Spanish colonial architecture is well preserved in the 19th century sugar boom town of Trinidad [6], on Cuba´s south coast.  It is the most beautiful town in Cuba with its cobbled streets and colourful houses, frozen in the 1850s.  Guayabera shirts originated here.  These were loose cotton work shirts so called because the men used to come home with their 4 pockets stuffed with guavas, but have now replaced military fatigues as official national dress. 

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After a delicious criollo fish dinner at the museum-like Paladar Sol y Son we were entertained by the lovely harmonies of the Trinisur Quartet.  Our 61 year old waiter joined in whenever he walked past them.  He went outside and bought in a young woman (who was just walking by) for a dance too.  Next evening we found a jazz band playing outside the church. 

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Although not much sugar is grown in the Valle de Los Ingenios (sugar mill valley) these days, it has World Heritage status for its ruined mills and estates.  From a 50 meter tall watch tower at Manaca Iznaga, the master was able to keep an eye on the slaves in the sugar fields.  Today there is fine view down the valley from the top.

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