Conch salad

We were treated to a demonstration of how a Conch Salad is made. First the fresh shells are collected from the holding basket in the sea. A hole is made in the back of the shell and the flesh cut from the shell. Its then pulled out and trimmed to keep the white meat for the salad. This is cut up into pieces and combined with onion, tomatoe, green pepper, orange juice and lemon juice. Tastes chewy but not tough.

This was all explained by Robert whos family have lived in this house for 3 generations.

West End

We entered the Bahamas at West End, Grand Bahama Island. Goltz has a friend here and we were able to tie up to his dock next to his fishing boat. We spent a wonderful week here with new friends and learnt something of Bahamian culture of Conch Salad and fishing.

Day 112

22.11,73N 78.17,29W Double breasted island. Bahamas. Wonderful group of small islands.

Bahamas

We needed fuel and so popped into Key Largo, USA for 2 hours to get Diesel and stores. What a culture shock after Cuba. The huge marina full of huge stink pots(power boats), blatant wealth all around! They are abit concerned that the oil slick could damage their pristine coral reef if the winds change.
Then off to West End, Grand Bahama. 26,42.38N 78,59.71@W
We are moored against Searenity at a friend of theirs home. Really friendly folk and we have had a wonderful stay here. Eating fresh Conch (Conk) salad.

Leaving Cuba

We left Cuba on Sat, 8 May at 6pm. The officials visited the boat to check for stow-aways and we left.
Everyone has been so friendly here. Its a beautiful country. Its been so difficult to understand the differences between our worlds. They cannot travel and if they do get a chance, its without family. Even going to another city they need to prove they have accommodation with a friend or they cannot go.
All government cars have blue plates and they are obliged to give anyone on the road-side a lift. On the freeways there are gathering points under bridges where a chap in a yellow shirt organises this and ensures the gov cars or trucks stop. Makes sense.
Everyone has a job, no-one goes hungry, good education and medical is available. They have the lowest infant mortality in the world.
But the rumblings are there of wanting more, and we are sure change will come. Someone is building a huge marine in Varedero that will take 1800 yachts in 2 years time? What do they know?

Dolphin interaction

From Varedero we went on a Catamaran trip to a dolphin pool and snorkeling spot. Its built in the ocean, made of huge pylons close enough that the Dolphins cant escape, but the sea flows through. As a small group of 6 we were able to get close to them and had them swimming around us. These are Bottlenose dolphins. It was a wonderful experience.

Trinidad, Cuba

Trinidad is on the south coast and is an old city full of the history of slavery and sugar farming. The photo shows Santi, having a laugh, sitting on a donkey in the old city. Where ever we went someone would try to offer something different to make some money. We saw no begging as everyone can have a job. Working in the tourist industry is the only legal way extra cash can be made from tips.
Our hotel offered snorkeling, below is a photo of the transport to the snorkeling site. Some of our group had a good sail and snorkel all in one. The wind did pick up.

We had a great evening in the old city at Casa Musica. Its an outside restaurant with a band. The best is that all the local salsa dances come there to dance and its a dream to watch them.