We were to be here in Baracoa for a few days. This morning we were headed to the beach for a bit of downtime. But first, our Cuban breakfast.
Happy Eggs
Our first, and subsequent breakfasts in Baracoa were a feast consisting of bread and jam, sliced cheese and mortadella, fruit, fresh orange juice, hot chocolate made from locally grown cacao and a happy-face omelette; some would ungraciously call this creation ‘kitsch’, but the Montoyas were rightly proud of their masterpiece.
The hot chocolate was bitter and as thick as molasses, but warm milk was provided to make it easier to drink.
La Playa Maguana – Maguana Beach.
Under a sweltering sun, with warm sea water more like soup, simple food, and a quiet game of dominoes, Maguana Beach felt more like waiting out the heat than a real escape.
A narrow strip of white sand separated the trees from the dead-calm water. Beyond the trees were a few huts serving simple foods.
Every now and then I had a short dip in the clear water. It was too warm and not refreshing at all. With my all-too-ready-to-burn skin, and not having sunscreen, I escaped from the searing sun under the protection of the trees. I passed the time taking in the scene or walking around trying to strike up conversations with the few locals who were loitering. We exchanged grunts, yeah-nahs, a few hand gestures and dopey smiles.
Wandering up to the huts, feeling a bit peckish, it was time for lunch. Cafeteria El Pulpo offered the typical half-chicken, cooked old style. It tasted ok, but that was about all there was on the menu. There was no octopus (pulpo) to be seen.
After lunch and back under the trees, Andy invited me to play a few hands of dominoes. Judy and one of the local guys made up the four. In the absence of digital, connected devices, dominoes seemed to be a favourite pastime for many Cubans. I lost every game.
Being new to this group travel thing, it surprised me to see that our group didn’t seem to notice, much less engage with the locals at all.
Returning to Baracoa, I had a little siesta at the b&b before dinner at La Colonial. Afterwards, I enjoyed a wander around taking in the sights and sounds. I sat in the town square on my own for a while – there were lots of people about, lots of music and lots of dancing in the bars and even in the small square. Cubans, it seems, love the nightlife, and they enjoy being outdoors as much as they can be. It’s probably too hot, and boring at home. The gang from our tour were outside a bar chatting, I joined them for a while then wandered off home to bed.