Cuba > Has time stood still...?

We have breakfast in the courtyard of the resort, and around nine o’clock we start the city tour of Trinidad. We walk down from the hill where the resort is located toward the center of Trinidad.

Cuba - The cobblestones in the streets of Trinidad

Along the way, Abel gives us explanations about the buildings and the history. Trinidad is a characteristic old town from the colonial era. The center of Trinidad looks as if time has stood still. It is no coincidence that Trinidad is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the hilltop, the view of the red-colored rooftops is truly spectacular. We walk along the cobblestone streets to the Plaza Mayor. This square is home to the cathedral of Trinidad and several merchant houses, which are now set up as museums. The cathedral is not yet open, so we first continue toward Plaza San Francisco. Here we visit the Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco. In the tower of this church hangs the clock, often depicted in travel guides. The staircase in the bell tower is narrow and not particularly sturdy, but everything goes well. From the top of the bell tower, we have a beautiful view over the city, especially the red roofs.

Cuba - Trinidad where time seems to stand still

In the square in front of the church, a band is rehearsing, adding to the atmosphere. Back down, we continue exploring the city through the narrow streets. Unfortunately, Trinidad has become very touristy, and you are regularly approached on the street for cigars, figurines, or lace. On the central square, the cathedral is now open. After visiting it, we settle on a terrace with African music from the slave period. We are also served a cocktail. Afterwards, we walk through the city and arrive at the lunch restaurant around midday. The specialty here is shrimp. Through the open wooden framework, everything from the street is offered or requested, and of course, another band performs with CDs for sale. So far, we have practically not had a meal without live music. Though well-intentioned, it does get tiring. After lunch, most of the group goes horseback riding. A small group and I stay in Trinidad. We walk from the center to the outskirts.

Cuba - Classic cars fitting well in the Trinidad streetscape

Here the cobblestones are replaced by asphalt, the colonial houses by ordinary houses, no tourists, and especially no hassle — just the everyday atmosphere. Strolling through the streets, we return to the center, have a beer in a café, check the internet, and walk back to the hotel. From the hotel terrace, we have a beautiful view over the city. At the end of the afternoon, we trade this spot for the pool. The other group slowly joins us. This time, it turns out Geert fell while horseback riding. He has a swollen knee, some scrapes, and some wrist discomfort (and the horse is fine). In the evening, dinner is included: a buffet. It’s good, but not remarkable. The fish tastes excellent. At ten o’clock, we walk to the center for a Salsa evening at the Cathedral. On the stone steps of the terrace, we have a view of the salsa band. Dancing gets going sporadically to the salsa music. Just as we settle in, a new band arrives and switches to African music with performances. This limits the opportunity to dance as much as we had hoped. Around half past twelve, we walk back to the hotel.