Cuba > To Varadero

Today we have a long bus journey to Varadero. At nine o’clock sharp, everyone is ready. At the reception, we hand back our wristbands. Unfortunately, the bus hasn’t arrived yet. Abel calls the bus company. “Which booking?” is their response. He then calls his agency, and finally, around 10:30, a coach arrives. From Cayo Coco, we drive back toward the highway heading for Havana.

Cuba - The long route to the island of Caya Coco

The section toward Santa Clara we had already driven a few days earlier for the visit to the Che Guevara Mausoleum. Due to the bus delay, our first coffee stop isn’t until around one o’clock, and lunch comes at half past three. Ironically, this is the same restaurant where we stopped on the way to the Bay of Pigs, but back then it was already closed. By the restaurant lies a small zoo, where we can stretch our legs after ordering lunch. Around 6:30 p.m., we arrive in Varadero. The bus stops in front of the hotel, which is situated on the main road and looks much less luxurious than our previous hotel. We’ve probably become spoiled, because when Abel gets out, we stay seated, assuming he’s just handling something. Abel laughs and comes to get us. The hotel has a pool with a bar in the courtyard and a passageway to the beach. Unlike Cayo Coco, there’s no bay here — just a long stretch of beach. At the reception, we have to wait for the keys because the bellboy isn’t ready yet. He walks us to the room but doesn’t carry the luggage. He shows the room, turns on the air conditioning, and waits expectantly for a tip. He probably doesn’t think one peso is enough, because he slams the door shut with a loud bang. Others have the same experience. On the terrace, we have a drink. Dinner in the restaurant is a bit disappointing. The buffet is limited and not very tasty — perhaps we’ve just become spoiled.