Downtown village of Viñales in Cuba

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Blondine and I much preferred the downtown rustic village of Vinales over Pinar del Rio. Here at Vinales we  were left alone by the locals. We were free to go around without someone following us, offering a hotel stay here, a paladar there, a tour or whatever. It was admittedly a breath of fresh air, having been harassed by these touts in Pinar del Rio.


The Vinales town is about 2-3 minutes’ drive from Los Jazmines Hotel in the Vinales Valley. We spent an afternoon of chilling out with a cold mojito at the corner café restaurant beside the towns’ central plaza and church. The mood is very relaxed and laid back here.

We also went to the bank here to cash in money against our Mastercard credit cards. We were quite lucky that Mastercard is accepted in Cuba because our bank cards were not accepted and we both only had 100 Euros in our wallets. You bet we almost panicked, haha.

Thus, Mastercard saved our Cuban trip so to speak. They are over the counter bank transactions and I think they are cheaper than money exchange.

Here are some of the pictures we took when we were in town.
The two guys were explaining to a local passersby that their hearts (mi corazon!) belong to me, haha. So cute.
This is the main street of the town called, Calle Salvador Cisneros.
Street food: Fried yucca chips. I bought a pack. Yucca is quite similar to cassava.
More street food: Vinales/Cuban-style pork barbecue with paprika and pineapple slices.
This is their version of street market, the produce are sold at the back of the farmer's truck or tractor.
Cuban cocktails such as Mojito, Cuba Libre, Ron Collins and Daiquiri are like soda and water in this country.
The 'Casa de la Cultura' on the central plaza.

Travel Period: May 2012
Destination: Vinales (Pinar del Rio), Cuba

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Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)
Location: Viñales, Cuba
Welcome to my world! After years in the fast-paced tech world, I am now in my 50s and embracing a slower pace of life in the Dutch countryside. This diary is a collection of my favorite things: the joy of country home life, my new journey into gardening, and my lifelong passion for travel. Whether I am nurturing my garden, nesting at home, or exploring places locally and abroad, I am documenting it all. Come on in. I hope you enjoy your stay!

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