Spent
the rest day appreciating the elegance of Trinidad and chilling out by
the pool. Trinidad is a beautifully preserved old Spanish colonial town
with houses painted in hues of blue and pink. One of the most
interesting places was the Museo Historico in the former home of a sugar
magnate. The elegant rooms with tompe d'oiel were preserved and I could
imagine relaxing at the piano. Trinidad revolutionary history was
captured in documents and artefacts on the move away from slavery. The
bell tower was crowded with people being photographed against the
beautiful view for their Facebook page. Seeing a monastery that had been
turned into a revolutionary museum warmed me.
Trinidad
is heaving with shops selling tourist tat, acres of Che fridge
magnets and Fidel in a cigar shape and I wondered about the economics of
producing these goods for tourist pesos rather than consumables for
Cubans. I wonder what the Cubans themselves think about the tourists who
have so much in comparison to themselves.
I
have also noticed an absence of engagement with the outside world. I
have not seen any newspapers or magazines and certainly no internet
cafes and very low mobile phone use.
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