Cienfuegos - the Pearl of Cuba

After a few spectacular days in Trinidad, we continue to Cienfuegos today. Cuba's alleged pearl. After a two-hour drive, we arrive and check into our hostel. A really beautiful house with a wonderful courtyard and the family is super nice again. We like it here. After getting to know each other, we dare to step outside and start the first exploration tour of the city and realize that it is much more civilized and calmer here than in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Trinidad. We like it here. The colonial houses are even more impressive and in much better condition than in all the cities before. The city is right by the sea, inviting us to take a walk along the promenade, called the Malecon. We are not disappointed and rewarded with a magnificent sunset. Magical!

The next day, we embark on a small expedition to a nearby Castillo, a fortress built by the Spaniards, in the middle of an island. We ask around and finally find the way to the port where the ferry departs. The boat is packed because it is mainly used by the locals. At least we don't have to worry about capsizing, the water is warmer than the outside temperature, so we think it's all safe and get on the wagon. The sea is relatively calm, only a strong wind sweeps the waves over the bow again and again. The result... lots of wet people and a lot of fun! A welcome cool down from the otherwise hot days in Cuba. After 40 minutes we finally reach the mainland. We climb a small hill and are already standing in front of the gates of the small fortress. We even get to operate the gate, a fully functional drawbridge. (how cool is that) We explore the fortress with its various floors and rooms and are thrilled by the view of the bay. We can understand why the Spaniards built their fortress here back then. Every ship would be caught in crossfire. A strategic masterpiece! We take the next ferry back to Cienfuegos and have fish and lobster for dinner for the first time. Really delicious! You can eat it occasionally! :D

The next morning we are already on our way to the next stop. Playa Larga is coming. A small town with a kilometer-long and beautiful sandy beach awaits us. We are excited.

More about that in a few days, of course

Until then

Your Marius and Max