Contrary to our previous post, here we are in sunny Havana. We are lodging with a local psychiatrist and are discovering the sights of Havana after 3 days spent touring in Eastern Cuba.
Our arrival in Puerto de Vita was a typical bureaucratic marathon for all concerned; at one point we had had 5 men, a lady and a dog all on board at the same time. That was after the visit from the doctor before we were able to tie up!
After meeting a family from the local village, who took The Admiral under their wing and have organised nail treatment, a haircut and some local food - fish etc, we have hired a car and after a night in Santiago de Cuba, 'Birthplace of the Revolucion' we then took 2 days to traverse Cuba via the 'Middle Road' and then the Autopista. This is the only country we have ever been in where you can be driving along a 6 lane highway and still meet people on bicycles or horse drawn buggies driving towards you on the inside lane. The service facilities are also often between the carriageways with entrance and exits from the fast lanes.
The people are wonderful, friendly and, for the most part, do not try things on. Staying with them in bed and breakfast places is fascinating and teaches us visitors a lot about Cuba very quickly.
Tomorrow is May 1st - 'Labour Day' with parades etc and we also have to drive back to Puerto de Vita once we can get out of Havana.
Internet and email here are non existent outside of large hotels and not available to locals.
Next stop Florida, and we hope to make Fort Lauderdale by the end of next week