The next day I took the bus to Cienfuegos, a beautiful city on the southcoast. Arriving there I was again surrounded by most invasive Taxi drivers. I fought my way to freedom and found Jose who offered me a room in his casa particular for 15 CUC, in the middle of town center. I accepted and was glad I did not have to knock on doors. Jose is a swimming-teacher and lives with his uncle Jose and his father Fernando. Again very nice people. As it was already 4pm I just dropped my bag and headed out, to explore the city. I strolled through the street, ate Ice Cream (made out of non-pasteurized milk, of course. It did not kill me, so far) and walked into a Son-concert on the crowded patio of a Cuban restaurant unfortunately it only lasted some 15 more minutes.
I went on, the sun had just set and I enjoyed the view and the warm summer-breeze (sounds cheesy, I know… ) and was completely happy to be there, even if I was alone. On the way back I heard and saw some very cool band playing on the seashore so I went there. After 5 minutes a guy invited me to his table were friends of him, a married couple sat. Julio, Yaris and Jorge. We danced, drank Rum Cola and later on we went to Yaris and Jorges house and had Mojitos until 5 am. We talked a lot, they wanted to know so much about Europe. Yaris was very proud that she already had left Cuba six times. It’s very rare that Cubans get the opportunity to travel. Jorge has a Physics degree but makes more money selling handmade jewellery on the street. He gave me a ring and a cruzifix, I’m wearing it all the time.
They invited me for dinner for the next day and Julio walked me home. I got up early the next day, Jose made me a wonderful onionomelet and fresh fruits and I headed out again to see some more spots, the palacio Valle and I even found a plant for Yaris. She is building a terrace on the rooftop so I thought it might fit there, once it’s finished. She was thrilled. Real plants cost a fortune. I paid 3 CUC.
Dinner was amazing Yaris prepared the menu for 4 hours excl. cooking time. Soppa de frutas del mar, Arroz Congris, Bistek, Camarones, Ensalada and for desert Mojito and Rum Cola. =) Of course we exchanged e-Mails (they have e-mail acces but no free internet acces…) and of course I will have to visit them again, once I get back to Cuba… but when?
