Monday, 8 February 2016

Camaguey


The best restaurant in Camaguey!
 

Whilst the journey by air from one end of Cuba to the other takes only 2 hours, distances over land are long and the roads are slow.  It is around 1,200km from one end of the island to the other and the 300km stretch  from Santa Domingo, returning via Bayamo and then on to Camaguey is a long drive.  The town is geared up for tourists making a lunch break here during their dash across country 
The main shopping street in Camaguey at ground level
from Santiago to Trinidad, but by mid-afternoon the streets are quieter and the town resumes its quieter ways.  The Gran Hotel, although tired and in some ways reminiscent of The Grand Budapest Hotel (great film!), provides an excellent stop-over.
 Camaguey is a UNESCO world heritage site on account of its historical importance.  It grew in prosperity through the 17th century and contains many fine examples of churches, mansions, and plazas.  The town was repeatedly attacked by pirates and the labyrinthine layout of its narrow streets was a precaution to foil the marauders.  Many  generations of revolutionaries have been associated with the town and several key figures are celebrated here.  We spent an interesting afternoon here walking the streets, taking in the sights and sounds and smells, and deciding where to eat that evening.
And from above!
 

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