Horse Riding Through the Streets of Trinidad at the Carnival
Trinidad is a remarkably picturesque place with the cobbled stoned roads protected by security and only allowing you past if you have a card or contact for a place to stay in that area which is in the heart of Trinidad. Only a short walk away was the famous plaza where live music played at night, although many tourists frequented this plaza it was great to relax and have a drink and speak to speak to the locals.
The carnival commenced the following day and the town was awash with young men and women riding their horses through the cobbled roads in the city centre. That evening there was a buzz around with people getting into the spirit of the carnival, which is not like the famous Brazilian carnival or Colombian carnival but more of a chance the townspeople to meet and eat from the many food stalls and fill up 2 litre plastic bottles with the local beer which is passed around the group they are with.
There are dancing competitions and various bands playing throughout the night and early hours, the carnival lasts for 3 days.
Trinidad is like a picture postcard city with colourful plazas and houses all around the city centre, it also has a beautiful beach area and a small market area where you are able to buy locally made table cloths, hand weaved baskets and hats, Che Guevara memorabilia and of course boxes Cuban cigars.
I was shown a house where I was offered black market cigars and a cut price deal, which seemed a better bet than the many touts that try to sell you the odd cigar for astronomical prices.
The accommodation here was a lovely house-come-hotel with quaint rooms and rooftop view of Trinidad which was a glorious view as the sunset over the city every evening. Food here was fantastic and the hosts washed all my clothes for the first time of the trip, it has to be said though washing your clothes at a private pension house can be very expensive and I would not suggest doing this to frequently.
Much can be said about withdrawing cash from banks at an astronomical 11% of whatever you withdraw, so $400 works out at $450, so try to bring cash and not use your cards unless really necessary.
From Trinidad I head back to Havana to visit Varadero and Viñales from Havana.
Jay
