April 24, 2016

 

We had a long, rough drive to Santiago de Cuba, the second largest city in Cuba.  Along the way we stopped at Bayamo and a choir sang for us. So fun and inspirational.  Their last song was “Swing Low Sweet Chariot.” It was all very moving.  Amazing!  

Sites along the way

 Granma is the name of the province and the boat that Fidel Castro used to arrive in Cuba for the revolution

 This is public transportation.  We saw the exact same vehicles transporting cattle also. 

 

After lunch, we are back on the “road” with a stop at the most important Catholic church in Cuba, la Caridad del Cobre.  It was a beautiful church and has been visited by 2 popes.  It is interesting and quite lucky that there are 2 Catholic churches still in Cuba.  Religion is frowned upon in the Socialist government; however Cuba has a strong Catholic background.  Most Cubans are Catholic. 

Finally we arrived at the Melia Hotel in Santiago De Cuba, a nice respite after rough roads and rusty accommodations.  We were glad to be at a hotel that was a little less rustic.  And we got our laundry done!  Yay!  This isn’t easy on a trip like this.  

Our tour leader Rene is from Santiago de Cuba and insists it is the most beautiful city in all of Cuba!

We are so enjoying ourselves.    bc and gc