Today our taxi driver “Jonel” picked us up at 10:00 sharp and off we went for a day in Varadero. The 30-minute drive over is quite stunning and the roads are amazing. He said they are the only really good roads in Cuba. I guess it is due to the fact that the Varadero Peninsula is a resort town and very unlike the rest of Cuba. A bit more Disney than authentic, it was nice but I prefer (as Han does too) real authentic life and everything that goes along with it.
He told us that he could drop us off in town, but could not legally pick us up, so he showed us a pick up point to meet him later in the day. Only government taxi’s can pick up visitors. Varadero is overly particular about tourist and their safety.
We actually had to pay a small toll to get into Varadero. It is definitely its own little world set at the end of the peninsula.
Spectacular Beaches
Now don’t get me wrong, the place is lovely and the beaches are spectacular which was first on our want-to-do list today.
The water is stunning, but at this time of year it was too cold still for swimming for us Caribbean island folks, so we soaked up some sun and the beautiful day. Plenty of people in the water, but they had to be from Canada or the North Pole. When after a while the wind started kicking up and sand (which is very fine and white) began covering everything, including ourselves, we gathered up and went into town.
Varadero Village
There is a very unique mall which is half way underground, and set up as six modular circles that all intertwine with each other and features beautiful garden areas throughout. There is also a money exchange if you need one. The mall is called, “Plaza Caracol Commercial Center”.
Along the streets are vendors selling everything from souvenirs to food. We passed by one food vendor which served heaping plates of food for two dollars, but it was take-away or stand and eat, but we opted out since I wanted out of the heat for a bit and just relax.
We chose a cute restaurant called “La Rampa” and sat on the patio. Ordered some drinks then sat back getting buzzed while waiting for the food. My meal was so good that I was basically quiet throughout lunch, so I must have been very hungry.
The table next to us sat a family of Russians who were nice, but kind of bossy to the waitress. Russians have a very negative influence here and Cubans are not fond of them. They are considered drunks who quickly get violent. The police have no problem locking their asses up. LOL
The police are everywhere and they are not to be trifled with. They have zero tolerance for bad behavior. You see them constantly scanning their surroundings, always on alert.
Cars, cars, classic and vintage cars are in abundance and I can sit for hours and just watch them drive by. Some are so decked out and flashy that it seems one is in kind of a dream state. It is literally stepping back in time to a more serene, easy way of life. We sat and enjoyed the scene while waiting for the, “jump on, jump off, tour bus to take us around the island. Double decker buses come by every 20 minutes and it cost five dollars per person. It is just for sightseeing and not an actually guided tour, as there are no earphones or explanations, but you are able to see quite a bit.
All Inclusive Resorts
There are so many resorts that it boggles the mind and an outstanding marina where huge catamarans sit in wait to take tourist aboard. Tours, excursions and things to do are in huge supply here. Everything from golf to camel rides are offered. I actually saw two camels, and thought it an odd sight until I later read that they are housed at Josone Park that boast a botanical garden and more.
Spas, malls, parks, lounges, night clubs, caves, Dolphinarium, safaris, boats, fishing, factory tours, trains, scuba and of course 20 miles of beaches are available to keep you busy for days on end.
Of course I did a little shopping, but only with the local vendors. There is so much to choose from and I even located some postcards.
When we arrived near our original jump on point, we jumped off the bus because I saw a store that sold Cuban flags. I had to have one, not sure what I will do with it, but it was calling to me. Did a little more shopping, then strolled into a small restaurant called, “Melaito” to enjoy some Cuban coffee and ice-cream.
After chatting with some locals, we meandered our way back to our pick up destination. Of course along the way we were targeted by a “jineterio”, but if you tell them sternly no, they will friendly back off. You do not want to deal with these characters, as they are only after your money. Not to so call steal it, but they are con-artists, preying on tourists.
Note: The Cuban flag is now proudly displayed in our living room.
We arrived a little earlier than the taxi, so we had time to throughly enjoy watching some locals fish off the rocks. Many use just lines that they throw by hand. It is such a graceful technique and I don’t understand how they don’t have burn marks from the fishing line whipping through their fingers when they cast out. They manually spool the line to reel it back in. It is an art form of nature.
The Canimar River Bridge
On the way back to Mantanzas our taxi driver took us on a side trip to show us a fishing spot that is underneath a huge archway bridge built in 1951 called Puente “Antonio Guitaras”. It was very peaceful and beautiful, and I of course enjoyed finding seashells and some pretty rocks. The water is clear and fish are in abundance. I took my sandals off and let the fresh water cool my feet. Delightful…
There were some locals present catching dinner for the evening.
When we arrived “home” we relaxed on the front porch with a couple of drinks while waiting for our host. They had been out visiting relatives. We once again had dinner together and I cooked some pan bread with butter, garlic and pepper. Acela grinds everything with a mortar and this was a first for me to smash garlic in the old style of cooking. The bread was yummy and perfectly accompanied our leftovers from last night, which was even tastier than the night before.
After dinner they offered us dessert of small bundt cakes with guava pudding, and a simple dish of hand shredded coconut and vanilla that Julio’s 91 year old auntie makes.
The coconut was the likes of NOTHING I have ever tasted. My taste buds were in heaven. I cannot even describe this delicacy.
Tonight we turned on the AC for the first time, since our skin was radiating heat from the sun, it was much needed.
I feel so at peace here and beyond serene.
Note:
1.Always carry little packages of tissue with you. Most restrooms do not have toilet paper, as it gets taken on a regular basis. Pick up some from the Dollar Store before your trip.
2. Purchasing internet access cards here is very easy and also simple to use. The cards give you one hour of time for two dollars each. You can only purchase three cards at a time though.
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