A good breakfast before setting off is the key to a good day. I eat cereal and head out for a short 75 km ride. It's funny to call it a short ride, considering I used to only manage 40 km three or four times a summer in Quebec! The roads are treacherous, like Groundhog Day. I buy some bananas along the way.

I'm having a great time cycling. The road is dangerous, but I listen to music to keep myself entertained. I stop in Jatibonico, a small town I like. I enjoy places with a human scale. Since the beginning of my trip, I've been trying to find sandals made in Cuba to replace the ones I bought in China six years ago. I finally find the perfect pair and pay 12 CUC (16 Canadian dollars).

I covered the 75 km in under three and a half hours. A much more pleasant route than yesterday. Sancti Spiritus is a very beautiful city, I love it!

I treat myself to a good hamburger with cheese for 15 Cup ($0.75 CAD).

I found myself a lovely room very close to a pretty bridge.

In the city center, there's a pretty impressive children's arcade. Video games on HD TVs, pool tables, and air hockey. I'm surprised! Cuba is changing fast!

I'm taking it easy in my hammock on the terrace of my very friendly hosts. They are gradually renovating their house, adding three private bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Notice my cyclist's tan!

Here's the other, more interesting one on the terrace...

I'd like to sell my bike in Varadero at the end of my trip if I can get a good price. People who live in Varadero are supposedly wealthier! Should I buy another bike at Sarto Gagné in Victoriaville when I get back? It's an excellent shop, by the way; thanks to Pascal Pépin for his great service and low prices! Here are some used bikes I saw in a store; they're going for $100 Canadian... A nice table and 4 chairs for $300 CAD

I'm chatting with two friendly Cubans on the street corner. One sells items made in Cuba and the other is a shoemaker.

I finally buy a lemon squeezer for $1.

I met Roberto, a souvenir vendor. He was very friendly and spoke a little French. I gave him my Quebec flag, and in exchange, he gave me some maple syrup. I told him it was too heavy to carry by bike. He then gave me a Cuban flag, which I hung in my classroom.

To end this wonderful day, I treated myself to a delicious Claro Kermato. I spent the evening with Roberto; he invited me to dinner. He showed me state-run restaurants and private ones. I finally got to see the difference between the two. He then showed me a place frequented by wealthy Cubans. We took a horse-drawn carriage ride. We visited his family, and he showed me his apartment. A beautiful evening filled with joy.

The world is generous, be generous!

David Beauchesne