Woke up early to catch the bus to Camaguey. This is a much bigger city, with all the typical colourful buildings and Chevrolets rolling past. Wandered through plazas and passed a kids’ salsa lesson, despairing at our British lack of rhythm. Our guesthouse is opposite the theatre and we woke the next day to a huge crowd forming, we joined in and ended up buying tickets to a Waldo Mendoza concert that evening (more on him later). Some stunning churches (see photo), an incredible belltower view and then an old museum before relaxing by the bandstand of the Casino Campestre park. Images of Che Guevara are everywhere and here they are accompanied by legendary local hero, Ignacio Agramonte. His humongous monument dominated the Revolutionary Square, complete with Cuban flag and rallying music, and even police checking that we weren’t up to anything.

Had a bit of a mare with various food choices but have concluded that ordering seafood when you’re a good while from the sea is not the way to go! Nevertheless, enjoyed some £1.30 mojitos in the plaza and headed to the theatre to see Waldo, who turns out is one of the most famous contemporary artists in Cuba. The theatre was absolutely packed and the concert was obviously a big event as I spotted many floor-length gowns (with matching fans). Waldo charmed everyone with his deep romantic ballads, set against his 7-piece band, and the crowds sang EVERY SINGLE WORD and even enjoyed a boogie towards the end (cue Tom and myself horrendously attempting to copy their effortless moves). Essentially a Cuban Tom Jones; an older singer with a fantastic voice, charming the audience for a full two hours. Swap the Welsh accent for Cuban slang and the gospel origins for Latin undertones and you’re basically there. It was a surreal end to the day that’s for sure.

We are here and it is hot. Landed in Holguín which is a maze of one way streets (and every transport possible from horse & cart to trucks, motorbikes to bicitaxis). Accommodation in Cuba is essentially ‘casas particulares’ (guest houses) and our first one was gorgeous. Ironically, to be recognised you have to provide hot water but as of yet we’ve only wanted cold showers. We hid inside on the rocking chairs while a thunderstorm raged on, before gorging on seafood and, of course, rum. With Tom navigating and me translating we’re able to bip about quite happily.

Sorted some things such as currency (they run a two currency state, one for locals & one for tourists) and WiFi (you buy a card which allows you to connect to the internet in public parks & a few other places). The next day was stunning so after a great deal of mango we caught the bus (which is run by the state, as so many things are here) to Guardalavaca. Turquoise sea, white sand, blue sky, palm trees, and us two pasty muppets! Enjoyed some ‘ropa vieja’ (shredded beef) and enjoyed this final view of Holguín.

Going on a little adventure, so you’re welcome to follow on here! Tom and I off to Cuba tomorrow 🙂