Cigar smoking on a horse

Today was the day to see the Vinnales valley and visit a few local sights. We talked to a couple of people and organised a guide for just Sarah and I, and our horses. The best way to see the valley is on horse back and the way to go is private guide and not a big group. It was a little more expensive but we got to go fast, Sarah got a length or two of gallop in and I held on for dear life while the horse did its thing. We also saw a cave system that helped create this odd shaped valley. The caves were large enough that sarah was keen so we tied up our horses and waited for our cave guide. We walked through the caves by torch light as he explained the system. Shen we arrived at the end we were able to swim in the underground pool, and when we turned the lights out it was an incredible. We dried off, got changed and headed out of the caves and back onto the horses.

We rode a while back along the track and stopped to see a tobacco farmer, to get an idea of the process and how the government controls it.

When we arrived, they cut open a coconut, poured some out and filled it with a few good slogs of rum. Then added some fresh honey and stirred it with a bamboo type straw. They gave it to us, one each and after we tasted it and drank a slight void, they topped it up with rum again... Bien?? Yes it was good. Then a cigar and we were ready to learn.

So the story goes, they are given the seads by the government, they grow the whole crop and give 90% to the government. The last 10% is for them. This is 10% of their choice, it's an even split of the leaf types. The higher the leaf the more sun it has seen and the stronger the flavor. The lower leaves are therefore smoother and each type is used in different ways or for the government, different brand of cigar. For example the brand Romeo and Juliet use the bottom and middle leaves. The local farmer produce cigars differently, they use the leaves in different parts of the cigar and different quantities for effect.

After this we picked up some cigars to send home and we got back on the horse. This is where I learnt how to ride Cuban style, reins in one hand and cigar in the other.... Need your other hand, then smoke the cigar. We arrived back to town hungry and a little sore.

We went to a local chicken place recommended by lonely planet. We ordered and waited.... and after waiting for an hour we decided to leave, i don't think they wanted to sell food.

Later that day we spent $1.50 and bought the 3yr old Havana club.... Back to the rocking chairs, cigars and relaxing, also another great dinner too!