Jibacoa Redux

We’ve picked up a relatively cheap, last-minute trip to Cuba so we’ll be returning to Jibacoa for a week of sun, sand and snorkeling. This time we’ll be staying at Breezes, the resort next door to the Chameleon Villas Jibacoa (CVJ). Breezes is much larger and is rated a couple of stars higher. The price difference was so small that we decided on the posher resort even though we had really enjoyed ourselves at CVJ in January. We’ll see.
Nothing like getting off to an early start. The flight to Varadero leaves at 6:30 am so we’re up at 3:30 to get to the airport, park the car and take the shuttle to the terminal for our 4:30 check-in. Surprising number of cars on the road even that early in the morning. Check-in is no problem though our bags are pushing the weight limit (How much do you need for a week?)
Security throws up a roadblock. Doreen has packed a sewing kit in her carry-on luggage and it includes a pair of ‘snips’ for cutting threads. This deadly weapon brings out the red flags - the blades are extremely sharp and at least as long as a fingernail - she can’t be allowed to carry this onto the plane. (I guess they’re afraid we’ll highjack the plane to Cuba - oh, wait, that’s where we’re headed.) Since she paid $30 for these ‘snips’, Doreen isn’t prepared to throw them away. She has to take them back outside the secure area where she’s faced with two choices - either mail them to the house (at a cost of $15) or put them in storage at the airport until we return next week (at a cost of $12).
The flight itself was uneventful. We arrived in Cuba and passed through their security check with no problems. I’m determined not to lose my visa card this time so I’m extra careful with the paperwork. Our ride to the resort is delayed - something about the bus driver being sick (I think that’s what was said) - so we stand around in the blistering heat for almost half an hour. I don’t think we’ll be hearing the word ‘frio’ much this week.
There were four other couples on the bus but there wasn’t much interaction or conversation. Lots to look at on the ride to Breezes as we’d done this ride in the dark in January. We were able to check-in early but had to drag our own bags to the second-floor room (one strike against the four-star rating). Nice, large room but not a lot of places to hang things. Lunch in the dining room was okay but nothing special - very similar to CVJ.
Got some sun after lunch and then prepared for our first snorkel. Major disappointment - the visibility was terrible. The wind is blowing, the sea is roiled up and there’s a lot of sediment in the water. Not much picture taking here. The beach bar does serve terrific lemon slushes though - the Cuban answer to Hawaii’s shave ice, I guess.
Great ending to our first day. An excellent meal at the Cuban Restaurant with a great wine followed by an interesting Aqua Ballet Show at the pool. By then, we’re ready to fall into bed - it’s been a long day.