I
was up and ready for the day so I took a shower (after fixing the washer which
was leaking water everywhere) and went to grab some breakfast before moving to
another casa (apparently the sister of Rosa). Not sure why I was asked to move
but it's closer to the centre (all of 2 blocks) and I have learnt not to
question these things. On the walk to the other casa she told me that she has a
reservation that's why I can't stay the second night.

We
took a walk to my new casa which was Rosa's daughters place. I dropped my bags
and got the day going by walking around the main squares for a bit. Eventually
I made my way to Loma de la Cruz which consisted of climbing about 400 stairs
in the midday sun. It was hard a sweaty work but the views made it worth it. I
got a complete view of the city and the surrounding mountains. I was only
really able to appreciate it after finding a shady spot to catch my breath in
and try find the slight breeze to cool me down.

After
appreciating the view I took a walk back down to the centre where I rehydrated
with some mojitos. I met some Canadians who live in Cuba and arranged to join
them to Guardalavaca (a beach town) for the day tomorrow. They also told me to
go to a bar called Benny's for some local music. It is a Monday and this isn't
a very tourist place (which I like about it) so I'm not that optimistic that
it's going to be very busy but I am sure I will have fine. I have learnt how to
do that pretty easily these days. On my way back to my casa there was a bar
that was called La Mojito so it would be rude of me not to try one there. It
was more minty but not the best. Still haven't found one that I would say is
the best. After the mojito I returned to my casa and did some washing before
grabbing a nap.

I
got up and sorted some photos before taking a walk around in the cool of the
evening. It's so much more pleasant without the sun blazing on me. I can even
go without a hat and let the wind blow through my hair. I walked around a few
plazas before going to a restaurant called San Jose on Plaza San Jose and was
recommended by some people I met in the bus terminal the day I arrived. Shortly
after I arrived a large tour group followed me in and as I love watching
people, admit it so do you, I sat so I could watch their table and get some
entertainment over dinner. The table immediately split into older couples at
one end and all the others at the other end. Unfortunately I had to watch them
through some windows so I could hear what they were talking about. Now that
would be like having a live show, now it just feels like I'm looking into a
fish tank, or am I in the tank? They weren't very interesting without words so
my intrigue with them ran short as soon as my food started arriving.

I
ordered a grilled fish which came with chips but the chips arrived much earlier
than the fish so by the time the fish came I had no more chips. The fish was
good though with a nice bit of char on it but slightly overdone, but I think
I'm getting used to that. I have been craving meat again but I am finding it so
heavy so I have been sticking to the fish recently but that will have to change
when I find good steak again.

After
dinner I headed back to the bar across the street from my casa to grab some
take away beers to enjoy on the terrace with a cigar. It was a Monday night and
there wasn't much going on so I had an early night. I tried to get an early
night but my mind decided to stay active and kept me tossing and turning until
about 2am.