SANTIAGO, CUBA

We made our way to Santiago, Cuba.

Hostel Aurora Restaurant Santiago Cuba — Hostel Aurora Restaurant in Santiago

Lunch was at Hostal Restaurante Aurora Trinidad where we ate an excellent meal consisting of fish, beef and flambé. The food was excellent. Walking into the house you first enter their family living room.

Hotel Hosta Aurora Santiago cuba — As you continue past the living room you arrive at a large open area covered by a blue metal roof where we dined.

Moncada Barracks Museum Santiago — Moncada Barracks Museum

Next stop was the Moncada Barracks Museum, a previous military barracks where on July 26, 1953 Castro revolutionaries performed their first attack.

This museum tells the history of the attack. You can still see the bullet holes in the paint. This attack brought about Fidel Castro’s famous line during his trial, “History will absolve me.” Though sentenced over 15 years, he only served 22 months as amnesty was given to all the prisoners.

Melia Santiago de Cuba Hotel

We ended our day at the 5-star Melia Santiago de Cuba Hotel with beautiful views of the Atlantic.

DAY 4 – SANTIAGO, CUBA

We drove up to San Juan Hill where the Spanish-American War took place in 1898 and plaques told us about the Rough Riders (1st US volunteer Cavalry).

San Juan Hill fort spanish american war — **San Juan Hill** – The trenches where their military forces waited.

Antonio Revolutionary Square - Bronze Statue of Antonio — **Antonio Revolutionary Square – Bronze Statue of Antonio**

cuba transportation buses — Cuban buses are like trucks with covers. They look very uncomfortable especially when they really pack people into them.

Cementerio Santa Ifigenia fidel castro burial — We visited the **Cementerio Santa Ifigenia** (a cemetery).

changing of the guard cuba santiago — And we watched the changing of the guard which takes place every 30 minutes outside the **Tomb of Jose Marti Santiago de Cuba**.

Mausoleum of Jose Marti tomb santiago cuba — **Mausoleum of Jose Marti**

fidel castro grave burial santiago cuba — Fidel Castro Grave – This cemetery is also where **Fidel Castro** is Buried.

Oddly enough, Fidel Castro, the man who ruled Cuba for over 49 years has his gravesite ‘resting to the right of this monstrous mausoleum of Jose Marti. It is simply a ten foot tall gray boulder with a cut out square that houses a wood box containing Fidel Castro’s ashes. The sign posted simply reads, “FIDEL” with two rose holders on each side. Castro wanted a simply headstone with no places, plazas, parks or statues being named after him after his death.

His brother, Raúl Castro, took over as President in 2009, and was the person who put the box inside the stone during the funeral. What does seem fitting is Fidel is buried in the same city in which he launched his revolution against the dictator, Balista.

Bacardi Grave Cuba — Many interesting graves including the likes of the **Barcardi’s** were in this cemetery.

Cespedes Park

Our next stop was Cespedes Park which is surrounded by historical buildings.

old woman smoking cuban cigar — I found the Cuban people to be very friendly and intelligent. Many women smoke those Cuban cigars.

The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption a Roman Catholic cathedral dating back to 1522 is the focal point of the square.

Oldest home in Cuba santiago — Facing the church to the right is **the oldest house** still standing in Cuba (1522). Built for the island’s first governor, Diego Valazquez.: Museo de Ambiente Histórico Cubano.

It’s a museum with beautiful woodwork and exquisite frames /paintings and furniture.

Back on our bus we toured beautiful homes with stunning architecture. One such home was that of the Barcardi Family. They lived in Cuba when then started to distill Barcardi Rum. The Barcardi’s fled Cuba in 1959 when Castro took over and the new revolutionists ceased all their property. The Barcardi’s moved to Puerto Rico with their rum recipe and started up operations there. It is said many people fled Cuba afraid for their lives, and knowing if they stayed their assets would be confiscated. The workers (maids, gardeners, etc.) stayed living in the houses after the employers and owners of the homes fled.

brasso restaurant santiago cuba — That night we had a wonderful dinner at **Brassa Restaurant** located at: Calle 7 # 1 Entre 2da y 3ra, Rpto Sueño Santiago de Cuba, Cuba Tele: +5353642033

Food brasso restaurant cuba — **Brasso Restaurant** 1st and 3rd courses.

It was here that I really felt how lucky we are in America. I wasn’t very hungry so I only ate a little of my meal (which was really good). Everyone else had finished eating and my food remained in front of me. Finally the server asked if something was wrong and I explained that no, nothing was wrong I was just full. He looked at the food with a very very sad face and said, “Are you sure?” He asked if I would like to take it with me?

From his expression I felt the impact of how much my not eating everything on my plate effected him and although we were traveling and I didn’t want to take it with me I thought of the homeless dogs I had seen and said, “Yes, could I have a doggy bag?” From then on my mission was to eat less of my food and give whatever was left to the homeless stray dogs I saw in abundance. We were able to talk with the owner and she said her kids keep sending her $ from the USA.

DAY 5 – SANTIAGO:

university santiago cuba students — We visited with a panel of students from the **University of Santiago** and toured the university.

They told us about careers they were interested in. I found it surprising that one, who wanted to be a doctor said she would make the same wage as a housecleaner. The top career in Cuba is that of a tour guide (mainly because they often receive larger tips).

University of Santiago Cuba — University of Santiago

The University of Santiago was very run down, no toilet paper nor toilet seats in the bathrooms. However, the students seemed smart and promising.

Back to “SEE ALL OF CUBA IN 10 DAYS!“

CLICK on the town to explore!

ITINERARY:

DAY 1 – LITTLE HAVANA, MIAMI, FL – USA
(spent 1 night in FL)
DAY 2 – HOLGUIN (spent night in Holguin – Hotel Paradisus)
DAY 3 – BIRAN & SANTIAGO
(spend 2 nights in Santiago – Media Hotel)
DAY 4 – SANTIAGO & CAYO GRANMA
DAY 5 & 6 – BAYAMO & CAMAGUEY

(spent 1 night in Camaguey – Hotel Santa Maria)
DAY 7 – SPIRITUS SANCTI, VILLA CLARA (Santa Clara) & CAYO SANTA MARíA CAY
(spent 2 nights in Cayo Santa Maria Cay – dinner all inclusive – Iberostar Hotel)
DAY 8 – REMEDIOS & CAIBARIEN
DAY 9 –CIENFUEGOS & HAVANA
(spent 2 nights in Havana – Melia Habana)
DAY 10 & 11 – HAVANA