It was time to leave Havana, and my anxiety levels were growing from minute to minute, thinking that I’ll have to go without my luggage. At breakfast I met a group of Germans that just returned from a yachting trip around Cuba. Hearing about my story, they’ve put together all their leftover toiletries and gave them to me, including sun screen and repellent, which were a blessing in the hot weather that followed.
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I kept looking on the window, hoping until the last minute. Then, after a few more things happening that morning, I simply cracked down and burst into tears. I was alone in that beautiful living room of the casa, sitting on a chair, crying my heart out. My whole bag for the trip had in it a skirt and a Tshirt, plus my winter coat. And it made me even more upset thinking how this time I actually packed everything I needed, all my nicest t-shirts, even my favorite dress. And how bloody AlItalia lost everything and they couldn’t care less about my ruined holiday.
I managed to miss the group brief and joined them right at the end, before leaving. I was lucky that they were very supportive and even before getting into the bus, Aino from Finland gave me a bag with clothes to wear for the following days. As soon as I got my seat in the back of the bus, Lakshmi also offered to help, and instantly I started to feel a bit better.
The drive towards The Bay of Pigs was very long but it gave us time to get to know each other a little bit. It was funny when Kris came to present herself to me, even if we had met before, at the dinner from the evening before. But on this day I actually looked human, managing in the morning to wash my hair with shampoo and conditioner, after 4 days! So I understood the confusion.
Our first stop of the day was The Bay of Pigs, the place where the CIA’s trained military troops failed to invade Cuba, in 1961. The invasion was launched from Guatemala and had the purpose to stop Fidel Castro’s increasing communist government. The battle lasted for three days and the invading troops were defeated and captured by the Cuban Revolutionary Army Forces, led by Castro. A year later, most of the prisoners were released and sent back to America, in return for US$53 million in food and medicine.
Today, in the idyllic bay, nothing reminds of the past and it’s hard to imagine that not so long ago, that stunning blue water was a battle scene. It was my first encounter with the Caribbean blue and oh my, what a sight! The water was so clear that I could see the tropical fish swimming among corals and stones. As soon as our bus stopped, a man came with a baby crocodile in his hands. He would charge 1CUC for a picture. I am totally against animal exploitation especially for tourist purposes, so I said no and walked away. Cuban crocodiles are small but very aggressive. The crocodile he was holding in his hands was very calm and his mouth was tied with a rubber band. It must have been given some sort of drug to make it so calm. This species of crocodile is also critically endangered!
An alley through the woods was leading towards a small paradise. An eye of clear water, surrounded by rocks and lush trees. I couldn’t get over watching those fish, seeing them so clear, like there was no water at all. I would have loved to jump in and swim with them but my bathing suit was who knows in which country.
On the other side of the road, the Caribbean sea was also inviting me to take a dip in that stunning, warm, water.
Our next stop was Giron, where the museum of Bay of Pigs is. That’s where we had lunch and also found out that there are 3 options in Cuba: ham, cheese, or ham and cheese. So I had a ham and cheese pizza which was actually delicious.
We headed back to the bus and spend the next couple of hours heading towards Cienfuegos, the town of Benny More, a famous Cuban singer. We arrived there soon after sunset and drove straight to Punta Gorda, across the bay, where the Palacio de Valle is and where we would begin our evening with a cocktail. The Palace stands out as its architecture is far from similar with the one of the city. The Palace is build in a Spanish Moorish style, with Gothic and Baroque influences and it has been erected in 1917 by a Spanish millionaire.
Ā I was very looking forward to my first Cuban cocktail. I know Mojito and Cuba Libre are the most common Cuban cocktails but I am a fan of Pina Colada, so this is what I ordered. It was delicious and very strong, compared to the European Pina Coladas. Cubans don’t joke when it comes to Rom, they put a lot of it in their cocktails. And for around 3CUC a cocktail, you can have as many as you can. š
We were on the rooftop of the Palace and while we were admiring the last colors of the sunset, near us, a band was playing Cuban songs. It was wonderful, a great place to relax after a long day!
I dont know what will I do if my luggage will be lost in a trip š I love how you made the finale! Watching the sunset with some songs š I adore sunsets! Hopefully I can witness one in Cuba someday!
I’m sorry to hear about you luggage. Geez, that must have been a major bummer but I’m glad that you still managed to enjoy your trip. The last time I lost my stuff on a trip, I went home. I cried and cried more when my friends were giving me money, toothpaste, etc. I didn’t like the feeling.
On a lighter note, you got me wanting to go to Bay of Pigs. I dunno much about Cuba and admittedly I am a little scared to go there but seeing your photos and learning about how they take their drinks seriously, this place is definitely going to be in my list of places to visit in this lifetime.
I cannot even imagine how we would go about holidaying with our luggage being missed. That’s terrible, Thank God we have never experienced it yet. The water being so clear that you can actually see the fish swimming thats really awesome and the palace architecture looks stunning.
I’m sorry your luggage was lost – I’ve had it happen to me and it is the worse feeling in the world! But it looks like you had an amazing time – you’re photos are incredible – and I love the sunset shot from the palace at the end – just magical!
Now with travel sanctions easing for US citizens I hope to visit Cuba soon. It’s just lovely reading thru your post and seeing these amazing pics.. Bay of Pigs looks so cool. I am so glad that Mojito is a common cocktail there as I am sure to try that out while there š
I was never aware that the place is so beautiful! Iām really sorry your luggage was lost. I love the beautiful photos. Especially liked this crystal clear water pic – I love it! It looks unreal ! Happy Sunday!
Sorry about your luggage. Glad the Germans helped you out though. Who doesnt love ham and cheese pizza?
I’m so sorry for your luggage. It must be such a diffucult experience. The bay of pigs is really beautiful. We also have islands here in the Philippines that used to be a war zone, but now they are really beautiful. i envy your Cuban experience.
Amazing pictures… looks unreal! Some of my friends have visited Cuba and parts of the Caribbean and they totally recommend it..!
xx
lau
Sorry to hear about AlItalia losing your baggage. I travelled with them twice and I was quite satisfied so it depends on the luck, I guess.
What wonderful places the Bay of Pigs and Cienfuegos are! I love all your photos and if I had been you, I would have jumped without a bathing suit š He-he.
I imagined cocktails even cheaper in Cuba but if the rum was aplenty, hehe.. 3 CUC are like 3 USD, aren’t they? What was the size of the cocktail?