Sunday 23 December 2007

Day 14

After another natural/organic breakfast is time to say goodbye. As usual we try to leave something to the family not only a tip but also some gifts, they thank us very much.

Before going back to Havana we have our last planned visit today. We are going to meet Juanito a farmer farming steep fields in a hilly area. Juanito, thanks to various state run projects, is enjoying a better life than his ancestors. He in fact uses a solar system that runs his television and washing machine. Additionally his fridge run using kerosene as you've probably realised his home doesn't have electricity or running water. Juanito is another happy farmer living with his extensive family on this hill. Our group poses a lot of question to everyone; not only the farmer but also the local teacher, and the doctor with nurse. It's incredible but such a small community (108 people) have a school with 3 kids still open and running, a local doctor with nurse and additional services available at 8km. In Cuba living in a small farmer village is not a problem as in most countries, services are available and people decide to stay instead that move over to the cities. This is certainly a good example for other countries.

About moving to the city, this is what we are just doing, going back to Havana. This time we are going to stay at the 4* Inglaterra, but expectation is low we have read reviews that said; "Nice lobby but sloppy room..". This is exactly what we get, but we are not worried it is just for one night and the location is great. After a bit of catch up and wondering around it is time for the group farewell dinner. The restaurant is slightly better than average but with live music (too loud) and dancers. In this case you are supposed to tip; waiter, band and dancers. I know that gratuities are very important for workers in tourism, but three tips for a dinner on top of the bill is ridiculous. We end the night in Plaza Vieja having a meter of locally brewed beer.

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