Last Days in Cuba

    I spent my last two weeks in Cuba split between Cienfuegos and Trinidad to be able to witness more Cuban baseball as well as immerse myself further in Cuban culture. I was able to just take a bus ride from Havana to my Cienfuegos before I checked into my hotel on November 3rd. Given that my week in Cienfuegos was the last time I'd be able to experience Cuban baseball, I went to 3 games the first 3 days I was there. All three games were played at Cinco de Septiembre Stadium between the Cienfuegos Elefantes and the Matanzas Cocodrilos. 

Top of an inning in a Cienfuegos home game at Cinco de Septiembre Stadium

    Cienfuegos won the first two games by scores of 5-2 and 5-3 respectively behind strong pitching performances from César Rondón and Camilo Hernandez. Catcher Richel Martínez put in the best batting performance with 4 hits, 2 runs, 3 RBIs, and a home run over the two games. It was fun to see the home team win, but the third game brought a lot of excitement when Matanzas walloped the Elefantes 12-1. Cocodrilos pitcher Yamichel Hernández put on a clinic tossing 8 innings, striking out 9 batter, and only allowing 3 hits and a run. The offense was spread throughout the entire lineup, but DH Javier Rodríguez had quite a game with 3 RBIs, 1 run, 2 hits, and a triple in just 3 at bats. It was an absolute blast for my last Cuban baseball game on the trip.

    Before departing on a bus towards Trinidad, I spent the rest of my week in Cienfuegos at various places and activities such as a cabaret show, Guanaroca Lagoon, a couple cemetaries, El Nicho Waterfall, and José Martí Park. I had a short walk from my B&B in Trinidad to Plaza Mayor, which essentially acts as the historical center of the city and was a great place to go sightseeing and spend time in. Within Plaza Mayor, I visited the Museo Historico Municipal, a museum dedicated to exploring the history of Trinidad and its surrounding areas. I also got to marvel at the Iglesia Parroquial de la Santisima Trinidad, the largest church in Cuba, and the statue inside known as Christ of the True Cross.

A view of the Museo Historical Municipal from inside its courtyard

    I visited more museums and churches during my time in Trinidad, most notably including the Museo Romantico, the Museum of Colonial Architecture, the Casa de Aldeman Ortiz, and the Museo Nacional de Lucha Contra Bandidos. However, I had a ton of fun and relaxation at Playa Ancon. I spent a couple days just chilling on the beautiful beach and taking everything in because you kind of have to with how amazing Cuba's beaches are. I knew I would've had to take at least a couple moments to enjoy it. It capped of my month long excursion in Cuba perfectly and on such a great note.