Picture the scene: there are two rocking chairs creaking on a polished colonial porch, a half-finished bottle of rum being passed amiably between guest and host, and the sound of lilting music drifting ethereally through the humid tropical darkness. It could be any casa particular (private homestay) in Cuba. This is your best option for accommodation while traveling in Cuba. Rooms are available from $15 to $50. It is counter-intuitive, you may see a large beautiful hotel building for $200 a night and you would think it is a nice place, but the government owns hotels and most are not kept up. In a casa particular, you will have a comfortable quiet room, hot water, and an excellent breakfast. A few photos of my casa in Trinidad…
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- My delicious breakfast of tropical fruits, meats and cheeses, bread, and Cuban coffee. Eggs are always available how you like them upon request
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- The courtyard where I had breakfast each day
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- The walls are from the colonial era
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- My private room is on the right
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- Courtyard decor
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- Pantera the cat kept me company at breakfast
Today was a highlight of the trip for me. On the second day in Trinidad, Faye, Amber, Fred, Manolo, and I headed out for a hike and a swim at the El Cubano waterfall. If you swim behind the waterfall, there is a bat cave.
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- A very large colony of wasp nests
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- Termite nest
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- El Cubano waterfall
The man that lives here let us try some of his herbal tea.
In the late afternoon we headed over to Playa Ancon for beach time, a barbecue prepared by a local family, and watched a beautiful sunset.
Later that night we met up for drinks and dancing at Casa de la Musica, one of Trinidad’s (and Cuba’s) classic venues, this casa is an alfresco affair that congregates on the sweeping staircase beside the Iglesia Parroquial off Plaza Mayor. A good mix of tourists and locals take in the 10 pm salsa band here.
- Andy
Andy's walks in the world 
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