The Journey to Trinidad and Finding Luis and Yise

Since Trinidad lies on the other side of Havana, our route takes us back through the capital. The journey ends up being even longer than expected — almost ten hours in total.

Fortunately, the bus makes a proper lunch stop along the way at a surprisingly Western-style restaurant. For 10 CUC, you can help yourself to as much food as you like from a Cuban-style buffet.

One older Englishman who started the journey with us and shared our table finishes his meal and returns to the bus with us. A moment later he suddenly asks where the cashier was, realizing he had forgotten to pay. He promptly heads back inside to settle the bill.

Meanwhile, Marek strikes up a conversation with two Dutch girls who boarded the bus in Havana.

When we finally arrive in Trinidad, we have no accommodation booked. So we are quite surprised to see a man standing at the bus station exit holding a sign that reads “Marek i Leo” — something normally seen only when you actually have a reservation.

It turns out that the day before, Marek had sent an SMS to a place recommended to us in Viñales asking if they had a room available. They had replied that they were full but suggested another place. Marek politely declined with a “thank you, no.”

Despite this, the man offers to take us by bicycle taxi to see the place and decide for ourselves. We agree.

After taking a look, we are satisfied and decide to stay. The host, Luis, speaks English, and his wife Yise is incredibly kind and welcoming.

Trinidad itself is one of Cuba’s best-known destinations — a beautifully preserved colonial town from the sugar boom era, largely unchanged for about 150 years. The atmosphere reminds me very much of Paraty, a similar historic town on the coast of Brazil.

Around the central square, the streets are lined with restaurants, art galleries, and craft shops. During the day, several of the streets turn into lively souvenir markets.