Most fascinating were his stories about sea kayaking

I left the hotel early this morning in search of a place to watch the sunrise. It was an unsuccessful journey. The only high perch in Sancti Spiritus is the steeple of the church, built in 1680 and situated at the top of a curved street leading down to the bridge and out of town.
I love this church. Its beauty lies in its simplicity. There is nothing complicated or ornate about it. It is painted a rich pastel blue, has a rectangular tower with a clock about three quarters of the way up and is capped by a modest rusty red steeple. So simple yet so elegant. Unfortunately, it is only open from 9-5. Not good for watching sunrises or sunsets.
Instead I went to the bridge down the hill. Though it was overcast and had no view to the east, I still shimmied myself up on the guard wall and watched as the daylight emerged and the town stirred to life. A couple of men came along sweeping the streets with oversized palm brooms. Uniformed children, on foot and on bicycles emerged heading to the school behind the town square. It wasn't long before horse drawn carriages, motorcycles, bikes, taxis, cars and buses started coming through. It was a growing bustle that you would expect to see on a Monday morning throughout the Caribbean.
After breakfast, Katrina and I, joined by Dayan, one of the trip leaders, jumped on our bikes to get a head start. We wanted to ride some extra miles before joining the group at a gas station ten miles outside of town. After linking up with the others, we headed west for a 30 mile round scenic journey to San Jose Del Lago. It was a wonderful ride, past an assortment of different farms, mostly sugar cain.
I rode most of the way back with Steven. Steven is an older Canadian gentleman who worked for years with the indigenous population north of Hudson Bay. You have to be a hearty sole to live up there and that is a fair way to describe Steven. I was mesmerized by his adventure stories. He has trekked in Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Nepal, India, Bhutan and beyond. He has cross-country skied all Over Canada. Most fascinating were his stories about sea kayaking around Vancouver Island, up in the the arctic and in the fiords in Greenland. Really amazing stuff.
Having had two hip replacements and having a couple of physical limitations, I'm increasing mindful that my body is not going to serve me too much longer. I can't help but wonder about retirement and experiencing similar adventures before it's too late. Something to think long and hard about.
After returning to the gas station, everyone got back on the bus except Jose (our tour guide) and me. I wanted to ride the ten miles back to the hotel. It was 90 degrees and I could tell that Jose wasn't thrilled about riding further. However, a staff member is required to stay with a client that wants to keep riding. It was his turn to do so. I felt bad about it but not bad enough. I'll make it up to him at gratuity time at the end of the week.
After a quick shower, we met near the town square for a terrific Cuban lunch. I had chicken and rice, vegetables, fried bananas, an expresso and a piece of the bread pudding cake. Wonderful. I tried to resist the Mojito but a gentle nudge from Danny is all it took. Of course it only acted to make me sleepy. I tried to rally by climbing the old rickety stairway to the church steeple. That was fun and had a 360 degree view that was to die for. It didn't dampen by fatigue however, so I headed back to the hotel for a well deserved respite.
In a little while we will meet for an 8 p.m. family style meal at place behind the hotel. It will be another opportunity to share stories, listen to music and maybe, just maybe, attempt a tango lesson. You know, "When in Rome".
Stay warm everyone. I am.




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Location:Boulevard, Sancti Spíritus, Cuba