My previous trip was in July 2017; I am now returning to Cuba to complete my cycling journey.

I left this morning at 3:00 AM for Trudeau Airport. I decided not to put my bike in a box this time. It's securely fastened in several places. My suitcase is packed to the brim (22.6 kg). Thanks to Andréanne, aka Julie, for the suitcase. Since I'm traveling very light for the next two weeks, I'm going to give this suitcase full of clothes to the first Cuban I meet after leaving the airport.

I'm very happy that Fastou (my cat) was kind enough to take a little photo for my departure. That was very nice of him. The flight was scheduled for 8:45, but because of the storm we took off at 9:30. The flight went very well. I got my bike back quite quickly. I assembled my bike quickly. My bike was damaged in transit. The left handlebar grip was bent.

The bike rides very well despite everything. I can shift gears, but not fully; I can't use the front chainring. I'll try to find a solution tomorrow. I gave the contents of my suitcase to a taxi driver, and he was very happy.

I cycled about 25 km on this first day. The temperature is very pleasant.

I am currently in the city of Matanzas. I found a nice little room for 20 CUC, which is equivalent to $20 USD.

A beautiful colonial city. Here is a statue of Martí that symbolizes the end of slavery. Look at the woman breaking the chains.

I found a little restaurant. A good ham pizza for 20 Cups, or about $1 CAD.

It's incredible to see the colonial buildings still standing and sometimes overgrown with vegetation.

David Beauchesne