The Ancon; where the pool is dry and the rooms are wet

I never would have guessed that I would arrive in Cuba a mere two weeks following the death of Fidel Castro. With its history of both revolutionary triumph and widespread oppression, the country is struggling to digest his passing; a little bit of sadness, a sprinkle of joy, lots of uncertainty. People aren't talking about it much but the concern about the future is palpable. It's fascinating to witness.

Our tour continues to be wonderful. What I like about about it is that we've got people with a wide variety of biking abilities and interests but they mix well together. Despite the athletic differences, it all works. Some are fast, some slow and some make lots of stops along the way. It doesn't matter. Whether biking alone or with others, we all meet at prearranged spots along the way for snack breaks and meals.

Because of the intense heat, we start early each day and finish around 1:30. I like to ride additional mileage; one, because I love the daily meditation of it and two, to work off the three big meals, beer, wine and rum we consume each day.

Yesterday I rode 50 miles and today another 40. There were some moderate hills along the way and both days the temperature was in the mid 90's. That kind of riding kicks the crap out of you. I consume gallons of water, lather on sun screen and wear my hat whenever I am off the bike. Margot taught me well.

The last two days we've been staying at the Ancon "Resort" on the southern coast of the Island. It's a tired property, even by Cuban standards. It's of Russian architecture, was built in 1986 and looks just like you would expect, poured concrete and no charm or luxuries.

I'm not a foodie but some in the group are and they are very critical of the Ancon's meal offerings and quality. Today's lunch was supposed to be at the Ancon but a unilateral decision was made to go to a restaurant in Trinidad instead, despite the fact that the Ancon lunch was prepaid.

The sandy beach is beautiful and relaxing. Because we are on a peninsula, I was able to watch last night's sunset and this morning's sunrise over the water. Spectacular!

Unfortunately, for whatever reason, the large swimming pool has been drained. A few of us have leaky air conditioners that have flooded our tile floors. Stan coined a marketing phrase for the place; "The Ancon; where the pool is dry and the rooms are wet." I got a big belly laugh from that.

Monday night, after a late dinner, Taz, Scott, Marc, Katrina and I walked down to and across the bridge to the 24 hour pharmacy. Taz had to repay a debt to a customer who paid for her purchase when she realized that she only had the tourist currency (the CUC) and not the local peso. Pharmacies are one of the few places where everyone is required to pay with the local peso. On the way home, oddly, we walk passed Jose, our tour guide, who was standing by himself on the sidewalk in front of what looked like a random store. He had a guilty look on his face when he saw us. We'll never know what he was up to but it was no good, I'm sure.

A few minutes later, as we passed our bus, I peered in the front window. I didn't realize Javier, our driver, was in there until after startling him he jumped up from the second seat. A woman was in the seat with him. Jose and Javier are doing a terrific job at supporting us. Whatever they do on their own time is not for me to judge.

Tonight, we are heading into Trinidad for dinner and then to listen to some music. I'm told that we can take salsa dance lessons if we want. A couple of rum drinks and just maybe...


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Location:Trinidad, Cuba