The day should start with a good breakfast, that's exactly what I did.
The day is really cold. It's 18 degrees, it's winter here. I go to the Candelaria park located 5km away to update my website. I see people with hats. I go back to my room, another 5km with the wind in my face, it's hard. I pack my things and head to the Soroa waterfalls, I hope they will be beautiful this time. The road is very mountainous, I feel that it will be a difficult day.
I'm not disappointed this time.
It's too cold to swim, it will be for another time. It's the kind of place I would like to be able to visit in Quebec.
I continue on my way, it's really difficult. I have to get off my bike to go up the hills. It's at this moment that I wish I could change my gears on the front chainring...
The road is quite monotonous, it is in the countryside and there is nothing, absolutely nothing. I arrive at Las terazas, but there is nothing special to see.
I continue on a small road and discover another place with small waterfalls.
I take the opportunity to swim a little, it's noon and it's warmer than this morning. I take the opportunity to eat a little.
I meet two French people from Brittany. They will be in Cuba for 20 days.
I get back on the road, but it's a rocky path. I drive for about 15 minutes on this shortcut that leads to the highway.
Once on the highway I see that I am 55km from Havana. The road is really long and flat. I meet a lady from New Zealand, I talk to her a little and I continue on my way.
After the promised 55 km, I realize that I still have 25 km to go to reach the Old Havana district. I am exhausted!!! Time is also pressing, because it is raining a little and night is about to fall. Here is the embassy district...the houses are huge. It seems like I am walking in a wealthy Hollywood district.
The next moment I find myself in a Walking Dead setting, a dilapidated neighborhood. It's Havana and its contrasts. I pass in front of the Revolution Square.
Sorry for the clichés, but night is coming, it's 6:00 p.m. I have to find a place to spend the night. I arrive in the old quarter, it's beautiful.
I go back to Merced Street, the place where I had spent a nice night. I knock on the door and talk to Pépé. Unfortunately, both rooms are already occupied. He calls his neighbors and tells me that there is a room available. I go to see, it is quite ordinary. The price is 35 Cuc. I try to negotiate to 25 Cuc, but the lady does not want to hear anything. I pretend to leave in the hope that she will change her mind, but she prefers not to rent her room than to pay 25 Cuc. I walk and try to find a place. I ring a doorbell, no room available. I am starting to find the day long quite a bit. I see another house called Jesus y Maria, I have a religious hope. I hope there will be room! I finally find a room for 35 Cuc, I am so tired.
I write my blog and look at the beautiful ceiling.
Here comes the crazy bike day...
Check out my bike ride on Strava: I have a fever and a stomach ache. I hope everything goes well tomorrow.
David Beauchesne