Cuba

Cuba was fantastic. We arrived without our luggage :-( When we checked in there was luggage every where. Understandably, Cubans go on a shopping spree in Mexico. That is if they are fortunate enough to be let out of the country. There must have been about 30 bags that where going as unaccompanied luggage. Our one backpack must have got lost amongst it.

After it dawned on us that our bag had not arrived, we grabbed a cab and headed for Centro Havana. It was all a bit scary. It was now dark and the streets looked like a war zone. There where no cars and people hanging out of door ways.
We found Luis´s Casa (house) that we were recommended by someone in Mexico. We walked in and it was like going back to the 1940´s. High (20 foot) ceilings, the old telephone on the wall. All very cool. Luis was great and took us under his wing.
We stayed in another Case around the corner that was located opposite the Ocean. Apart from it being partly under scaffolding, the view was amazing. Si and I spent plenty of time in our rocking chairs drinking rum, smoking cigarettes and Cuba was amazing!! We spent days walking around discovering different parts of the city. The old part of Cuba has been restored and the Plaza´s , forts and buildings and spectacular. In contrast you have Centro Havana (where we stayed) that looks like it needs some love.

The architecture is beautiful and it is sad to see they buildings in such disrepair….and did I mention the cars. Classic cars from the 1950´s. We where surprised at the number of new cars. You can tell that things are slowly changing but it is mostly the wealthy that benefit. We found it a lot more expensive than originally thought. Mind you, a Mojito cost about $2.00 so really can’t complain.

On the Sunday, we went to the local beach. The water was gorgeous. We hired a chair and umbrella right at the waters edge. Si ogled the Cuban women (the men aren’t bad either).

One of the highlights was a visit to a cigar factory. The trainees get paid $5 a month. The employees can take home three cigars a day and smoke as many as they want during the day. Amazingly, they have never had a fire. Si worked out that one cigar passes through about 13 sets of hands before being sold. I don’t think he will be smoking cigars any time soon.
Our backpack showed up on the third day. Buying deodorant and tooth past was interesting and you have to stand in line. I was overjoyed when it showed up as buying cloths would have been a nightmare.

Mexico

Our flight to Cancun was delayed and we arrived at 10pm (2 hr delay). We could not get over how built up Cancun was between the airport and downtown where our hotel was located. It was a bit like Los Vegas meets the Sunshine coast. We both agreed that it not to our liking. We spent two nights in Cancun. We had some admin we had to get sorted for the boat. I quiet liked the place but was in desperate need for some R&R.

After a rave review from Sue Wood, Si and I took the half an hour ferry to Isla Majures. It was a lot busier than I had imagined the small island being that Sue had described. Unfortunately tourism is taking its hold with day tripers from Cancun and a number of large resorts under construction. It is still beautiful and there is still the odd secluded beach to be found. On arrival, I drew the short straw and went in search for accommodation. I went and had a look at the youth hostel and standing in line behind some very young 18 year olds (good thing Simon didn’t go), I really hoped that they did not have any thing available with private room and bathroom. My plea was heard and I wasturned away. My second choice was Hotel Vistalmar. The moment we walked intp the place we felt like we had come home. We scored a great room on the second floor over looking the ocean (all for $30 a night). We stayed for four nights and met some fantastic people including Jim, Brenda, Pete, Linda and little Maya, Nina, Phil, Shirlee and Wes. We spent our days on the beach, drinking tequila and enjoying the close community of people that come back to the hotel each year (Some for up to 30 years) for months….reminds me a bit of Hotel California  We decided to leave the island and see more of Mexico and Cuba before we too could check out any time but you can never leave….

We left Isla and took a 2nd class bus that took to Chichen itza. Going 2nd class we drove though all the villages along the way. It was pouring rain and many of the streets where under water. We saw the place we wanted to stay and Si somehow got the bus to stop for us. The hotel had two pools and hammocks which of course we could not use because of the rain. We got up early the next morning with the intent of being at Chichen itza when it opened so to beat the crowds. The place is amazing. We hired a Mayan guide who explained all the ruins, the culture and gave some really good insight into the demise of the cities.

That afternoon we headed for Valladolid. It started raining again so after wondering around looking at tourist shops, we bought some tequila and veged out watching cable TV. I should mention that the Mexican’s are lovely people. They always had a smile and always helpful. Our Spanish sucked but we had a lot of fun trying. We would often go to dinner and not have a clue what we where ordering. It was always good so we were not too concerned.

While in Valladolid we explored a couple of the Cenotes (Soak wells) in the area. We went to one a few km’s out of town. It was located in a cave with a sky light. The water was crystal clear. We went swimming and the water was magical, you could see the cat fish swimming under you. It was very idyllic until a tourist bus of Japanese arrived on the scene. We hitched back to town and watched more TV. We figure that we might as well make the most of it while we can.

St Maarten

We arrived in St Maarten on the 1st Feb 2008 after being in transit for 50 hrs. We stayed on the beach outside of Marigot for three days allowing us the time to visit Woodsia and get some admin out of the way.

Beautiful island though it is very much Europe meets 3rd world. On first inspection, the mix didn't feel right. But like all things you become accustomed to the culture and after a few days you wonder what all the concern was about. We did find it very expensive as the french side uses Euros rather than US$. Just getting to the other side of the island was costing up to US$30.

We went and visited Woodsia on the second day we arrived. While Si crawled all over the boat (literally), I sat on deck thinking what the hell have I got myself into. She is not as roomy as Figaro but I think it is the love that is missing. Once we start putting our energies into her, I am sure that she will start feeling different. Thankfully Corrado (Moorings liaison) agreed to fix most of the items identified in the survey. Here is hoping that most of the items are fixed on our return at the end of the month.