Cenfuegos -Pearl of the South

Cienfuegos is located on the south side of Cuba at the end of a long narrow passage, making it a very protected harbor.  The Spanish ships carrying gold and other treasures from Central and South America would meet here to form convoys to travel back to Spain.  Pirates were a problem, so there was strength in numbers.

The founders of the city were either from France or French territory in North America, like New Orleans, so the city has a lot of French architecture with wrought iron balconies and open "porches" which form a continuous walkway to provide shade for walkers.

We were in town on a Sunday, so most of the stores and museums were closed. In the central square (actually a rectangle since they decided to double the size of the original square,) people were sitting on benches using computers and other electronic devices while small children and small dogs played.  Very few private homes have Wi-Fi, so they come to public areas where it is available.  We learned about the beautiful buildings surrounding the square: a theater, the government center, a church, a school and others I have already forgotten.

The streets are laid out in a grid, making it easy to get around.  There are narrow streets , but also broad pedestrian streets where vendors sell their crafts, often made of recycled materials.

We watched the process of making cigars, and of course, were given plenty of time to buy cigars, rum and handicrafts in the government run store.  

Since the United States placed an embargo on trade with Cuba, the vast majority of the cars are from the 50's or 60's.  Most of them are in very good shape.  The engines are repaired with parts from China.

Tomorrow I go to Havana.  It is a 12plus hour trip via motor coach to get there.