We depart Trinidad at 8.53am on Monday 1 April (April Fool’s Day); another taxi driver who is ahead of schedule. No idea what this “Cuban time” is that people speak about as we haven’t seen it. We have seat belts and the ability to open and close our windows. Result.
As we are “cruising down the highway in the hot hot sun” Manda asks the driver how long the drive will be. 3 hours - woo Hoo! We had expected 4.5-5 hours.
An hour into the trip we pull into a petrol station for the driver to get a drink.
Like all our drives there is a constant stream of things to look at. I still love seeing a horse and cart on the main roads.
Check in is a slow process, 100% on Cuban time now. When it’s our turn we are up-sold a room then informed we can’t get the key for two more hours (at 3pm). We are given our arm bands though so can eat / drink as we please.
Before going for lunch we have a bit of a wander around the property. As we get closer to the beach the blue blue water (I know the photos won’t do it justice!) it’s calling us.
Manda has been talking about getting a new tattoo for the last couple of days. We had tried last night but it was too late. After I had purchased a dive trip for tomorrow we then inquire if there is somewhere to go in Varadero. The bell boy has a recommendation. Bingo, today’s the day.
We manage to fill in a couple of hours before we can get our key. As we are in another area of the resort we are taken by golf cart to our room. We dump our bags and return to the main part with the bell boy. Taxi ordered, its show time.
An old classic car turns up, it’s still super exciting.
I’m 100% more nervous than Manda.....she’s not nervous at all. There are a group of French in front of us so we sit and wait. In the end we decide to ask how long they’ll be as we’ll go for a walk - one hour, cool we’ll be back at 5.30pm.
We wander up the street to try to find some fries for Manda, apparently its better not to be hungry when getting a tattoo. Complete fail after trying four different places so instead it’s Pringle’s from the supermarket while watching the world go by. Great for photo taking!
When back at the tattoo shop we have a wait before things start to move - the artist prints out 6 images in different sizes for Manda to choose. Post that he transfers it onto the location. Bingo, we are now ready for the tattooist.
While the imagine dries I have a bathroom run at the bar across the road then pick up a beer (to calm the nerves of course.....).
Once Manda’s tattoo is finished the artist advises our taxi driver gave his name and number in case we want to use him to get back to the hotel. Sure thing.
The sun setting on the drive home is stunning!! Can’t wait to sit and watch it tomorrow.
As we are walking through the lobby we stop at reception to get the low down of how this all-inclusive deal actually works. We had missed out on one of the a la crate restaurants as we weren’t here to book (you can only book between 9am and noon each day).
So it’s off to the buffet we go. Nothing spectacular, I’ve had better and I’ve had worse.
On the way to our room we stop at the bar and collect a beer for Manda and a drink similar to a mojito for me.
It had been another great day in Cuba! Tomorrow morning I’m off diving for the day.
Tuesday 2 April I wake just after 6.30am but force myself to doze for a little longer. As much as I’m excited to be going diving today I could do with a chilled morning.
Unfortunately when we got our room keys yesterday we weren’t told how the beach towels work. It’s bloody painful trying to sort it out!!! Totally not like the helpfulness of Cubans we have experienced everywhere else. In the end I need to involve the customer services lady who is thankfully able to get me a towel (even though the towel hut doesn’t open to 9am).
I had been informed to be in the lobby at 8.45am for pick up. Just before 9am the tour desk I’d booked through yesterday calls them up - they are on their way I’m informed.
We have four more stops post me getting on board the bus.
It’s a smooth operation once we get to the marina. Everyone gets their gear (except weights) then we are straight into the boat. So nice to be out on the water again.
We have two dives - first one is 52 minutes and the second 49 minutes. Both are very good. The second dive has numerous schools of barracudas and HUGE lobsters.
A few of us sit completing our dive books. So nice to know that people still do this as I thought it was just me.
On arrival back to the marina we hand back all our gear, have our books stamped and some people need to pay. I’m getting hungry - no surprises given its 2.20pm.
As soon as I’m dropped at the hotel I fill my water bottle then make a run for the bathroom.
As I walk outside I spy Manda sitting outside the restaurant. Perfect! I manage to get something to eat before it’s all taken away.
We have the afternoon at the pool. I jump in immediately to “clean” my hair from the salt water.
We have an entertaining afternoon watching 3 super drunk Canadian girls - it’s laughable but equally beyond unbelievable. I’m all for drinking during the day but you need to control yourself. For our giggling at them we do make friends.
We end up chatting to Carlos, Freddy and Oscar who are all form Chile. Carlos is the only one that can speak English so at times it’s a guessing game. Good fun though!
When we walk into the restaurant there is only one other table, there was definitely no need to rush here.
Shortly after arriving the Chilean’s arrive for their booking.
We start to head back towards the bar then run into the Chilean’s with one of the crazy drunk ladies from this afternoon. We are talked into joining them on their mission to find the disco. Thankfully that’s short lived and we head to the bar.
I’ve seen more than enough sun today and after diving am starting to fade so call it a night after a while. A quiet dark cool room is required.
Wednesday 3 April I wake early but doze to 7.30am. Love not having to get up and moving straight away!
After a leisurely breakfast we head to the beach. This really is the life!
Post lunch its back to the beach we go.
It’s super relaxing sitting here watching the sun go down listening to the roar of the sea.
It’s a quick step, hop and jump to the Cuban restaurant which we have booked for this evening.
Not entirely sure why they say a la carte when you don’t have a choice on what you eat. This evening it’s a Cuban tasting menu.
Thursday 4 April I’m woken again by the neighbours just after 7am. It has been a very disruptive night with them - 2am for about an hour then their alarm was going off at 5.30am. I got up and went out on the balcony (where they were sleeping) to wake them. This time tomorrow I’ll be up, dressed and at the airport......Thank goodness they weren’t here the whole time we were here!
We have a leisurely breakfast before going to the pool for a good hour.
When we arrive at reception to check-out the super drunk Canadian girl from the other day was sitting outside clearly waiting for something. Manda went and talked to her - she’s off home today (and the other 3 are all staying). She’s been sitting here for 1 hour and 15 minutes waiting for a bus to the airport......no idea why she didn’t think to get a taxi. It’s going to be very tight for her to make her flight. With CUC 8 and CAD 20 she’s not going to get very far.
Check-out is nice and easy, no bill to pay. Instead we get money back from the towel deposit.
While it’s been lovely to just stop for a few days I’m very glad we saw the real Cuba before coming here. I won’t be returning back here......for now it’s off to La Habana we go.
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