Day 2: Simplicity (Towards Havana)

I get up around 7am. I go get a banana milkshake on the corner for 10 CUP ($0.60). Then I get a pan con huevos (bread with an egg) for 15 CUP ($0.90). To finish I have a small espresso for 6 CUP ($0.36). I get back on the road towards Havana. I get overtaken by 3 Cuban cyclists who are training. I tried to follow them, but I have to admit defeat... The landscapes are more beautiful than the day before. I try to go as close to the ocean as possible.

I'm trying to find a hairdresser to get my hair cut. I find a very nice little place. Linda offers me a very good price: 2 CUC ($2.80). Here is the result... Before

After

I continue on my way and pass a neighborhood on the seaside. Young people are playing baseball.

I find a peaceful place and I find a pineapple on the ground that I taste...it's delicious!

I also find a dog skull.

I take advantage of a brief moment of warmth because Galarneau has shown up. I continue my journey on a bumpy path dotted with horses.

Cows eating grass on the ocean shore.

I arrive in the Cojimar area. I'm hungry and I eat a pan con croqueta for 6 CUP ($0.36)

I enjoy the sun warming my skin for the first time on the trip...hooray.

I sit on the corner of the street opposite the food kiosk.

There is a very beautiful fort on the seaside.

I pedal... again and again. I see a fresh meat kiosk.

I take the opportunity to buy a carrot for 3 CUP ($0.18). A Cuban who sees me wanting to wash my carrot with water from my gourd rushes towards me and leaves with my orange object. After waiting a minute he comes back with a beautiful peeled and washed carrot. It is succulent.

I finally see Havana appearing on the horizon...

A special session is offered to me...

I try to take the ferry to the old quarter, but it doesn't offer a ferry until tomorrow, so I have to take a 20km detour to reach the capital. I pass a small kiosk and ask how much a tomato costs. You know the rest... the nice Cubans refuse to take payment.

I finally arrive at Española Hotel at 752 San Martin. My refuge found on Expedia this morning. This is the second time I use this service in Cuba and I saved $7 per night. It's convenient to find good deals and above all I wasn't stressed about finding something before nightfall.

View from my room...there are chickens on the roof of my neighbors across the street.

Short day of cycling today... only 55 km. I took the time to take the time! I visited Havana, it's always nice. Here is the Capitol at night...

The cathedral and its nativity scene

I found a restaurant that wasn't too touristy, but the prices were inflated in Havana. I ate the same thing as yesterday and I paid 5 times more, 7 CUC ($10).

The bar is empty... I'm going to bed... Life is simple, don't complicate it...

David Beauchesne

Fast123 Photos