A walking tour of the valley was organised for the day and we had a local guide, also called Alexis. He turned out to be great fun. On our way to the tobacco fields we walked past houses with some beautiful shrubs and flowers.
Ploughing using oxen!
The Cassava farmer being interviewed by American tourists.
Tobacco leaves drying.
We wondered about the plastic water bottles on the tree. A Cuban way of recycling - the farmer puts his coffee beans in them to sell.
Coffee grinder.
We spent some time talking to men who were preparing the birds for cock fighting - very popular here. They clip the feathers because it is easier for them to fight and easier to tend to the fight wounds.
I much preferred the little pigs.
Next we were given a demonstration on how to make cigars.
Jim was determined to try one - he loved it but has refrained since!
A bit of wallowing is always to be enjoyed!
The cockfight arena. Give me bull fighting any time!
We stopped at a rural cafe for refreshments - pina colada anyone?
Back into town again after our 3 hours walk.
Charlotte had sussed out a restaurant for us - De Olivo - so she (because she wasn't feeling very well) went and reserved a table while we queued to get some money exchanged. We returned to our B&B for a short siesta and then we were ready for our salsa class. Unfortunately Charlotte did not feel up to it which was a shame as she had been looking forward to it.
This is where we had the salsa class. It was great fun but exhausting in such heat! We practised all the steps for ages and then we were put into couples. Unfortunately Jim had not taken in the purpose of learning the steps and by the time we were to dance together he had forgotten them totally. I was torn between laughter and fury!
The beer that I was really in need of after salsa. Look at the state of me! It seems that I have taken to beer - something I never thought could happen!
After freshening up Yadian and Alexis brought us to an eco farm. This is an eco friendly farm with organically grown food in a beautiful setting. It is a family-run business and considered one of the best restaurants in Cuba. We were treated to an enormous spread of pork, chicken, beef, fish and lots of cabbage in various styles. As an appetiser we were given slices of banana (Plantain) filled with a nicely seasoned mince. It was very good. In fact this was probably the best food of the holiday but there was far too much of it.
And again we saw the sunset over the valley.
Again we were transported back to Vinales for the night life. Charlotte and Sarah were too tired to go out oin the town but there was nothing stopping Jim and myself. Because it was a Monday it was much quieter than the night before. Finally we saw two musicians at a pizza place so we ordered our rums and settled in to enjoy. It was possibly the best music of the trip. A man in his 70s was playing a Cuban guitar - 6 strings in 3 sets of 2. He was an excellent guitarist and singer. With him was a younger man who might have been his son. He was also very good. There was no effort from them to get tips but we felt they were really deserving of a big one! We had really enjoyed the evening.
No comments:
Post a Comment