Cuba - Trinidad

Our Road Scholar group spent most of a day in the the town of Trinidad de Cuba. On the Caribbean shore, about 50 kilometres south-west of Sancti Spiritus, it is perhaps the most picturesque town we visited. Founded in 1514, it eventually became a wealthy slave-trading centre as well as a centre of sugar production. Architecturally, it has retained its wealthy Spanish colonial character. UNESCO has declared it to be a World Heritage site, and it has become a tourist centre today. The photos I selected for this posting reveal some of the special qualities of this town.

On our arrival on the outskirts of Trinidad, we stopped for coffee at a hotel high in the hills above. You can see the town and the Caribbean Sea behind the man and the dog relaxing on the patio.

The morning sunlight was playing through the outdoor nightclub/coffee shop. I like the shapes, colours, and lines in this photo.

Near the centre of Trinidad, we visited the home of Lia and Pachi. They performed for us as Lia sang and Pachi played guitar. They also showed us their home.

The kitchen is well appointed and the colours very attractive.

The inner and outer courtyards invite relaxation!

Lia waves from her door to passers by.

The central square in old Trinidad is surrounded by the cathedral, a large garden, and beautiful mansions from the Spanish colonial era. The square and side streets are busy with commercial activity and village living. It is easy to imagine life here hundreds of years ago.

Here our Road Scholar group is wandering through the central square.

Walking through the garden, I noticed that a photographer was shooting this professional model. I was allowed to capture a shot of my own.

The man on the donkey hovered around the square to engage tourists.

The cathedral towers over the square.

The interior of the cathedral seems to focus on brightness and sunlight.

Restaurants and cafés were waiting for thirsty visitors.

The colours of the street scenes were captivating!

The side alleys are often the most interesting.

I visited the Museo Romantico which is housed in one of the mansions on the square. It is dedicated to the Spanish-Cuban architecture of the 18th and 19th centuries

The chandelier in this old mansion hangs from the hand-carved cedar ceiling.

I was impressed to learn about the laying of the roof tiles without mortar.

The house decorations were impressive. I like the shadows in this photo.

This is the courtyard in the mansion....beautiful!

This is my favourite photo in this posting. I like the light, the lines, and the colours.