Tuesday, January 24, 2012

4 Cities in 2 days= 1 Amazing Weekend

After a week of informative speakers, exciting activities and various experiences in everyday La Habana (Havana) life, the American University Cuba Troopers (as I have deemed the group) set out to explore more than the Cuban metropolis. Everyone was thrilled to hear that we would be visiting the cities of Santa Clara, Sancti Spiritus, Trinidad and Cienfuegos. Early Saturday morning, the group hit the open road starting our four city journey equipped with overnight bags, a knowledgeable tour guide and a freshly scented tour bus. 
City #1 Santa Clara
Santa Clara is a city that boast a rich history and cultural character but most importantly is home of the Ernesto Che Guevara Memorial.  So, as you can tell, the trip was off to a good start.  Our first stop in Santa Clara was the outdoor train car museum.  This outdoor museum is constructed of the original train cars that were carrying Batista’s soldiers and weapons to the city of Santa Clara.  Before the train could reach army barracks, the rebels (with help from the locals) successfully derailed the train, captured Batista’s soldiers and weapons which subsequently resulted in Batista’s flee from power and the country.  These train cars and the infamous bulldozer used to derail the train cars are national symbols of one of the most pivotal victories of the Cuban revolution. 
Pardon the brief history lesson on the Battle of Santa Clara, now back to the regularly scheduled detailing of our weekend trip.
Next we visited the Che Guevera Memorial and Museum. The museum was everything about Che… baby Che, scruffy Che, incognito Che, Che’s weapons, Che’s degree, Che’s asthma inhaler… you get the idea. Next we visited the adjoined memorial that held the remains of Ernesto “Che” Guevara and his revolutionary comrades.
City #2- Sancti Spiritus
We arrived to Sancti Spiritus as dusk was quickly approaching and the group was given a brief tour of the city. We visited the oldest bridge in Cuba, interacted with local Cuban children, bought some Cuban street ice cream, and made our way back to our luxurious hotel. 
Our hotel was located at the central plaza of the city.  At exactly 9pm, speakers placed in the plaza began playing music non- stop until 2 am in the morning.   There was literally a party in the streets.  After we all convened at the hotel’s rooftop bar, the group ventured out to experience the Cuban Weekend Night Life. Some danced the night away, some did Cuban karaoke, some went to a Cuban punk rock concert, some slept, some had moonwalking competitions in the plaza, but all thoroughly enjoyed their one night in Sancti Spiritus.  
City #3 Trinidad
Sunday morning we traveled to Trinidad which was a group favorite [city]. The city was vibrant with colors and culture catching our eyes at every corner. We all enjoyed and needed that change of scenery. First we visited the Sugar Mill Valley where we climbed the watch tower. It was breathtaking. Climbing what seemed to be an infinite amount of steps was literally breath taking but once at the top the view was beautiful. After leaving the Sugar Mill Valley, we visited a famous Cuban tavern, La Canchanchara and sampled the well-known Cuban drink, Canchancara. We had a little free time to explore Trinidad and then we took off for our last city.
City #4- Cienfuegos and the Beach
On our way to the last city on our tour, the group was pleasantly surprised with a VERY brief beach trip. Our beach stay was short, but 15 minutes on a clear blue beach with beautiful weather (in January) was definitely a treat. When we arrived in Cienfuegos we were given time to explore on our own. The city was very quiet and calm providing the perfect ending to our exciting marathon 4 city trip.  I think we all would agree that it was a great weekend getaway.
-          Akosua Dosu


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