Holguin, Puerto de Vita and the Santa Lucia Rodeo - April 1 to 5, 2011
The city of Holguin is a short drive from Puerto de Vita and an easy “lunch” destination. The central area of the city contains three main squares, all within easy walking distance of each other. One seemed to be the drop-off point for tourists arriving from nearby resorts and was bustling with souvenir vendors and a few beggars of opportunity. The other two were relatively quiet.
This church dominates one of the squares. One side of the interior has been meticulously restored while the other appears to be untouched.
This was the view of the city from the top of Mirador Lloma de la Cruz where we had lunch. We did NOT walk up the 458 steps to the cross from the bottom of the mountain.
One of many examples of public art.
Every Saturday a public market is held in the village of Santa Lucia which is a short drive away from the marina at Puerto de Vita. Rental car plans should always include a Saturday otherwise you may end up standing at the side of the highway looking for a ride to the village to get provisions. The Santa Lucia market was the only place we found to get fresh fruit and veggies although Tina at the marina probably had her own sources that we could have tapped in to.
Our directions to the market were not helpful as the venue had been changed to accommodate the local rodeo. Eventually we just went in the opposite direction of the people carrying bags of fresh produce.
The pork was very fresh – and not refrigerated.
Many of the goods on offer arrived by ox cart.
Ropes of mild garlic (oyo),
wagons full of tomatoes,
and piles of pineapples were priced at mere pennies.
All this for about two dollars.
Nothing is wasted in Cuba. Your used corn cobs can be recycled as bottle corks for tomato puree.
We sat in the hot sun for about three hours waiting for the rodeo to begin while Tom went in search of his own entertainment.
The local constabulary wouldn’t have their pictures taken but did not object to having their vehicle used as a prop.
What would a rodeo be without concession stands?
From spit (recognize the hat?)
to table. Great roast pork buns. Sandwich and a bagged drink for less than 20 cents.
Get your cold beer here.
Granizado (slush) - A great way to cool off on a hot summer day.
Ladies’ barrel racing was one of the main events. One of these riders is wearing spike heeled boots.
After all the excitement of a road trip and a day at the rodeo we were beginning to run out of clean clothes. There were no facilities at the marina but a boat that had passed through about a week prior to our arrival had left a note telling us where to buy freshly baked bread in Puerto de Vita for less than 20 cents each and directions to someone who would hand wash and air dry our laundry.
Our attempt to buy fresh mangoes from the church yard was not successful. It took two people to make us understand that they were not ready to be picked. We passed on the opportunity to buy cheap rum at the Puerto de Vita Social Club. It was being dispensed from a plastic five gallon jug and we did not have a container to fill.
It did not take long for the laundry ladies to find us. We made arrangements to have our clothes washed the following day. When we met her again in the evening as we walked through the village we were invited to have coffee with her extended family who presented us with tiny wooden dolphin carvings to wear on a string. The next day when we went to pick up our clean clothes there was more coffee waiting for us and the family insisted that we share their dinner of black beans and yams before they ate themselves. We were humbled by such generosity from those who appeared to have barely enough for themselves. They in turn were grateful for the few articles of clothing and miscellaneous items that we had to spare.
Anna and some of her extended family.
Using Spanish for Cruisers to communicate.
This young lady was about to celebrate her 12th birthday. The new shoes were a perfect match for her top.We had to decline an invitation to the party as we would on our way to Varadero.
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