CUBA – CIENFUEGOS
CUBA WEEK 1: Sunday December 11 – Monday December 12, 2016
Cienfuegos like Trinidad has a UNESCO heritage listing due to its significant colonial architecture.It was settled by the French from New Orleans in the 1800’s and the town had a prosperous foundation. Wide streets and avenues arranged on a grid pattern.
After the colours and life of Trinidad Cienfuego felt a bit soul-less. Wide empty streets devoid of much activity, maybe because it was Sunday when we arrived. As in poorer houses in Trinidad, front lounge rooms are open to the street and peoples living rooms are on display. By lunchtime we had walked much of the main part of town. So many buildings are absolute ruins, but people are still living in them.
Our accommodation is the most spacious we’ve had. We have our own apartment with a small living room, a bedroom and bathroom. All the home stays have certainly been a very comfortable experience. More like a private motel room.
The town is located on a huge embayment. The oceanfront close to town for the most part is polluted and stinks. In its heyday it must have a beautiful town. Huge mansions and a few modernist 50’s houses are located on the way to Punta Gorda, a long isthmus jutting out to sea. The mansion on the end is a riot of styles and is now a hotel.
Yes, another line to get bus tickets at Viazul. A bus company just for tourists!
Countryside is pretty flat.
Colonial splendour.
The freeway to Havana is remarkably free of cars.
The old colonial buildings are beautiful, as were the photos of buildings in Trinidad which were so prettily coloured and in good condition. Your accommodation there looked fabulous. Such a difference between the “haves” and the “have nots”. Enjoy your Christmas/New Year where ever you may find yourselves – a bottle of bubbly would not go astray! How exciting. Are there xmas decorations in shops/houses? Cheers. Stay safe.
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You are so right Kay. The disparity is just so much more obvious then in wealthier countries. UNESCO have contributed to much if the restoration in Trinidad and Cienfuegos. In Havana, the city historian was responsible for much of the restoration using earnings from tourism. We will be in New York for Christmas and back home in time for New Year. Will post some NY pictures. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and all the best in the New Year.
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Wonderful colours, textures and light. Thanks for letting me see a place I won’t get to myself, in a way I imagine I would see it.
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The bright colours are wonderful in the glare of tropical light.
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