We were back on track for our original itinerary, with our stop at Cienfuegos. We had sailed around the island of Cuba and were now on the southern side. We had arranged for a local guide to show us around the city, including another ride in one of the old classic American cars.
The view as we sailed into port for our stop in Cienfuegos. The modern hotel building would be one of our first stops on our tour, and at the very right of the land is La Punta, and the gazebo we would see later in the morning.
Our transportation for the morning. Not as elegant as some of the cars we had seen in Havana, but still cool to be driven around in.
Our first stop (and most of the morning) was spent in the high-end Punta Gorda neighbourhood of Cienfuegos. This pretty building is Hotel Palacio Azul, a boutique hotel overlooking the harbour.
Next to the Hotel Palacio Azul is the Club Cienfuegos with tennis courts and a nice restaurant.
Hotel Jagua was a modern hotel the guide wanted us to see.
The pool of Hotel Jagua.
Next to the modern hotel, and sharing a parking lot, was this interesting building. " The Palacio de Valle, built by an Italian architect from 1913 to 1917 is reminiscent of Moorish architecture. Today, the villa is occupied by an upscale hotel and restaurant."
The front of this unique building. We stepped into the lobby, but unless we were visiting the restaurant, we weren't really welcome to explore.
Around the side of the Palacio. We did get the chance to go downstairs, into a pub that was popular with locals (though when we were there, it was deserted by everyone except the wait staff.)
Another classic American car - a little flashier than the one we were driving around in.
Past the hotel and Palacio, we walked down to the waterside street, on our way to "La Punta" - the very end of the peninsula.
We were told this was the site of one of Castro's homes. It has fallen into disrepair, but nobody knows what to do with it.
We had reached the very end of the La Punta.
Our ship Empress of the Seas, waiting out in the harbour.
Back in town - we visited the statue of Benny Moré, a Cuban singer, bandleader and songwriter. He was a well known entertainer in Latin speaking countries. "In the aftermath of the Cuban Revolution, many of Cuba's top musical figures emigrated, but Moré stayed in Cuba, among, as he said, "mi gente" (my people)."
We were guided through the very busy downtown streets of Cienfuegos.
Most of the buildings were older - at least the interesting ones were.
This bodega with rationed supplies and long lineups is a way of life for most Cubans.
This old car, not so well kept up, is locally referred to as an Almendron, or "Almond" because like an almond they have a hard exterior.
Hotel La Union in the heart of downtown Cienfuegos was originally built in 1869 and restored in 2000.
Inside the hotel, with the quiet pool area.
The hotel has been beautifully restored.
More statues of Benny Moré for sale.
"Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral (Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción). The original building was opened in 1833 at the time of the Spanish colonization." Expansions and improvements continued from 1850 to 1875 and it was declared a cathedral in 1903.
Looking into the centre of José Marti park, the centre of old town.
As per the lettering at the top of this arch, it was erected by "The Cienfuegos workers to the Cuban Republic".
This former government building (Palacio de Gobierno) now houses a collection of artisan shops.
Some of the handicrafts on display.
Third to last picture of the old "Yank Tanks"
Second to last picture of old cars.
And - the last picture! This one qualifies as an "Almondron".
A little bit off the main drag, we were taken to a local restaurant for our late lunch. We ate at a paladar. "A paladar is an independent restaurant run by individual entrepreneurs, not by the Cuban government. Paladares are the place to eat the most unique food in Cuba. They're a new type of restaurant that the government approved starting in 2010." The restaurant was a converted house - we sat in what would have been the living room. The food was good, and very inexpensive.
More side streets of Cienfuegos.
Horse drawn carriage, more for tourists I think.
After lunch, we made our way back to the tender dock. Several of the streets were filled with one-man independent stalls, mostly selling handmade crafts and souvenirs.
More artisan stalls, and here we bought some items as gifts.
Near the dock for our ship - more artist and craft stalls.
As we sailed away, we passed by some of the buildings we had visited during the first part of our tour. We enjoyed our experience in Cienfuegos, a much different city than Havana.
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