CUBA TRAVEL JOURNAL
The Great Grand Prix Boat Race Takes Over Cienfuegos
I've been in Cuba for three weeks now and it seems like three years. What was unusual is now ordinary. It is no longer surprising to go to the bathroom and find only a hole in the ground and no water. I'm accustomed to washing in the steel drum outside Yasmell's house, to people staring at us, alternately asking for the time or a match in order to strike up a conversation and then abruptly leaving when the police arrive.
Later, we went to the free Disco and enjoyed watching Yasmell dance with his daughter, Adys. It seems the racing will begin soon. I can see crowds of people walking to the marina and the malecon. I think I'll go to the boat again though I know it means being harassed by customs and the police. I need to get some more money and maybe Chris will be there. We've decided to return to Grand Cayman on Wednesday, four days from now. It took three trips but we managed to purchase tickets for a flight from Havana. We'll probably leave Cienfuegos Monday or Tuesday but I'm not sure how we'll get there. Havana is five hours away and, so far we're unable to find a rental car. Chris has decided to leave the boat in Cuba and perhaps take it to the United States to sell later. He's asked if I will help with the crossing and I've agreed. Maybe after we return from Turks & Caicos would be a good time. |