It is hot in Cuba

 Finally got yesterday’s post to send.  Internet is intermittent at best.  But there is so much to tell.  

Today we are in Trinidad.  After breakfast, we left the hotel on foot and started walking. Now let me tell you about walking.  It is a full time job.  The worst cobblestones ever plus little steps every where (to channel the water during rainy season), and unexplained huge (foot square) holes in the side walk.  Only one person fell and I heard the guide say, “there goes the first one.”  Encouraging.  

We stopped by a little knitting and crochet shop which was a cooperative. It reminded me of the cooperative in North Carolina that my mother participated in.  I bought a crochet pendant necklace.  On up the hill and into the old part of the city.  Toured a Catholic Church.  Visited a woodworker who makes all kinds of very elaborate wooden carved projects out of reclaimed lumber.  Also had a museum of items from archeological sites.  As we listened to the carver, horses were pulling carts right outside the open window.  So strange to hear the steady stream of clip-clops Then. we walked back down the hill.  We can smell sweat, sunscreen, fresh bread, garlic, etc.  Trinidad is supposed to be the warmest place in Cuba and I believe it.  

The restaurant was cool and suppose to be the nicest in the city.  I believe them.  Our entree was shrimp. Our other choices included lobster, roast beef (coarsely shredded and spiced—-Chuck’s choice), red snapper and chicken.  Pineapple ice cream for dessert.  By the time lunch was finished, we were cooled down.  Returned to the bus for a 20 minute drive to Valle de los Ingenios - home of the sugar industry prior to the end of the 19th century.  Toured the remains complete with ruins of the slave headquarters. On the way back to town, we stopped at a pottery shop and watched an 80 year old potter make some beautiful creations.  Amazing. Enjoying a Mojito!