Exploring Bayamo Cuba

[El Presidente]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayamo

Bayamo is the capital city of the Granma Province of Cuba and one of the largest cities in the Oriente region.

The community of Bayamo lies on a plain by the Bayamo River. It is affected by the violent Bayamo wind.

One of the most important education institutions in the province is the University of Granma.

Bayamo was the second of the seven cities founded by Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar; it was established on November 5, 1513.[4] Francisco Iznaga,[5] a Basque landowner in the western portion of Cuba during the first 30 years of the colonization of Cuba, was elected mayor in 1540. Iznaga was the originator of a powerful lineage that finally settled in Trinidad, where the Torre Iznaga (Iznaga Tower) is. His descendants fought for the independence of Cuba and for annexation to the U.S., from 1820 to 1900.

During much of the 16th century it was one of the most important agricultural and commercial settlements of the island. Its inland situation gave it relative security against the pirates who infested West Indian seas, and the misfortunes of Santiago were the fortunes of Bayamo. Down the Cauto River, then open to the sea for vessels of 200 tons, and through Manzanillo, Bayamo drove a thriving contraband trade that made it the leading town of Cuba at the opening of the 17th century.[4]

 

[Habana Mike]

Have you visited many of these Rob?

Would love to hear some of your experiences and impressions of those you've been to.

One can only visit so many on one trip. Kind of like visiting Oz!

[El Presidente]

9 minutes ago, Habana Mike said:

Have you visited many of these Rob?

Would love to hear some of your experiences and impressions of those you've been to.

One can only visit so many on one trip. Kind of like visiting Oz!

Mike I haven't been to the Oriente at all. 

It is something that i would like to rectify but there is a problem. I won't take an internal cubanair flight,  11 hours on the train doesn't appeal and I won't drive that far in a cuban rental 

So we need a FOH Bus/driver and 10 days. From this series we can put together a little itinerary! 

[Drguano]

Rob, where is your sense of adventure?

or...

[El Presidente]

5 hours ago, Drguano said:

Rob, where is your sense of adventure?

Parked between my insurance policies and what Di allows me to get away with. 

 

[...]

8 minutes ago, El Presidente said:

Parked between my insurance policies and what Di allows me to get away with. 

 

Where is the whipping emoji when you need it ?

[El Presidente]

Just now, Jeanff said:

Where is the whipping emoji when you need it ?

[...]

5 minutes ago, El Presidente said:

There ya go!

The train option has to be romantic if you’re in your twenties and carry a backpack but I assume it gets old quickly otherwise... unless we could put together an ‘endless herf and rum tasting‘ wagon to tour around the island!

[JohnnyO]

Although I rode on Cubana 1000 times I don't recommend it. It is put together by dental floss and chewing gum. The train is hot (no AC), breaks down and from time to time has an accident. Driving a rental is an adventure, you will not make time as you are accustomed to. Every town you approach there are no clear signs, highways are not marked either (I-95, US 1 etc). You will encounter the most unimaginable things. A kid on a bicycle hanging on to a bus, drops in front of you. Horse and carriage at night with no lighting. Well, you can see the candle in the back at about 5 feet. 3 dudes shoulder to shoulder walking in the left lane of the highway at night. But I'd do it again, just during daylight. The bus would be a great idea. John

[Drguano]

There are other options...

[El Presidente]

 

Perfect !!!!

Smoking inside the bus won't appear to be a problem