(We did pass Guantanamo Bay as we drove not that you could see anything of the naval base!). As soon as we stepped off the air-conditioned bus (a luxury in itself) in Santiago the heat hit us as did local touts and children trying to sell or ask us for things.
The city is historically important in regards to both the first and second revolutions in Cuba and it was in both the port and Sierra Maestras (mountain range) that Fidel assembled (and in some cases lost) his guerillas as he galvanised the revolution.
We visited revolution square, the revolution museum, El Morro fort, cemetery (where we saw the changing of the guards) and walked around the city.
There are many beautiful old buildings in Santiago with narrow streets running down to the port. There is a pedestrian only street running through the old city with carts of very cheap food and the what appears to be the national dish - ice cream - available with two scoops costing the equivalent of 25 cents.
Santiago plays an important role in Cuba's musical heritage, possibly a reflection of the rich melting pot and background of racial backgrounds in the city. Mind you we didn't actually experience any live music here apart from sounds coming from buildings as. Walked through town and the unusual method of transporting this double bass.
And perhaps for many one of the most important aspects of Santiago is that it was the home of Bacardi rum until the family Took it off shore following Fidel's changes n trae practices. We enjoyed a drop or two of it as we watched a spectacular sunset over the bay and basilica sipping on mojitos.
We learnt to make mojitos from Tatti our host in Santiago de Cuba and I think hers were pretty close to the best we tasted in the whole trip. The Casa Particulars or home stays were certainly a future of thet trip and without a doubt one of the best ways to experience the real Cuba. Our hosts were always so accommodating, proud and welcoming and for them it is a way of making a little more money in a very limited market. The highlight for me of Santiago de Cuba was our home stay. Tatti was especially hospitable and welcoming and whilst the heat was stifling her roof terrace with it's views across the city to the bay and it's fresh breeze was welcoming. Along with her mother and sisters they cooked dinner and breakfasts for the whole group and most importantly made great mojitos.
It was very interesting sitting and chatting with her and the family. They are so generous in spirit and enjoy life to the max but in comparison to us have so little like many Cubans. With an average wage of around $30 per month the concept of an iPad was somewhat magical to her 14 year old son who spent ages playing with mine even though there was no internet connection. It's an interesting juxtaposition that you learn to balance as you travel - our financial wealth and overly complicated lives compared to our hosts rich family life which is often so less complicated with very little money.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe Harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”. Mark Twain
Location:Santiago de Cuba
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