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Mexico and Cuba
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  • Around the World with Jan

Mexico and Cuba

A part of the world I have wanted to see for a long time. Read more
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    Around the World with JanMexico and CubaAround the World with Jan
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    Viñales

    March 12 in Cuba ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    The West of Cuba is quite different to the East. This area is more lush and fertile with the rich red soil, fields of tobacco and coffee and beautiful birdlife against a background of limestone mogotes.

    The pace of life is slower here by necessity rather than design. The roads are in the poorest condition, making a trip to the sea a two hour marathon one way.

    So far we've spotted over 50 species of birds which is pretty amazing.

    What makes me sad as our trip comes to an end is that the situation here isn't because of external forces but from within. People have to operate within a system that is broken and they have found ways to do that.

    It isn't fair or easy to know that as we go back to our comfortable lives, people here will continue to struggle. Some people hope for change while others doubt that it ever will. I hope they are wrong. Given a chance Cuba could be so much more than it's allowed to be.    Read more

  • Around the World with JanMexico and CubaAround the World with Jan

    Santiago de Cuba

    March 1 in Cuba ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    As we head East deeper into the countryside we experience first hand power cuts that can last all day and roads that haven't been repaired for years.

    Despite that, each place we visit has a special magic. And, music, always, and often loud enough to rattle the windows. Cubans like their music and they prefer it loud. Everywhere we eat in the evenings we are serenaded by fabulous musicians and of course we dance.

    Cuba doesn't have the archaelogical sites but the Spanish and French settled here building stunning homes full of treasures from their home countries - furniture, glassware and porcelain, much of it still there.

    Of course, Fidel and Che are everwhere. This is a country of revolutions and invasions, fighting and patriotism. There are monuments everywhere to those who have shaped this country.    Read more

  • Around the World with JanMexico and CubaAround the World with Jan
    11

    Adios Mexico, hola Cuba

    February 22 in Mexico ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    I can't leave Mexico without summing up just how amazing it is.

    We saw so much and yet I feel that we only scratched the surface. UNESCO world heritage sites and one of the 7 wonders of the world at Chichen Itza.

    Our guide, Lucila, was amazing, her love of this country was obvious in the way she talked about it. The trip wasn't nearly long enough.

    Now it's on to Cuba and another adventure.    Read more

  • Around the World with JanMexico and CubaAround the World with Jan
    11

    Into the jungle

    February 18 in Mexico ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    We are literally in the jungle now. Hot and humid, parrots and monkeys and that's just around the hotel.

    We've seen and done lots and yet the time hasn't gone too quickly even though I'll be in Cuba on the weekend. Who knows what connectivity I will have there.

    It's been an amazing trip. The UNESCO archaeology sites are incredible. The history and architecture as well as the food and the people. 15 days just isn't long enough.

    I've had frozen margaritas and mescal and posh, the local moonshine. We had to travel through Zapatista territory, and we did it without any issues. I've felt completely safe here, even walking on my own.

    I can't speak highly enough of our driver Evan and our guide, Lucila. The pride they have in their country is obvious. And, a nice bunch of people on the trip.

    An amazing place, definitely worth a visit.    Read more

  • Around the World with JanMexico and CubaAround the World with Jan
    Belle Artes Mexico City
    1A colourful neighbourhoodHe looks scary to meThe tree of life Anthropology MuseumTemple of the moon TeotihuacanSprouting wings, Puebla1

    Hola, habla Inglis?

    February 5 in Mexico ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Mexico city, 25 million people, an amazing history and friendly locals but not much English spoken here so my rudimentary Spanish has been put to the test on a daily basis.

    The weather has been perfect, cool at night and warm during the day. It's easy to forget that we are sitting at 2000 metres above sea level.

    There is so much to see. The highlights for me have been the home of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, Casa Azul and the Anthropolgy Museum, built in the 60's and on of the best I've yet to see.

    Over the next few days we will visit some of the ancient cities that these treasures came from.    Read more

    Trip start
    February 4, 2025
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