A good breakfast before leaving guarantees a good day. I eat cereal and I leave for a small day of 75 km. It's funny to say little day, I used to do a maximum of 40 km three or four times in the summer in Quebec!!! It's Groundhog Day from the point of view of the dangerousness of the road. I buy bananas on the way.
I have a good time cycling. The road is dangerous, but I listen to music for entertainment. I stop passing in Jatibonico, a small town that I like. I like places with a human dimension. Since the beginning of the trip I have been trying to find sandals made in Cuba to replace those I bought in China six years ago. I finally find the much desired object and I pay 12 Cuc (16$ Canadian)
I cross the 75 km in less than three and a half hours. A much nicer course than yesterday. Sancti Spiritus is a very beautiful city, I love it!
I treat myself to a good hamburger with cheese for 15 Cup ($0.75 Cad).
I find myself a pretty room near a pretty bridge.
In the city center, there is a rather impressive children's playroom. Video games on HD television, pool tables and air hockey. I am surprised! Cuba is changing fast!
I take the relaxed life in my hammock, on the terrace of my hosts who are very friendly. They are gradually transforming their home with three private bedrooms with bathrooms.
Notice my cyclist tan!
Here is the other most interesting of the terrace...
I would like to be able to sell my bike in Varadero at the end of the trip if I am able to get a good price. People who live in Varadero are more fortunate it seems!!! Will I buy another bike from Sarto Gagné in Victoriaville when I return? It's an excellent store by the way, thanks to Pascal Pépin for his excellent service and low prices! Here are used bikes that I saw in a store they are worth 100$ Canadian...
A nice table and 4 chairs for 300$ Cad
I chat with two nice Cubans on the corner of the street. One is a seller of articles made in Cuba and the other is a shoemaker.
I finally buy a $1 lemon squeezer.
I meet Roberto a souvenir seller. He is very friendly and he speaks a little French. I give him my Quebec flag, in exchange he gives me maple syrup. I tell him it's too heavy to carry on a bike. He then gives me a Cuban flag that I will hang in my class.
By ending this magnificent day, I make myself a good Claro Kermato. I spend the evening with Roberto this evening, he invites me to dinner. He shows me restaurants run by the state and others private. I finally observe the difference between the two. He then shows me a place frequented by rich Cubans. We take a horse-drawn carriage ride. We visit his family and he shows me his apartment. A beautiful evening filled with joy.
The world is generous, be generous!
David Beauchesne
