Holguin, Cuba

The reason we were in Cuba at all was thanks to somebody turning 50!

Mr Seasons felt that 50 deserved a special adventure.

And I couldn't disagree (especially since my very own 50th birthday (and therefore, 50th birthday adventure) is only one year away!

After our (rather long) car trip (see previous post) from Santiago to Holguin in a 1958 Oldsmobile, we enjoyed what turned out to be the very best shower we had whilst in Cuba!

We then went for a stroll to explore the town.

It was a lovely evening. It was Saturday night and the people of Holguin were ready to party.

We passed a bookshop...

and stopped to admire the Mural de Origen (below) near Parque Peralta. 

The mural shows the history of Cuba from indigenous times to the end of slavery. It was created by 14 local artists in 2005 and features the central figure of Captain Garcia Holguin.

Parque Peralta (Parque de las Flores) is named after General Julio Grave de Peralta who led an uprising against the Spanish rulers in 1868. His statue now graces the centre of the plaza.

Sadly the lovely looking Museo de Historia Natural (Carlos de La Torre Natural Science Museum) was closed by the time we walked by, but the evening light reflecting off the yellow and cream paintwork was charming. 

Built in 1926 as a meeting place for the ruling Spanish land owners, it was converted into a public museum in the 60's.

Two marble lions protect the entrance.

Like much of Cuba, beautifully restored buildings sit side by side with those still to be renovated.
And like much of Cuba, that renovation is happening now.

I loved our brief stay in Holguin.
As the sun set and the lights came on, the Saturday night vibe kicked in.
Music pumped from various venues - the happy sounds of singing and dancing followed us around the streets. And we wished we'd planned a longer visit.
Next time!

This post is part of Saturday Snapshot.