Long drive to Santiago de Cuba and arrived about 2.30pm to a big spread of ham, cheese, salads, bread, fruit for a "light" lunch. Walking orientation of the main city centre buildings and services - we love the way the Cubans use the street as an extension of their house and kids still play in the streets. This is more city like than any of the other places so far - it was the first capital before Havana and is of great historical significance as it is in the region where Castro's revolutionary troops landed in 1956 to start the battle against the existing dictatorship and where Castro gave the speech to declare the revolution a success in 1959.
Mother's day and Virginia's birthday today - cards from me and Josh and a card and small gift from Ozzie the tour guide - nice touch. Special buffet dinner for the whole group at the base Casa then off to more traditional Cuban music (supposedly the best in Cuba - hope we don't get the same surprise as at the ballet!). Virginia a bit unwell so just me for dinner and no music.