On the Way to Trinidad – Cienfuegos and The Valley of Sugar Mills

see Cienfuegos is considered one of Cuba’s more well-preserved cities. Cienfuegos (meaning “100 Fires”) was settled in 1819 by the French. A grid of straight streets, squares and fountains, and symmetrical colonnades carry hints of Bordeaux and New Orleans.

https://www.larochellevb.com/2024/01/31/dbde31mv0 The original church building was opened in 1833, with additions and improvements completed in the 1850-1860s. The church was declared a cathedral in 1903. UNESCO Heritage Site, 2005.

View of side street in Cienfuegos, Cuba
Transportation in Cienfuegos © 2019 Bo Mackison

go More than 300 buildings from the latter half of the 19th century remain in the downtown area and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but the living conditions are in various states of disrepair and services are basic.

https://menteshexagonadas.com/2024/01/31/ciwqs8ntx After we left Cienfuegos, we passed through the Valley of the Sugar Mills, once home to more than 50 mills during its colonial heyday, and made our first stop at the estate and grounds of former sugar magnate Manacas Iznaga.

follow The Cuban sugar empire lasted from the late 18th to the late 19th century. At its peak, 50 sugar mills were concurrently in operation, producing 140,000 sugar cane arrobas per 32 acres. Valley of the Sugar Mills has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

https://ipaxcabinetsdirect.com/uncategorized/xta4thf6 Today, there are few signs of the once bustling production. The former plantation and factory remain, and they have been converted into guest facilities — a restaurant and bar, a small gift shop, and a street bazaar.

Tower

follow link One of the most striking features of this property is the tall tower that bears the former sugar baron’s name. According to Cuban legend, Iznaga built the tower so he could overlook his lands and keep watch of the many slaves who worked his fields.

https://menteshexagonadas.com/2024/01/31/m1bm3jj02a0 The people depend on the sales of their handiwork. A large tablecloth, hand-created, costs about $30-50 — a bargain. But to add perspective, the average Cuban in a government sponsored job — perhaps high school teacher or psychologist or common laborer — makes about $25 a month.

https://comercialfuentes.com/tfooqnyx55 Now that the Cuban citizens are allowed to make money in the tourist sector, their chances to make enough money for above-substenance living have improved.

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follow url About Bo Mackison

https://nmth.nl/t4ln0vhtrb I'm a photographer, book-artist, traveler, naturalist, and creator of the Contemplative Creatives Journey, An Online Workshop and Community and https://www.broommanufacturers.com/2024/01/31/ujouy83t8 Desert Wisdom Cards and Workshops. Though often not well known, I find the desert a welcoming place - a healing space. Its mysteries and gifts transformed me several years ago. Since that first encounter, I return again and again to fill my well in what most people think of as a desolate region. I'd love to share my desert discoveries and wisdom with you. Please subscribe to receive my five part mini email course https://www.eastcotesignanddisplay.co.uk/bxbte957jra The Gifts of the Desert. It's my gift to you.