THURSDAY 3rd

Although there are no more early starts we are awake early Keith having a disturbed night with someone whistling, a couple shouting at 4.30 and above us pacing about wearing hard soled shoes.

After breakfast we decided to take a long walk but trying to find our way out of the complex was easier said than done. We followed a couple who seemed to know where they were going but didn’t as they came to end of the track. At last it lead us to the ‘shaving brush tree’ so I was able to take a photo of its lovely flowers although most of the blossom was laid on the ground around it. The hedgerows sounded full of birds but it was the Cuban blackbird that we saw the most. We returned to our hotel and took the road to our right which took us through the security gate and past the bus stop for the tour bus that operates in the area. For 5 CUCs we can use this bus for a day getting on and off whenever we wish and depending on which side of the road you board the bus we would either end up in Varadero or travel about 20km down the peninsula. We found our way to the coastal road with the 18 hole golf course on our left and began to walk along the wide grass verge and there was no footpaths. We came across a family stood by a bus stop and told them we had seen the open top tour bus about 15 minutes ago and it was full with people standing inside. They would hang around a little longer and then take a taxi. We had a small map of all the hotels on the coast and thought we had walked a considerable distance. We had hardly gone anywhere. Arriving at a gate to another Sol hotel we asked if we could walk back to the ‘Melia’ pointing to our may. The guard kindly pointed us in the right direction. This Sol hotel consisted of small bungalows set over a wide nicely landscaped area containing several flowering mango trees, but apart from a Chinese Restaurant and a Massage Parlour there was nothing else. We were very surprised to find we were soon back at our hotel and before heading to the beach went into the cafe for our vitamins. We were surprised to see so many of our group already in there. They had been on the nature walk which I had seen the sign for last night and completely forgot about. They all said it was a lovely stroll with one of the gardeners being their leader so they learnt about many of the plants and the birds. At this point the friendly Cuban blackbird put in an appearance behind them eventually flying on to one of the basket weave chairs for a photo shoot.

As we headed for a walk along the beach we heard a voice shouting “Keith, Keith!” Looking around we spotted Mary Jane leaning out of the office window (massage hut) with a dishy masseur stood behind her. She wanted us to sign Pharmacist John’s birthday card but hadn’t got it with her and could we lend her 3 pesos to tip the masseur? “Damn I’ve lost the bet” I said, which made her laugh and she went along with me “What bet?” demanded Keith “Well I bet Mary Jane she wouldn’t get any money out of you and you’ve just given her 3 pesos!” We eventually convinced him it was a joke.

I took a paddle as we walked along but the sea was cold although a lot of people had taken to the water. Further out small sailboats and pedaloes were going up and down what I thought was a small reef but in the afternoon Marion told us it was seaweed and there were very few fish about so the snorkelling is very poor. A pelican flew low over our heads and landed clumsily in the sea to be followed by a couple of seagulls who were much more graceful at diving into the water similar in style to the gannets of Bempton cliffs.

It was feeling very hot by now and so we returned to have a light lunch before settling down by the pool for the rest of the afternoon.

Cocktail time was chaotic and unlike last night the cafe was busy. We had black looks from a miserable couple sitting at a table for 2 who eventually moved after the 25 of us had gathered in this particular area of the cafe. We were well looked after by Jaoquin, our aged waiter. Keith has got the system sussed by passing 1 peso over to the waiter who will then look after us for the rest of the evening. We have noticed that guests who fail to tip the waiter are generally ignored.

The group split up tonight with half of us going to the steak restaurant with Mary Jane. (Tables in the steak and seafood restaurants have to be booked first thing in a morning at a table set by the hotel shop.) Unfortunately we could not have a table for the whole of our group or a table set for 13 people so we let the singles, along with Ian and Christine, have the large table whilst Keith and I sat at a table for 4 with John and Esme at the next table so we could all still have a conversation. Mary Jane informed us the Chef recommended the beef tenderloin but I settled for a beef brochette so I could sample a chinchinchere (or whatever it was called) sauce comprising finely chopped pepper, onion, garlic, oregano and other things that after several mojitos and red wine followed by more mojitos I can’t recall!

Back in the cafe the entertainment team dressed as 'Pirates' paraded through trying to drum up business for tonights theatre show. With a distinct lack of enthusiasm especially on their part I don't think we shall be joining in and when John and Dorothy left I said they would be back in 5 minutes - it was 6 actually! The show was nothing to do with pirates and they couldn't understand what was taking place other than two women were eating a cake on stage. For the next hour or so the men discussed their prostrate problems having us in stitches about just where the cameras were capable of being pushed as everyone present discussed their ailments. I felt quite left out but by the time we left was grateful for the current state of our health.