Cuba - Day 18, January 20th

Several days ago, when Amed (our first Casa host) took us to our new place, he told us that on Sunday mornings at 9am there is a band concert on the Prado right in front of the new place - Casa Fabio y Guilda. Amed's information was confirmed by Fabio and, it turns out that his father (Fabio senior), who lives in the Casa, plays clarinet in the band.

So it is now Sunday morning and we were pleased to find the band members assembling on the Prado virtually in front of our door.  As it all came together, the band was comprised of players from a wide range of ages - an oboist who looks to be about 25, to some players in their early to mid 60's - and over the next hour or so, they play an eclectic collection of music including some excellent improvisation by sax, flute, trumpet and tuba players. During some of the performance Fabio's 4 year old girl sat by her grandfather while he was playing. It was a wonderful concert and a great beginning to another relaxing day!

After the concert we strolled - slowly - because of Bob's persistently painful foot, down to the internet cafe quite certain that there would still be no cards available. To our surprise, though the place seemed quite dark and there was no one at the terminals, we found that they had cards! Bob was ecstatic. We bought 3 CUC''s worth of time for each of us and I sent an email home and checked out my blog to see if my last post had been published, and I was happy to learn that it had.

Fabio Sr. and grand daughter, Fabiaglaes

Our next goal for today was to check out the handicrafts places once more, so we went by only to find that the one I was interested in was closed and, surprisingly, the bulevar (boulevard), which is normally filled with people, was virtually empty and most places were closed. We went to one of the few open shops but found nothing of interest, so decided to go back home for a bit.

Near our Casa we passed a place we had walked by many times before but today we noticed a hand printed sign on the door which said, essentially, that no one under 18 could enter. Bob thought it might be a gambling establishment. His unrelenting curiosity forced us to check it out - and it was a pleasant surprise. We found ourselves in a fairly dark room and, instead of the gambling we supposed, there were colourfully dressed children singing and dancing! We enjoyed the performance for several minutes until it suddenly ended and everyone dispersed. How lucky and thanks to Bob's curiosity!

Went home to put our feet up for a bit before deciding to venture back down to the plaza area in case any of the shops were open in the afternoon, but they weren't.

Time for lunch at Hotel La Union where we know we can get a reasonable sandwich and, now that we seem to be free of the GI problem, a beer.

Then back to my second choice and one of the only shops open on the plaza to pick up a couple of things before leaving Cienfuegos.

Home again for a rest after a strenuous day and to think about packing for tomorrow's departure.  Though our bus is scheduled to leave for Varadero at 10:30 am - based on our last experience, I am less than optimistic. I will let you know.