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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Miami Departure – On the Viking Star

Leaving Miami © 2019 Bo Mackison

We departed Miami on February 21 on a week long cruise heading to Cuba.

Welcome Aboard ©2019 Bo Mackison

The weather fully cooperated for our 6 pm departure and the day was sunny and warm. 93˚ felt planty warm. When we returned from our afternoon excursion to the nearby art museum, the pool deck was busy.

Infinity Pool and Miami Background ©2019 Bo Mackison
Sun Setting as We Begin Our Voyage to Cuba ©2019 Bo Mackison

A Thursday evening departure, a full day at sea tomorrow, and an early afternoon arrival in Cienfuegas, Cuba on Saturday.

Day 3: Aboard the Viking Sky

Copenhagen, aboard the Viking Sky. Wednesday, September 26, 2018, 2:50 PM

Here’s the overview from Day 1 from the Viking website:

Today was the day we’ve been waiting for. Today was the day that we finally boarded the Viking Sky, the ship which will set sail tomorrow for our cruise, Scandinavia and the Kiel Canal. It’s a cloudy day and I think the ship would look a bit brighter in sunlight, but we’re glad to be aboard.

What we’ve seen thus far, she’s a pretty impressive ship.

First Look at the Viking Sky ©2018 Bo Mackison

We arrived at 11 AM on the Viking shuttle bus from our hotel, the Radisson Blu Copenhagen, a straight to the cruise terminal. An uneventful trip from hotel to ship, for which we were grateful. That meant we had all our luggage and all of our necessary documents when we arrived at the terminal and it was an easy go through security.

Security took about 10 minutes; the groups from the hotel were staggered so there was little wait time. We confirmed our identity with our passports and a credit card. Then we got our ID key cards and walked up the gangplank for the first time.

We arrived before noon and our stateroom was not expected to be ready until 1 PM, but lunch was ready in the World Café. And so we ate — happily. Beer and wine are offered with all meals on Viking cruises, so Bob had his first of glass of wine with our first meal.

A Panorama View of Stateroom 5020, Viking Sky © 2018 Bo Mackison

I decided I’d better take a few photographs before we unpacked our suitcases and the place started to look lived in. There is plenty enough drawers and closet space, and we easily had everything unpacked in a half hour. All of our suitcases fit under the bed. We sent Bob’s two dress shirts and two of my tops to be pressed. Honey is our room steward, a kind young woman from the Philippines, and she and her partner have promised to take good care of us for the next ten days.

I’ve already discovered that the ship’s Wi-Fi is adequate for the basics, but not much more. So I’ll continue to dictate my daily journal and catch up with the photos once there is Wi-Fi capable of handling photos/story for my blog.

Now we are off to the shuttle bus that will take us back into Copenhagen for some independent exploration!

What a great journey this is going to be!