Trinidad

We finally found the Cuban music and the other foreign tourists: they’re both in Trinidad.  We were a little concerned about Trinidad, as it has a reputation for aggressive touts.  (The slang expression for them is jineteros or “riders”.  Our host in Trinidad was surprised and amused that we knew this term.)  Although there are indeed more touts here, they continue to be low key and pleasant.

As with all tourist towns, there is good reason for the attraction of Trinidad.  It was a wealthy town in the 19th century, due to the nearby sugar plantations, and now it is a remarkably well preserved colonial town with UNESCO designation.  What is immediately notable as you enter the town is the colour and state of the houses: street after street of sherbet colours and great architectural details.  It is a photographer’s delight.

Due in part to the tourist business, there is also a rich musical landscape in Trinidad.  Clubs offering a diverse range of musical styles (salsa, son, Afro-Cuban, trova, etc.) are open every evening.  We had a nap after dinner last night and actually stayed up late enough to go to a trova club until almost midnight.  Our dalliance with salsa through YouTube wasn’t enough to give us the courage to join the crowd on the dance floor, who have all been dancing salsa since they could walk, but the evening was a delight for the ears and eyes.  I particularly enjoyed watching a couple of guys my age, well-dressed and sporting flashy two-tone dance shoes, who floated over the floor, often with a gorgeous twenty-something in their arms.  I probably should have been more committed to those YouTube lessons.