
Trinidad the great gem of vanishing times
Don Diego Velázques de Cuellar founded seven villages Baracoa, Bayamao, Sancti Spiritu, Trinidad, Pourto Principe, La Habana, Santiago de Cuba and the town Remedious. Trinidad was founded as number four 1514. This is the oldest and best maintained colonial city of Cuba. The historical core with the cobbled streets running from Plaza Mayor is an architectural feast for the eyes. The buildings in Trinidad aren’t the only well maintained things. The old classic American vintage cars seem to be in amazing shape here no other part of Cuba can compete. On the cobbled street these cars meets great competition form horses, donkeys and carts. The life on the streets is following the old traditions from vanishing times.

Camagüey the great unknown jewel of darkness
Most tourists go to Havana, Trinidad or maybe Santiago de Cuba. Hidden in the middle of these three cities are Camagüey. This is Cuba’s third largest city on dusty plains in the middle of nowhere. Camagüey is a long way from Trinidad but even longer from Havana or Santiago de Cuba. For me it was an eight hour long bus ride from Santiago de Cuba arriving at the hotel in the middle of the night. Most people go to bed at that time but Camagüey fantastic photographic opportunities surprised me. It was darkness like a Charles Dickens city with colors, shades and reflections from the colonial buildings. I grab my camera and tripod for a several hour long stroll through the darky Camagüey.

Cuban music seen from above.
If interested in Cuban music one should go to Santiago de Cuba. This is the swinging city of Caribbean music particularly just before and during the carnival. Santiago de Cuba is a hotter more vibrant city than the more cool and relaxed Havana. Havana has the amazing old architecture while Santiago de Cuba has the fabulous music. The Patio de Artex is one of the wonderful music clubs along Calle Heredia on the way down to Parque Céspedes. On the square old men playing different instruments are trying to fork out some CUC: s from visiting tourists. A cross Parque Céspedes one can find Casa de Don Diego Velázquez museum. Even the museum has their performing musicians a couple of times a week.