last drive around Santiago de Cuba

After the El Cobre tour, the tour operator decided to drive us around Santiago de Cuba.  While this sounds like a good way to see some sites around town, what we really preferred to do was stay in El Cobre, find a bakery and barista, hang out on the town square, drink some coffee, listen to more music.  Oh well, while this tour had bright spots, overall, we'd give it a B- for leaving where we should have stayed.

In any event, we did get some nice photos of sites around Santiago de Cuba--lots of military monuments (some complete with battle scars), San Juan Hill, a monument to Che at the last spot he spoke in town, the Bacardi family home, the largest cultural center/theater in all of Cuba, classic architecture, everyday street scenes.  Here's what we found...

Cathedral visit in El Cobre

Visited the cathedral in El Cobre.  The place contains all the religious imagery you'd imagine, plus some unexpected small shrines to local sports heroes.  A big and airy place, the place could easily fir the entire town population inside.  We also did find the town library, just off the town square.  Wish we had more time to spend there.   Here's some photos.

Trip to El Cobre

Visited the mining town of El Cobre.  Quaint small town that we should have spent more time in.  Took in the steel drum band, Los Desperadoes performance which was really great.  The conductor was intensely minimalist, totally great performance.  Here's some pictures...

Cuba is Lada Land

Everyone raves about the old American-made cars throughout Russia, but we've seen just as many Russian-made Lada cars as well as ancient Toyotas and a smattering of Peugeots.  There must be some rat rod enthusiasts in Cuba, judging by the many modified cars we see everywhere we go.

Casa de la Trova

Last night we visited Casa de la Trova in Santiago de Cuba.  The music hall is the center of trova and son music, an afro-cuban guitar-based traditional pop music that can be danced to.  Here's some photos.