Our trip to Cuba in 2009 included a daytrips to Trinidad. Declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 1998, Trinidad seemed to be Varadero in reverse - lots of opportunity to interact with Cubans and it has kept most of its old world charm - cobblestone streets and traditional stucco houses painted pastel colors combine with a beautiful setting - breathtaking!
We checked out some of the local shops - there were lots of local artisans. Painters, weavers, carvers - but the one that stands out was the gentleman who had a display of handwoven hats and bags in the front of his home. He was more than happy to have us come in and even gave us a short tour of the inside of his home. Needless to say, I couldn't leave without a straw bag - and got a very nice one.
We walked up to the Plaza Mayor, the main square. It was interesting to see the old churches around the square - all missing their religious symbols and icons that should have been in the wall niches. Trinidad was an interesting mix of religions - the traditional Catholic churches and then the painting we saw featuring the various saints of the Santeria religion.
From the plaza, Patti and I decided to check out the Museo Nacional de la lucha Contra Bandidos, which was once the Convent of San Francisco de Asis. The quaint yellow bell tower is one of the most photographed sites in Trinidad and from the top you get a great view of the whole city. The climb up the very narrow circular staircase and ladder was worth it.Barry and I both said several times during our trip that we would like to visit Trinidad again - and give the Caribbean side of Cuba a try.
