Santiago de Cuba

Written by Nadine Zangerle on 27 December 2013. Posted in Cuba

As soon as we touched the ground we felt to arrive in a different world. We got checked properly at the airport since we came from Cannabis-Jamaica and once we stepped out the airport doors we heard the Cuban music. Mario, our taxi driver was waiting with an old car and his cowboy hat.

We changed some money and off we went, through the roads from Santiago de Cuba. We couldn’t stop smiling with all those old cars and houses. Followed bz those special vibes we thought already in shutter speed and aperture.

Arriving at the Casa Particular we took a shower and wandered around the roads. Already after the first impression we liked Santiago de Cuba. We explored the Plaza Cespedes with the beautiful Hotel Casa Grande and strolled along the Calle Seco towards the Plaza de Dolores.

On our way to the famous Cuartel Moncada – where Fidel`s revolution took an important turn - via the Plaza de Marti we found a street fest and decided to come back in the evening. Food stalls, Cuban music and dancing followed us everywhere and the Casa de la Trova gives you a good idea about the Cuban live style with Salsa. It seems that everyone can dance salsa and the older the faster.

Since the Viazul – Public Bus Station – is just opposite the Plaza de la Revolucion we checked out the bus schedule for our next trip. Afterwards we had a glance at the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery. To learn more about the political background we went into La Clandestinidad Museum and the Frank Pais Museum.

Unfortunately everything was in Spanish but in the first museum we found an English speaking guide. The lady from the second museum only spoke Spanish and way to fast but we still got the message.

In Dr. Carballo’s Casa we met Christin from Paris. She is a great help for us since she knows this place very well and speaks Spanish. On New Year’s Eve we got invited to celebrate with the doctor’s family and we enjoyed a Cuban party with a lot of food and salsa. For this fest the Cubans killed a lot of pigs and days before we heard those pigs squeaking from every roof top. Nothing for easy stomachs.

Since Raul Castro is holding a speech in Santiago de Cuba the city will go crazy. Exactly on this day my parents and my sister arrive from Holguin and our adventure can start. Let’s see how they can cope with the heat and this totally different world.

Well with some nice Mojitos and Cuba Libre – which costs nearly nothing ($ 2,50) we can sweeten our life.

Accommodation: Casa Dr. Armando Carballo Fernandez, San Felix (Hartmann)
No. 306, e/ Haba (José Miguel Gómez) y Trinidad, Santiago de
Cuba

Price: Double room, own bathroom $25

Comment: close to Parque Céspedes, very nice terrace, good food

Negril and Long Beach

Written by Nadine Zangerle on 26 December 2013. Posted in Jamaica

Negril is the touristiest place in Jamaica but we wanted to enjoy Christmas at the beach. And the 11 km stretch of white sandy beach was just fantastic. The water was clear and warm and the sun really intense.

We checked out the different restaurants for some nice dinner while strolling along the beach. It can be a bit of a hustle to fight off all the guys selling something. Especially something to smoke.

The first evening we met Lexi at the beach. She talked me into hair braiding. I always wanted to try it out but more the Whoopi Goldberg Style. Unfortunately this would take at least 10 hours and tons of faked hair. Well let’s try out the easy version.

After 3 hours and US $ 35 I had 69 small braids. I have to get used to it but I think it looks alright. Personally I think Africans look way better with Rastas.

With a new Christmas hairstyle we had some Punch and Bonfire at our resort. We couldn’t find a nice party afterwards so we just chilled out and went to bed early. The next day we relaxed and got some massive sunburn. So even in the shades you really have to be very careful.

On our last day we went to Ricks Café which is situated in the South of Negril, on the cliffs. This place is really popular because of the cliff diving and we watched some jump from a 15 m platform.

Tonight we will get ready for our time traveling. Let’s go back to the 60s and explore Cuba. Tomorrow morning we have a flight to catch. It might take a little while for the next report since we don’t know about the internet connection in Cuba. Talk to you later!

Accommodation: Secret Cabins / Firefly

Price: US $ 75 per room, shared bathroom

Comment: Small cabins nicely arranged in a lush garden, directly at the beach, with own whirlpool and very friendly staff

Ocho Rios

Written by Nadine Zangerle on 22 December 2013. Posted in Jamaica

After packing up our belongings we went down to the small transportation station. It took about 1 ½ hours before the minibus drove off towards Ocho Rios. Here in Jamaica they have no bus schedule. The bus drives whenever it is full.

And I mean full. The Jamaican know how to squeeze 6 people on 4 seats. Luckily we had kids sitting next to us. But still the 3 hours ride to Ochi – how the Jamaican say to Ocho Rios – was pretty uncomfortable.

At the busy bus station we had to get our barring and found James Avenue in the local center. Ocean Sands was a Jamaican run hotel at the beach. Well, the beach is quite small but at least it had one. The hotel itself is a bit run down but you can see how the Jamaicans struggle with all those massive All-Inclusive Hotels.

It seemed to be that the whole city gathered around the clock tower and with big speakers music was swapped over the crowd. Touristy downtown seemed to be deserted. Reason for those empty streets already mentioned, the tourist preferred staying in those All-Inclusive Hotels and gambling in the hotel’s casinos.

Well we enjoyed submerging into the crowd and had some fantastic patties and jerk. Patty is a pastry stuffed with chicken, beef or cheese. The food is really tasty so we also had to try the typical dish – ackee with saltfish. Ackee is a fruit and has a very unique taste. Michael didn’t like it too much.

After a couple of days we got ready for our last stop in Jamaica – Negril. This time we traveled with the luxury Knutsford Express bus via Montego Bay to Negril. Let’s have some beach time for Christmas.

Accommodation: Ocean Sands

Price: US $53 per room, own bathroom and balcony with ocean view

Comment: The hotel is situated in the heart of the town. Ocean Sands looks a bit run down from outside but the owners renovate a lot. The rooms are clean and big.

More Articles...