We flew from Manchester airport on Monday morning and we arrived in Cuba some time in the afternoon to very heavy tropical rain. It was still nice and warm though and the guide on the bus taking us to our hotel told us that the weather in Cuba varies but that we would most likely have two nice and sunny weeks. We didn't do much the first couple of days, we just decided to relax and settle in. On Monday night we went for a walk on the beach and it was such a beautiful evening.
The next morning we had a meeting with our hotel guide who told us a bit about Cuba and all the tours you could do. After that we went straight to the beach, it was so sunny and warm and when you got in the water you could see fish swimming just next to you.
On Wednesday our adventure begun when we went on speedboats in the beautiful bay of Sama. Stuart drove first and we manage to keep ourselfs dry but as soon as I started driving we got absolutely soaked. I guess you shouldn't drive straight in to the waves. It was really fun though, never been in control of driving something that fast before!
Thursday, time for island paradise! The lady that we booked our holiday through Thomas Cook warmly recomend to do the island paradise, she went there a month or so before us so she gave us loads of tips.
We went on a catamaran and sailed out heading towards Cayo Saetia Islands. On our way we stopped for some snorkelling, I've never really done that before so it was good fun. And as a great bonus I saw a Lion fish! And I think I was the only one in the group that managed to see it before it swam away to hide under some rocks. After the snorkelling we headed to the Island which was stunning! The view from the boat when we sailed in looked like something you just see on a postcard. On the Island we had the option to go for a jeep safari, spend some time on the beach or go horse back riding. Guess what we did? Yeah, horseback riding offcourse! I used to ride when I was younger but it was Stuarts first time ever on a horse. I can say that he looked slightly terrified. Then we had lunch and we even had time to go for a swim before we got back on the catamaran again.
"Explore the first capital of Cuba, the vibrant city of Santiago de Cuba. Enjoy the rhythm, warmth and history that has made this place the cornerstone of Cuban nationality." On our way to Santiago de Cuba we stopped to see the birthplace of Fidel Castro and Raúl Castro at the village of Birán Castro. Then we went to Santiago de Cuba where we saw the Revolutionary Square and Moncada Garrison where the final stage of the Revolution was born. We also had lunch there and some time to walk around. We finished of with trying Santiago de Cuba 25 year old rum whilst standing on a hotel rooftop overlooking the whole city, which was amazing, both the rum and the view. Then we started our drive to the beutiful area of Pinares de Mayari where we spent the night. It was so quiet you could only hear the sounds of the nature, probably the most peaceful place I've been.
On our second and last day of the Oriento Supremo Overnight we went to a really important ecoligical site called Salto del Guayabo waterfalls. We swam in a pool next to the waterfalls and I sat under the waterfall aswell, so cold! We also had really good mojitos there before we went for lunch.
On Sunday we decided to just take it easy. We spent the day mostly by the pool and during the evening we had a few drinks and saw the water ballet show. They were really good at what they were doing!
Monday: Today we went to the market in a town close by called Guardalavaca. It was a pretty small market but I managed to find nice pair of earrings and a necklace and some souvenirs for my family.
Tuesday was a very exciting day! We went the Ocean Paradise tour. So again we went on a catamaran in the morning, we were only eight people on the trip so we had plenty of space on the boat. We stopped for some snorkelling and the tourguide had some crackers that we got to feed the fish with. He also got white sea urchin from the bottom of the ocean and cracked it open with a stone. Fish really love what's inside sea urchin! We got to hold them so the fish came and ate from our hands, really cool to have them so close. I also held a baby starfish!
Then we went to swim with dolphins! It was so much fun, especially when they did tricks and lifted you up from the water. We also got to dance with them and they even gave us kisses. After the fun with the dolphins we enjoyed a nice lobster lunch. On our way back I did some sunbathing on the boat.
Wednesday was a very relaxing day, we decided to rest up for our big trip to Havanna. Stuart played some basketball and I enjoyed a nice full body massage and after a good book by the pool.
Thursday, time to begin our big trip to finally see Havanna. Great way to end the holiday. Although it was a very long journey, I think it took about 16 hours! On the way we obviously had a lot of stops and we got to see much on the way. We stopped in beautiful Trinidad and had lunch and a tour around the town. The buildings were stunning and so well preserved. I would really like it if we had more time in Trinidad but we had to get on the road again to get to Havanna!
We arrived in Havanna in the evening and went straight to our hotel, had some dinner and pretty much went to bed. We had a big day ahead of us to see both modern Havanna and old Havanna. On Friday we started with a tour of modern Havanna which was a bit disapointong since it wasn't really what we thought it would be. It was mostly buildings falling apart. But Oh boy when we got to old Havanna! That was what we expected it to be. It was incredible, so many nice buildings that I probably have hundreds of photos of buildings. We also went to the craddle of the daiquiri where the daiquiri was born. Had the best daiquiri in my life!
After we had seen a lot of Havanna we went back to the hotel for dinner and then it was time for the famous Tropicana show! We went to the venue and had some drinks, then we got prosecco and a bottle of rum per four people included! And our table was the only table to finish it, although I didn't help much, but I'm proud of my Stuart that drank a great part of it! The show was a mix of music, colourful outfits, dancing and even topless strong guys carrying eachother. Really good show!
On Saturday everyone was hungover except me and it was time to fly back to Holguin where we stayed. The flight only took about an hour and with the two bustours, one to the airport and then back from the airport it took about three hours. A lot better than 16 in a bus.
Sunday was our last day but unfortunatly I was a bit ill so I stayed in the whole day. And on Monday it was time to go home. Our flight was three hours delayed so we had some time to enjoy the last of the sun before going back to rainy Scotland. Luckily we booked the VIP at the airport so we ended our stay with some extra luxury in the form of airconditioned room with comfy couches, snacks, free drinks and news.
I am so happy we went to Cuba for our holiday. It was absolutely amazing! Would probably go bcn but first we got more new places to visit.
X
Inga kommentarer:
Skicka en kommentar