ever decide to visit Cuba do not come over Christmas or New Years. It's not just the busiest time of year, but also the most expensive time of year. And when the guide book says you can live on $100 a day easily, that's does not mean during the peak travel time. Nor does it include cab rides if you chose to visit more than one city. And certainly not if you're staying in Havana.
It's been a great experience and I'm glad we came before it is really commercial and just another Caribbean island. I wish we could have went to Santiago from what I read and heard from other tourists. The good news and bad news is we didn't spend a ton of money on souvenirs because they don't have much. They haven't learned that the tourist are not going to buy anything with A picture of Fidel or that says "I heart Cuba"
We made it back to Havana. Rather uneventful. It was the first cab ride where we weren't dropped by the police for something. But some other cab driver flagged us down and wanted to talk to our driver. I think he needed directions. There is no such thing as GPS here. When the cab arrives in the town they just keep stopping people and asking for directions. It's like being in Italy. You get part of the directions and then start again and ask for more.
We thought there was a pool at our "hotel" today but we were wrong. Turns out that was okay because it ended up raining this afternoon. Not a lot. And the only rain we've had since we've been here.
Mark is doing better and hanging in there. We met up with some typical Cuban ladies where you can pose for pics. I really wanted a pic ofMark with them. He finally did. We assumed it would be $1-2. Then they say $10! Of course after we take the pic! We say that's too much and they say we're licensed by the government and it's $10!
So many unanswered questions about how their government really works. We found out the private "casa particulars" pay 90% tax to the government! Hopefully that's AFTER expenses.
We ended our day with a few mojitos and came back and tucked in early. Our cab for the airport will pick us up at 7:45! Soon we will be back home to reality and we are ready!
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