Getting to Know Varadero – April 12 to 13, 2011
Looking down at the docks from the
guard tower.
A row of almond trees provides some welcome shade for
the walk along the highway to Varadero.
Freshly picked green almonds. Not very
edible.
If you are lucky you might find the churro vendor on the corner. Made
from a starchy root vegetable and sprinkled with cane sugar they make a tasty
fast food snack and will only set you back four or five national pesos.
One of two etecsa offices in
Varadero where you can purchase internet time. Six convertible pesos will buy one hour at
one of four government supplied, for foreigners only, PC’s. Sometimes all four
are functioning at the same time. Sometimes not. Sometimes the whole system is down. Expect a
line up and don’t forget your passport number.
Cold beer is available across the street just in case. There is a good
reason why I am just getting around to updating the blog now.
Live music is everywhere. Tips
are expected.
You know there are lots of Canadian tourists in town
when HP sauce shows up on the table.
If you have too much to carry back to the marina there
are many private or government owned taxis for hire.
The village of Santa Marta is within walking distance of the
marina. Across the highway, ....
.... past the tethered horses, over the abandoned air strip....
....and through the construcction
zone where these new homes are in progress.
The market that is open daily except
Monday. The government trucks arrive on Sundays but the better quality
items are provided by the private vendors on the other days. I also found that
there was more variety available from the private vendors. Fresh pork is
usually available as well as bacon and smoked pork chops.
Some good buys at the Santa Marta market.
Before the trip home from shopping you might need to “do
lunch” at one of the roadside vendors.
Or go back later for a sit down meal. Dinner
for nine with drinks and some ice cream – under $32.
