Santa Clara.

Today we took a taxi into the capital of the province. Santa Clara might have a population of about 300,000 and it was a very intense experience. We arrived on a sunday, so it was relatively quiet....the architecture is what blows me away! We spent the day walking around and trying to get our bearings. Later in the afternoon we came upon this sight....a classic band of Cuban musicians, playing great music while the local folks congregated and danced! It was quite a wonderful scene.

The Casa we were staying at was wonderful. A classic cuban home, but with a huge inner courtyard that was resplendent in tropical plants, flowers and trees.....just like a jungle! our host was extraordinary.....and he has had a restaurant there as well as renting out rooms, for about 15 years.

We had a delicious dinner in the courtyard, under palm trees and served by a lovely group of people. the food was as usual bountiful...way more than we typically would eat! and of course the rum cocktails were flowing. everything is so inexpensive by our standards! a huge dinner, 2-3 cocktails a piece, wine - the works, cost the equivalent of $20 each!