Susan Withenshaw

📍 Cuba Read more Tavistock, Canada

Traveler Trinidad Cuba
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- May 1, 2024, 10:12pm
- ☁️ 26 °C
- Altitude: 3 m
- Cuba Provincia de Sancti Spíritus La Curva de Alfredo Punta María Aguilar 21.746255, -80.0206421°44’47” N 80°1’14” W
Day 2
Day 2 - The Property
Yesterday in Cuba ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C
After strolling the beach area I walked back up to the property. There are eight buildings all together. Eventually seven restaurants. The spa and gym are open. I'll check those out later. Here are some property pics.

The grounds are nice. The vegetation is new so it needs time to fill in. Everything is clean. They use artificial turf in some high traffic areas and to cover maintenance access points etc. Great idea. It looks green and tidy.Read more
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Traveler Trinidad Cuba
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- May 1, 2024, 9:42pm
- ☁️ 26 °C
- Altitude: 3 m
- Cuba Provincia de Sancti Spíritus La Curva de Alfredo Punta María Aguilar 21.746255, -80.0206421°44’47” N 80°1’14” W
Day 2
Day 2 - The Beach
Yesterday in Cuba ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C
After the lobby tour let's head to the beach. If you're a big beach lover you may be disappointed here. Lots of rock in the water and the sand is like ground up shells. But they are still under construction so they are bringing in sand and building up the beach area.

There is a special rock which you can swim to with a bench to relax on. A dock area to lounge on. Apparently they do sunset drinks each night with live music. Gotta check that out. Lots of my sister's fav palapas. There are even beach beds which I'm going to make us of tomorrow. It's a work in progress.

As far as guest occupancy, I'd say half full. Lots of empty chairs. Food service is not busy with lots of choices. And no lines at the omelet station for this girl.Read more
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Traveler Trinidad Cuba
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- May 1, 2024, 9:15pm
- ☁️ 26 °C
- Altitude: 10 m
- Cuba Provincia de Sancti Spíritus La Curva de Alfredo Punta María Aguilar 21.746223, -80.02058521°44’46” N 80°1’14” W
Day 2
Day 2 - Start the day Breakfast
Yesterday in Cuba ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C
OK, I've refilled my wine, Salut. Let's move on to day two.

Sleep, it was lovely. I did remember to bring my travel silk pillow cases, heaven. I've got one for you sister. I managed to roll out of bed by 9:00 and hit the shower. Oh guess what... I don't think Cuba has hot water for more than a minute. It's ok, I can do this. I survived the week without hot water on my first trip to Cuba.

Oh but then the shower flooded. Does this sound familiar any one? Bueller, Bueller. Flooded the bathroom floor and the front hall. Did I care? Nope, threw towels on the floor and put my water shoes on so I didn't slip and break a leg. Reported it in passing to the front desk and went to breakfast. Maybe flooded showers should be added to that patience proverb.

Off to the buffet for breakfast. A little late but it was good. Pastries, meats and cheese, omelet station, fruit, cereal and milk. Yes, cold milk in a carton. On the bus I was trying to remember how to order cold milk. My YYC friends taught me. Shout out to Dwayne. Leche fria, but I didn't even need it. Breakfast there everyday.Read more
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Traveler Trinidad Cuba
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- May 1, 2024, 8:37pm
- ☁️ 27 °C
- Altitude: 10 m
- Cuba Provincia de Sancti Spíritus La Curva de Alfredo Punta María Aguilar 21.746223, -80.02058521°44’46” N 80°1’14” W
1
Day 2
Day 1.5 - Food
Yesterday in Cuba ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C
After checking out the room I unpacked and headed out in search of food. Along the way to the snack bar I snapped a few pics of the restaurants and lounges. Again better pictures coming in day 2. I found a couple of lounges, a buffet restaurant and a swim up bar along the way. Beautiful decor, Check out the rotunda ceiling in the buffet restaurant and 5he cool sculpted seating in the lounge. All good scouting for tomorrow.

I finally found the snack bar. The menu, hot dog, burger and wait for it...ham and cheese sandwich. Woohoo my fav...lol. So, I had to have the sandwich, then I realized I forget my ketch at home. Ahhh. And hey YYC friends there was a cat at this late night snack bar too.

Had my sandwich and went back to the room. My eyes are getting heavy by now, but the Leaf/Bruin game was on. 1-1 second period, someone fill me in cause I fell asleep. Do I need to find the sports bar for Sat. I think I could fit that in 😆Read more
Traveler So pretty !!!
8hReply
Ham and cheese!!!! [Coralie]
8hReply
Traveler Yes, a staple even here.
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Traveler Trinidad Cuba
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- May 1, 2024, 7:59pm
- ☁️ 27 °C
- Altitude: 10 m
- Cuba Provincia de Sancti Spíritus La Curva de Alfredo Punta María Aguilar 21.746223, -80.02058521°44’46” N 80°1’14” W
Day 2
Day 1.5 - The Room
Yesterday in Cuba ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C
Tuesday was a long day ending around 3:00 am. But I had a good day today exploring the property and taking in the sun. So I've found a great sectional space in the lobby lounge with wine service so let's get caught up.

We arrived to the property after midnight. As I mentioned there were only five passengers on the bus so I was the second to check-in. All went smoothly. They had my reservation, took my passport and I got my bracelet. Which I think is the coolest bracelet yet and it's my room key. BUT... and you had to know this was coming...he was sending me to a second floor room. How is that possible when I booked a swim up. Are they stacking pools now?Hmm here we go.

The front desk couldn't verify my room category request. I told him I had been in communication with Claudia the manager who confirmed my room. While he was searching the system I jumped on the internet and pulled up my booking. Yep, definitely swimup. Others were waiting to check in but I wasn't leaving the desk until I had my room. Finally he found the room category, but they didn't have a room available..really? So he upgraded me to a king swimup in the Level section of the resort. Exclusive adults only. Score.

The bellman dropped me at my room and here it is. The swimup is lit at night, better pictures for you in day two, The bed was my favorite site at the moment.Read more
Traveler Sweet!! That worked out quite nice.
8hReply
Traveler Yep, not leaving the desk until I get what I booked. I did apologize to the other three guys waiting to check in several times.
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Traveler Trinidad Cuba
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- May 1, 2024, 4:05pm
- ☁️ 29 °C
- Altitude: 10 m
- Cuba Provincia de Sancti Spíritus La Curva de Alfredo Punta María Aguilar 21.746223, -80.0205821°44’46” N 80°1’14” W
Day 2
Day 2 - Calling it a Night
Yesterday in Cuba ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C
Ok, you're kinda caught-up. Day 2, lunch, dinner, and swimup pics can wait until tomorrow. It's 10:30 here and my eyes are getting heavy.

But before I go, here is my cozy couch and some awesome hand painted pottery I found in the lobby. Oh, and sister, this is how you serve mimosas.

Nite all 😴Read more
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Traveler Trinidad Cuba
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- May 1, 2024, 12:09am
- ☁️ 25 °C
- Altitude: 8 m
- Cuba Provincia de Sancti Spíritus La Curva de Alfredo Punta María Aguilar 21.745919, -80.0202221°44’45” N 80°1’13” W
Day 2
Day 2 - Explore
Yesterday in Cuba ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
Here are a few lobby pics and beautiful gardens. Check out the huge metal sculpture light hanging in the lobby foyer. As I said, great decor.
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Traveler Trinidad Cuba
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- Apr 30, 2024, 9:19pm
- 🌙 23 °C
- Altitude: 87 m
- Cuba Provincia de Villa Clara Las Minas Abel Santamaría Airport 22.497251, -79.93020322°29’50” N 79°55’49” W
Day 1
Day 1 - Santa Clara Finally
April 30 in Cuba ⋅ 🌙 23 °C
We landed safely in Santa Clara. The runway was covered in puddles, and the airport building was still wet inside, but we're here.

The bus is waiting for me and it is direct to my resort. Yes, no milk run for this traveler tonight.

Remember when I told you the roads in Mexico would shake your bladder silly? Well, Cuba is worse. And with all the rain, the pot holes are like mini lakes. You can see the water on the roads as we drive. It's so wet that the frogs are sitting on the road. I've seen 10 or so jump from the bus lights. I don't think they all made it across. But we missed the bunny 🐇

While direct, the bus ride is close to two hours, so we should arrive around midnight. But here's my plus for the day. There are only five passengers on this bus, so hotel check-in should be a breeze. Here's hoping I encounter no room issues🤞

But you know me ... lolRead more
Sue Deeks Glad you finally arrived and landed safely. Relax and enjoy.
22hReply
Traveler Yes, glad we made it. But the bus ride was brutal.
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Traveler Trinidad Cuba
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- Apr 30, 2024, 4:03pm
- ☁️ 17 °C
- Altitude: 172 m
- Canada Ontario Churchville 43.624725, -79.76100343°37’29” N 79°45’40” W
Day 1
Day 1 - What Varadaro???
April 30 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
We left overcast Toronto and headed south over the lake. Poised to land ahead of schedule, we are flying at 36,000 feet, enjoying the beautiful blue sky. But look what we encounter....da, da, da.

About 40 minutes from Santa Clara, our airport destination, we received word torrential thunderstorms hit, and the airport there is closed. With the runway flooded, we were forced to divert to Varadaro. Did I not say I wanted to move my travel dates due to the rains.

We landed safely but were not allowed to deplane. The flight crew provided updates every 15 minutes, and we refueled while waiting. Santa Clara operators are working to clear the runway and reopen the airport. Timing, not a clue.

After well over an hour on the ground, we have a new flight plan, a full tank of fuel, and we're ready to take off. Now we wait for word the airport is open.

Patience is a virtue I missed out on, kinda like sharing. Just ask my sister ❤️ But it is one I have learned by traveling. You can tell a lot about people by the way they handle three things.
A rainy day, flight delays, and lost luggage.

I'm hungry, and my trail mix is running low. Where are the ham and cheese sandwiches 🫓

90 minutes later, and we're back in the sky. Bye Varadaro, I'll visit again when I can stay longer.Read more
Erin Janiten OMG...this answers a few questions...maybe NOT LOL!
14hReply
Traveler It was wild, apparently. Let's hope it's all rained out. The forecast looks great for the rest of the week.
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Traveler Trinidad Cuba
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- Apr 30, 2024, 1:17pm
- ☁️ 12 °C
- Altitude: 169 m
- Canada Ontario Centennial Park Toronto Pearson International Airport 43.685276, -79.61821143°41’7” N 79°37’6” W
Day 1
Day 1 - Travel Day
April 30 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
I arrived at the airport and found my reserved parking spot, no problem 😀 The flight is running on time, so I'm headed to the dreaded kiosk to check in.

Those who have traveled with me before may recall that the kiosks don't like my passport. I struggle every time to check in. Why do I check in on line in advance only to have to repeat the stupid process all over again. Ah, right, so I can get that elusive luggage sticker.

Today was my lucky day, no issues. Yes! things are starting off well. Caught the terminal shuttle and had lunch while waiting for the cattle call... I mean boarding call.

It will be a long first day as I don't arrive at the hotel until 11:00 pm. Let's hope there is more than "ham and cheese" sandwiches for a late night snack. That's an inside joke for my YYC ftiends.

We'll chat in Cuba.Read more
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