Flying Solo

From two to one

I've recently rented a room in the picture-perfect city of Antigua from a diminutive Guatemalan abuela who provides three hearty meals per day and affectionately refers to me as chica. My days are spent taking Spanish lessons, practicing my poor Spanish and fervently devouring books from the only second-hand book store in town. Because as of exactly two weeks ago, our cosy traveling party of two became an even cosier party of one... and I shall now be continuing this journey solo.

In the wake of our leisurely fortnight in Cuba my partner and I returned to Mexico, taking refuge from the touristy Yucatan Peninsula on the bohemian island of Holbox. We secured a fantastic deal on a rustic wooden bungalow (thanks to the impending low season) and for two weeks did little more than swing in hammocks, eat guacamole and fish tacos and drink cervezas on the beach at sunset. Yet as relaxing as it was, my partner found he couldn't shake his growing restlessness and impassivity for traveling. And as the week drew to a close, we both knew something had to change.

Cuba Travel Tips

We traveled seamlessly, but I researched extensively

In my last post I discussed how seamlessly we traveled through Cuba. This was in large part due to the gracious hospitality of the casa owners, who helped us organise transport and excursions and recommended places to visit and places to eat. However I also conducted extensive research before our trip, which prepared us well for a lot of the idiosyncrasies that you will face as a traveller to this perplexing island country.

You see, Cuba is not really a 'backpacker' destination if you define that as a place with various transport options, a range of budget accommodation choices and plenty of cheap eats. Whilst there is a plethora of casas to choose from, for the most part their prices are the same. And whilst cheap eats are indeed to be found, variety is somewhat limited. As for transport, you generally have two options for getting around: the Viazul buses or a private taxi. 

Also, Cuba is not a 'cheap' destination compared to some of its Central American neighbours. That said, there are still ways to save and if you budget accordingly you can have a great time without widening the wallet too much. To take some of the headache out of planning a trip to Cuba, I've summarised the need-to-know information below: 

Cuba: Viva la Revolución!

The view from the steps of the Plaza Mayor
in Trinidad, Cuba

As I write this, I'm slowly rocking back and forth in my chair on the terrace of our casa particular in the enchanting town of Trinidad, Cuba. It's the last day of my visit and I've just spent the best part of an hour indulging in my favourite pastime: people watching.

As I sat on the steps of the Plaza Mayor squinting against the sun, watching scores of French retirees take photos and gawk at the colonial architecture that surrounds them, it occurred to me that I haven't felt so at peace in a very, very long time.

Here in Cuba they have turned idle people watching into a national sport. They congregate in doorways, sit on the steps of buildings, gather at bus stops and lean against fences in every village, city or town you pass through. Like the countless cats and scruffy mongrels that trawl the streets seeking respite from the sun, the Cuban people survey everything that passes them by with an idle curiosity. Women gossip animatedly amongst themselves, men yell greetings to one another as they cross the street, children shout over a game of marbles... all under the watchful eye of their voyeuristic neighbours.

Rethinking Work

My unhappiness at work troubled me a lot

In my very first blog entry I expressed some of the gnawing dissatisfaction I'd been feeling over the past year or two in regards to my employment. To be honest, in recent years there's been times where it has escalated from mere dissatisfaction to complete resentment towards my job, my colleagues and the entire industry. It has perplexed and troubled me a lot because in most instances, these feelings are completely unjustified.

The majority of jobs I've had over the last few years have been great. Most colleagues I've worked with have been wonderful (there's been a few that have been painful, but they have been in the minority) and I've been fortunate enough to have a steady stream of work come my way, often without having to look for it.

So it seemed like some cruel joke that just as I was entering my thirties the career that I'd worked so hard for suddenly felt like a prison sentence.