Another tour today for our group of 7 (they are all optional but such good value why not). First to a local farm where they grow the fruit for making chocolate and also farm coffee beans. The crop is mainly sold to the government for a pittance but they are allowed a very small part of the plantation to make and sell their own coffee and 100% chocolate. They explained the process to us (bit different to the Cadbury factory tour!) Then to a very small village in a beautiful bay and we visited the primary school where the older kids were so excited to be given a pen each - very humbling experience. Then a row boat ride through a river canyon and a swim followed by light lunch. Then to a black sand beach on the Atlantic coast for another swim. It is farmers day and gay day in Cuba today so lots of local men picnicking, playing dominoes and drinking rum at the beach under the sea grape trees - not sure how to tell which is a farmer etc but it gives new meaning to Farmer Wants A Wife! Cuba has become quite gay tolerant since Raoul replaced Fidel - read into that what you will.
Back to our Casa about 3 for our customary afternoon nap. Alan a bit crook with cold and chest infection so madly consuming antibiotics etc but the heat and humidity does sap our energy. Casa owners family one son is a orthopedic doctor so he gave some advice re the drugs. The other son is a bartender and because he works in the tourism industry his income with tips is more than the doctor who after getting trained for free is contracted to the government for some time on a low fixed wage (about $50 per month with no scope for advancement). Cuba certainly gives our lifestyle and values a bit of a reality check many times every day - the total experience is just amazing and such an eye opener. The Casa family has very little but their attitude is that everything they have is to be shared with their guests hence the massive meals etc
V out for music A off to bed to try and shake the cold etc. We fly back to Havana tomorrow.