Soroa

February 19, 2020

Yesterday I was not in a good mood. Today I have adjusted my expectations to reality. Now I feel better. We will probably not write a blog and whenever possible, send some pictures.

Regarding the city tour in Havana, there is still a lot to say: it is good that Jenifer, the friendly tour guide, showed us things that other guides might have kept silent about, such as the food stamps and the very affordable distribution of rice and bread to all Cubans, whether they are in need or not. She shows us how the people live in the city center, in cramped spaces, in houses from the 1950s that are worn out. She explains to us the religions of the people who were brought here from Africa and the impact of the sacrifices of live animals and the pollution in the surrounding forests. And she shows us her pride in her heritage and in Cuba. We pay attention and ask a lot of questions. And in the evening, instead of hanging out in cafes or bars, we go to bed early.

Now to today, it took some effort to pick up the rental car, in the end, a car rental company found out that the car is provided at our hotel. So far so good, but our car is 30 minutes away in the west, and we call for a driver to take us there. Yes, and there is the deer waiting for a new ride. The fun costs a quick 400 convertible pesos and we have to exchange money again. In Hotel Alessandro, where our car is located, they advise us to go to the nearby bank. And we observe the great discipline and calmness of the locals as they wait to complete their banking transactions. Money exchange also takes quite a long time for us, why, we do not understand.

Then we start driving, quickly on the highway and almost alone on the road. They don't have many private cars here. We didn't find the accommodation right away, and we didn't ask the right person, but the only idiot in the village.

The hosts of the accommodation are happy to see us, a clean and well-kept Hosbedaje with several cold beers in the fridge.

We strengthen ourselves and walk to the highlights of the region, the orchid park, the sulfur bath, and the natural swimming pool. It is not the main season for orchids right now, and uphill hikes are also not recommended.

Nevertheless, we see some very beautiful flowers. After a refreshment, once again the bartender asked my husband if the mojito was strong enough, we see that there is no one in charge at the sulfur bath and we walk to the natural swimming pool. Muchio Frio, the blisters on our feet from walking appreciate the cold water.

Dinner is served at the Hosbedaje, fried fish from the sea, manioc and rice.