Hola,
Sorry for not posting for the past couple of days, but it´s been hectic.
tuesday we went to Santa Clara. We first stopped at Remedias and got a short ride on a very old steam train. it was fabulous!!!
We stopped in the town square and saw a church with the most incredible altar, the entire wall was gold plated. What a sight. The church and it´s records date back to the 1500´s.
We then walked around the square and looked at different things.
Next it was on to a cigar factory. I did not enjoy this at all, it was very smelly. However, it was interesting to see the cigar making process. Everything is done by hand.
then we were off to Santa Clara and the Che memorial. This was the part I was looking forward to, and I wasn´t disappointed.
The revolution square is huge, and the monument of Che is humbling. We spent a few minutes here taking pictures and wandering around and then we were off to the museum.
We had to wait about 45 minutes before they would let us in. there was security everywhere, and we noticed the cars parked. Apparently there were some important visitors from the non aligned summit touring the museum.
Security was very strict, and there were lots of cameras. We waited until they came out and then we were allowed in.
The museum is a biography of Che´s life from birth to death. Very worthwhile touring this.
Then we went in to view ¨the immortal remains of Che and his followers. This is a very sacred place, and very touching.
After this we went to the town square in Santa Clara for some shopping, and then we headed home.
Wed, we did the catameran trip. This is always a favorite of mine, and again I wasn´t disappointed. I managed to see a very large baracuda. It is an all day trip and we had lobster lunch. Worth the money in my opinion if you like being out on the water.
Today John has gone diving. He was really looking forward to it, so we´ll see what he thinks when he gets back.
Tuesday night we ate at the Asian again, and I have to say that it is their best restaurant here.
Last night it was the seafood restaurant, and this is where they fail miserably. The restaurant is located at the far end of the resort on the way to the suites. The pathways are not lit and the mosquitos are horrendous.
We decided to walk to it, which was a big mistake, however we arrived without too many bites.
Dinner started off well, with shrimp cocktail, followed by cream of asparagus soup but that´s where the good part ends. The main course of filet mignon, lobster, sweet potatoes and peas and carrots was served and it was stone cold. The peas were still frozen!!! The steak was warm on the outside and still cold inside, the lobster was cold as were the sweet potatos.
Service failed here, because they plunked the plate down and then disappeared. I tried to get someones attention to tell them it was cold but they pretty much ignored us.
finally our waitress came by and asked if I was finished after about 20 minutes. My plate was untouched, so you would think that was a clue that something was wrong!!!
I was very disappointed, and we left. Again service fails here. They should have had the carts waiting at the door, or someone should have offered to call one, but there was neither.
We started walking, and there was not one light working on the pathways. Pitch black!!!
Tonight it is the buffet, so we´ll see what they have to offer.
I must say that breakfast service in the buffet is incedible!!! I cannot fault them at all. And yes the bacon is very good, and lots of it.
The guys in the lobby bar are probably the best as far as staff go. Most of the staff have come from the Melia, and the one and only animation staff girl wishes she was back there. she is a very sweet girl and lots of fun but she is stuck over at the sports center by herself.
So far the week has been great, and the food is probably the best we´ve ever had in Cuba with the exception of the cold offering at the Seafood.
I´m off to the beach and the pool.
