As in so many other respects, Cuba is an unusual destination in regards to money.  When we were last here, 20 years ago, there were two currencies.  The convertible peso, or CUC, equivalent to a U.S. dollar, was the currency used by foreigners for most... Read More

We are staying in Cienfuegos, the “Paris of Cuba” or “the Jewel of the South.” Like all things Cuban this jewel could use a little polishing, but it’s a lovely place to explore. Cienfuegos was founded in 1819 by Don Louis D’Clouet, a French emigré from... Read More

Albert’s photo of a pygmy owl. It’s all about the birds. Our ride to Cienfuegos from Playa Girón was a bit longer than I like, at 83kms. The problem is the midday heat rather than the distance. We were expecting a fairly boring ride but... Read More

The sun comes up at 7:15 and the temperature is about 18 degrees, cool and perfect. I sit in a rocking chair in front of our casa particular in Playa Girón and watch the day begin. People are already gathering at the intersection waiting for... Read More

Gordon:  Yesterday we completed our bike ride across Cuba, arriving in Playa Larga at the head of the Bay of Pigs.  (That name may be familiar to some, but more about that in another blog.)  Crossing Cuba from north to south isn’t much of an... Read More