Mojito miles: Quintessential Cuba, 24-31 March 2018
This was a sublime tour. From the bird song cacophony on sunny morning hillside rides to salsa music blaring from the ’59 DeSoto Diplomat ‘sag wagon’ down the valley, this was a wonderful trip through rural western Cuba culminating in a morning ride through La Habana. Our Cuban guide helped us try to understand the plight of his impoverished country in the wake of decades of one-party rule that has left it clinging to the horse and buggy era. Nothing says Cuba quite like an oxcart driven through a gas station devoid of customers. We were treated to hand rolled cigars and 3-5 mojitos daily against the backdrop of pastel cottages, tenements, and limestone mountains. What more can be said about a place where rum comes in juice packs and toilet seats are a luxury item? The warmth and friendliness of Cuban people conquered all. Viva Kasia, la guida extraordinaria!
Favorite souvenir: CDs from salsa band encounters
Rating: Excellent *****
Charles Eriksen
Seattle, WA