As usual, we started off with breakfast buffet in the hotel: melon, mango, cantaloupe, fresh fruit drinks, omelette bar, bread, beans, coffee. Today was an extra early breakfast, though. After breakfast we met in the lounge area and departed for the day’s adventure. Today specifically on April 2nd, our 5th day in Cuba, we headed to the province of Matanzas, well known for its Afro Cuban culture and is commonly referred to as the City of Bridges.

We then went to Castillo de San Severino and walked through the fort to learn about the Slave Route and slavery in Cuba. The fort we visited was declared as a National Monument in 1978 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We had learn a lot about the fort all the way back in the 19th century where it used to be a prison. The upper floor were residence of governors and the bottom floor are where the prisoners are kept. As we walked through, we learn about the 11 gods, which were identified by what they wore. It was the religious aspect that were brought with the slaves when they were brought to Cuba. There were a lots of interesting information about the place and people who had past through the very same fort. After the tour of the fort learning all these new information, we then went to lunch at Chiquirin Paladar. Lunch was amazing as usual and to make it even better, it was always accompanied by live music and dancing. The lead singer reminded Srta. Manuel of a Cuban Danny DeVito. After lunch we then headed off to the resort town of Varadero where we relaxed by the beach and swam in the pristine water. It was a very fun and adventurous day, learning and exploring.

Paladar Chiquirrin