We're off to see the city

Three days of cool, windy weather has exhausted the supply of optional activities. We’ve hiked up and down the shore, we’ve explored the local roads, there isn’t much else to do. Thank God for Laurie and Sandy, a couple from British Columbia, who have turned out to be our travel doppelgangers. Laurie’s a transplanted Aussie and a retired teacher/principal who met Sandy while studying at UBC. Conversations with them have helped alleviate our frustration and pass the time.
Wednesday we’re off to Havana on a tour bus. Not our usual style but we wanted to see the city and hadn’t done any serious research to facilitate independent travel so we opted for the group. Andy, the guide, tried to make the hour-long ride into the city interesting but, having to give his spiel in both French and English tended to make things drag. We made a couple of stops in ‘Old Havana’ (mainly geared to tourists gawking) before lunch at the Zaragoanza Restaurant for a nice lunch.
At the Plaza d’Armes, we got a chance to roam on our own and had a look at the cathedral and then wandered down a few side streets. There was a group of photogenic street musicians at the back of the plaza. (Not sure how musically talented they were but they had interesting faces.) Lots of amazing architecture, most undergoing some degree of repair. Wish we had better language skills.
After lunch we drove through ‘New Havana’ for a quick look at Revolution Square, the site of Fidel’s speeches. Then it was off to the rum factory for a tour (entertaining host) and a taste (not nearly enough) but I did get a bottle of 7 year-old rum to take home. Enjoyed watching the street life while we waited for the group to re-form and the bus to return. As we left, we got a middle-finger salute from a little boy who was underwhelmed by the handout he hadn’t received.
The final stop was a market designed to provide tourists with their Cuban souvenirs. Definitely not our cup of tea. We did exchange some Canadian money for Cuban pesos and then wandered outside and had a look at the neighborhood. Beautiful stained glass windows at the former Cathedral de San Francisco de Pueblo but we couldn’t get inside to really appreciate them.
The ride back was a bit of a drag but at least the temperature is warming up. Now, if only the jellyfish would disappear, we might get a chance to check out the snorkeling.