I
woke up at 8 but was still tired so got up at 9 and had some breakfast in the
casa before getting walking. I walked
around close to the casa for a while and enjoyed the old buildings and views
down over the harbor. I then followed a map down to the harbor to find an old
castle that doesn't seem to exist so found a little food stall and grabbed some
lemonade (it's very difficult to find water).

While
sitting there some locals were enjoying some beers so I bought one from them
and sat in the shade trying to cool down before a walk up the hill to see some
more sights. I cheated and got a bicycle taxi who took me to a few extra spots
along the way to make a good fare from me. The first stop was a Casa de Ron
where they had some cigars and rum. I had a rum taster before getting out as
there were way too many tourists and therefore everything was very expensive. I
told Renato this so he took me to a cigar factory which I wasn't allowed in and
met another guy who works there and could sell me some cigars. We went around
the corner and into his house where there were assorted cigars available for me
to buy at stupid low prices. I think they were real but it does seem too good
to be true so we will see.

After
choosing some and selecting the ones not damaged we got going to meet another
friend of his with a cab to take me around tomorrow to some places that are a
little far away. I hope I can find other people to go with me as it's getting
expensive alone. From here we went to Santa Infigenia Cemetery a few of the
revolutionaries who died in battle are buried here as well as there being a
monument for the others. As we arrived the changing of the guards started. It
was a very short process with 2 guards being replaced by another 2. Both the
guards are guarding the mausoleum of San Martín.

After
walking around a bit we jumped back on the bike and passed through Revolution
Square before stopping at Moncada Barracks which is now a school and the bike
ride ended outside Museo Abel Santamaria Cuadrado. I had a walk around but I
didn't understand much so started my way back to the casa for a nap.

One
thing that I have noticed when walking around is the kids playing soccer with
anything they have (even a rock), playing marbles (I almost destroyed a game by
standing on them) and people playing chess and dominos (I even saw a hall of
people playing). In the afternoon they all sit outside their houses and watch
the world go by. There seems to be a real sense of community.

I
realised I should try get some cash so made my way back to the square where I
had seen some ATM's. Fortunately my card worked no problem but was charged a
$12 fee, ouch. I then found a place that had water so got a few bottles and
since beer and water are the same price got a few cans as well. I put my drinks
in the fridge before having a nap. When I got up I prepared myself for sunset
with a Cohiba and Glenfiddich and made my way to the terrace.

Tomorrow
I want to see a few sights that are a little out of town so need to get a cab
but they so expensive when you travelling alone. Guess I have to find some
friends tonight to come with me.

My
first bar was a very gringo place but it was the only one with live music. Here
I enjoyed my cigar and a few cocktails (cubatas, Cuba libre with dark rum, and
mojitos) before the band finished and the bar closed. I didn't make any tourist
friends but I met a few locals and some of the band. From there I went walking
only to find myself in a more local place but with a few gringo. I had another
mojito while some local women were trying to pick me up, or should I say, sell
themselves to me. Here I met another local and a band member that I met
earlier. We got chatting and I got given a cigar that he was trying to sell me
earlier. Soon afterwards this place also closed only to be followed by a
different local women. I made my way to another place where I sat and enjoyed
the music for a while before deciding to call it a night at about 1. I returned
to my casa to enjoy a beer and the balance of my cigar on the terrace. 

The
locals all seem really friendly but it comes across as fake and I find myself
constantly on defense and trying to figure out what they want. It may be
different when travelling as a group but it's the one thing that I am not
enjoying much. I think it also comes from me not liking saying no but I am
learning quickly.

Another
thing I noticed today was the amount of beggars on the streets. I know families
don't get much to live on and most people have 2 jobs but I do wonder how it is
possible that they live like this in a socialist society. Do they choose to be
on the streets, are they refugees or is it that they don't have work and
therefore have no income? 

I
also find myself questioning how the socialist system is administered. The bars
I have been to, how does the government receive the earnings etc? OK, out of
accountant mode and back to being on holiday.