Escape to Viñales

An escape from the chaotic city life of Havana was long overdue. So Maddie and I set out for Viñales.
Plane, train and automobile was more like guagua, camión, and máquina, but arrive we did!

Tito and I.

We stayed with a friend, Pedro, "Parico" Turneo, one of the most genuine men I have ever met. The house is a central stopping point for neighbors, family, and friends to stop by hang out. Here we met Juan Ramon, the local comic and herbal medicine guru, "Sobrino" who was full of laughter, Maria, Pedro's glorious mother, all the local pets, and of course Tito the Cat/Dog/Chicken who ruled the house.  

Juan Ramon and the goats!

Wandering through crop fields, sampling various fruits and veggies. Juan Ramon checks the progress of his family's potato crop while their goats scurry by, in search of a solitary place to eat. 

Magotes 

Magotes are rare geological formations only found in few places around the world like Cuba, Jamaica, and China. They are limestone mountains were formed thousands of years ago by rushing water which caused erosion and collapse of unstable plateaus. The magotes are the remaining portions of these vast mountain ranges and are full of caves and tunnels due to the coursing water. 

Siting outside Cueva de la Cabeza de Vaca

Magotes are not only provide wonderful caving, and climbing opportunities, they are ideal lookout locations. Sitting here we had a spectacular view of the entire valley. We showed Juan Ramon our rock climbing guide of Viñales, which turned out to feature many of his friends as well as our exact picnic location. Ironic where a little motivation had taken us. 

Young fanatic of cockfighting

We had to stop by Juan Ramon's cockfighting house to show off our rock climbing guide to the local owners who had been pictured in it years ago. They were astonished to realize their fame so many years after the photo had been taken. We go to watch a cock practice for an upcoming match, and meet some of the local champions. While still illegal, cockfighting is popular in Viñales, and a common Sunday event. This kid, popularly referred to as the local stud, is an apprentice to his father's cockfighting business, and accustomed to the ring.