My second day in Cuba was filled with even more adventures than the first! We got an early start to beat the brewing downpour that is so common in this tropical paradise. Our first activity was a drive through Cuba's scenic countryside to Las Terrazas, the pioneering eco-village that is now a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, followed by a rather ambitious hike up to Buenavista.
But I have to admit that the view was so worth it.
Next we headed over to Banos del San Juan to swim with locals in the clean, cascading water that fall into a series of pools.
After our refreshing dip, we were off for a little learning expedition. We went to the home and studio of Ariel, a local artist known for his incredible method of turning recycled paper into one-of-a kind works of art.
I'm always one to stop and smell the flowers.
And of course there is always time for a little cafe con leche.
These weren't just any lattes, they were cafe de Marias. Meaning they had a splash of agave liquor in them. Careful they're strong.
Then it was back to our home for the weekend: La Pradera, to freshen up for dinner. This night, we were dinning in Havana's nicest restaurant, La Guarida. Turns out, it was an old mansion that had been confiscated by the government and turned into apartments before it became the dinning establishment it is now. As half of the mansion is still unused, it has a certain eerie feeling to it. You could stand in the middle of the hall and look to the right; full of light and people chatting away. Look to the left and see abandon furniture, crumpling pillars, and a spiraling staircase leading into the unknown.
The epitome of hauntingly beautiful.
Dinner was followed by a trip to a popular night club, Sarao's, where we enjoyed bottle service and danced the night away.
More fun to come! Keep checking back to see the rest of the trip.
Vivre dans le luxe,
Jordin
Sheetal Tadiparty
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