I
didn't sleep much on the bus as it was so hot. We got to Trinidad at about 7:30
where I grabbed my bag and got in the queue to get a ticket to Cienfuegos.
Along the way I read some more and finished another book. It's so strange to be
reading so much but I am also enjoying it.

The
bus to Cienfuegos travelled along the coast which provided some great views of
little beaches along the way. I also managed to grab a few naps en route to be
ready to walk around and see everything in one day.

At
the bus station I got my ticket for tomorrow morning to Santa Clara and then
started walking to the casa I know about. Unfortunately they were full but she
took me to her brother down the road who had space. After checking in and
putting my things down I started my walk. It was now about 11 and the sun was
in full force. I took a walk around the residential area before heading to the
Malicon where I finally found a shady spot to enjoy a beer. From there I walked
into the old town and to the central park. I can definitely say that in this
area this place is different to the rest of Cuba and has a more French feel to
it. Also, the streets are all 2 ways which is unusual. Otherwise it feels the
same with the bici taxis and old cars all over. I even tried to get some internet
but it seems like they don't really like foreigners either. I gave up on that
and headed to the casa for some much needed rest. I may have only been walking
around for about 3 hours but this heat really takes it out of me.

I
had a good afternoon nap before an even better shower. So nice and refreshing
in this heat. The casa owner is making me fish for dinner (no idea what kind or
anything more) which should be good. Now to find water and beer! Fortunately
they had both of those in the casa so I just grabbed a beer before dinner was
ready. I was made some fish soup for starters and then had some little fish
fillets with avo and rice for mains. It wasn't the best meal I have had but it
hit the spot!

I
then went for a walk around to the main square where I found a bar to get a few
drinks and enjoy a cigar. While I was sitting there I was thinking about why
everyone is wanting to rush to Cuba (including me) before it gets Americanised
with McDonalds, Starbucks, etc but the more I interact and talk to the locals
the more I think that in the real Cuba this isn't going to happen. Yes, the
resorts and other things will come but a lot of the people I have spoken to say
that they aren't going to change to bring them here. Maybe it is my hope that I
am projecting onto them but they do come across as very genuine and hopeful
when talking about this.

I
don't know if it's that I am alone here a lot but when people try and sell me
cigars or rum (which is almost everyone) they always offer me girls as well. I
even find myself saying that I have a girlfriend to get away.

After
enjoying a few more drinks and live music the bar closed so I headed back to my
casa where I grabbed a few beers and started a new book (A Prisoner of Birth).
I decided to call it a night at about 1 so I would be fresh for tomorrow as I
have lots of walking to do.