Central Cuba

It’s amazing, my breakfast is served punctually at 5 a.m., just as I requested, so that I can set off before dawn. During the day, it quickly becomes very, very hot, and the Carretera Central mainly runs through the interior of the country. That’s why I ideally want to arrive at my destination by 1 p.m. at the latest. The roads are often deserted (not least because of the petrol shortage). Even on the motorway, I’m alone for miles. It’s pleasant to be a cyclist, despite the many potholes in the road surface. I like travelling around Cuba. The people are incredibly helpful and open. Due to the poor network reception, I can forget about my mobile phone and Google Maps when I’m on the road. So, I keep asking for directions and end up talking to lots of people. My Spanish skills are improving rapidly.

Finally, I find a Panamerica Tienda that is open, and because there is electricity for once, I can go inside. I am done disappointingly quickly, as there is not much choice. About 20 huge shelves. Shelf 1 with spaghetti. One variety and one brand with 500-gram packets. From left to right and top to bottom, an estimated 2,000 identical items. Then you come to shelf 2…

In Santa Clara, bullet holes and traces of the revolution can still be seen on the façade of the Hotel Santa Clara. The liberation in 1958 by the folk hero CHE is incredibly present here and somehow palpable in the hearts and minds of the local Cubans. In this historic hotel, I spend the night on the 8th floor on the quiet side, and my gravel bike FLOW is in the room with me.