Here are the first rays of this new year which begins with a good lunch.

I set off around 8:00, I'm happy when I'm cycling. I feel free, but I have to be careful. Here's a sign that reminds me.

Here is the road conditions report for the next 5 kilometers.

• 13 accidents
• 1 dead
• 15 people in wheelchairs.

It's always reassuring to see this. I'm enjoying life...

Today is January 1st. It's a public holiday. People gather with their families and celebrate outdoors. Children play together.

These girls wanted gum, so I gave them a whole pack. This is the Güira visitor center; it's very pretty.

Next, I passed through the town of San Diego de los Baños. I had heard that this town had hot springs. Unfortunately, they were closed today due to the holiday. Nevertheless, I was able to see a small stream behind the building where a strong sulfur smell was emanating.

I'm starting to get hungry, but most of the food stalls are closed today. I manage to find some small bananas, which feels good.

People wish each other a happy new year. People wish me a happy new year. I rediscover beautiful landscapes.

And what about that little house lost in the middle of nowhere?

The landscapes are so beautiful that my eyes well up with tears. Now, here's a pairing I observe every day. There's always a white bird with a large animal. This union allows the bird to eat insects that are attracted to the animal. A beautiful collaboration.

I finally found a place to eat pizza along my route. It was delicious. I was starving... I shared my treasure with this scrawny little dog.

I also bought a bag of chicharrón; it tastes like the...beep...ears from the sugar shack. Only 5 Cups (25 cents).

The fields are very beautiful. Is that wheat or barley? I need your help, dear readers.

I finally arrive in Soroa after a journey of 110 km. Check out my bike ride on Strava:

Here's a glimpse of my lovely room for 25 Cuc.

I try to negotiate the price of dinner, but they ask for 10 CUC. I think that's too expensive. Just imagine, the average Cuban's monthly salary is 20 CUC. For dinner, I eat sardines I bought two days ago for 1 CUC. Voluntary simplicity...

I even bought an apple for 15 Cups (75 cents) in the small town of Candeleria, a few kilometers from home. Yesterday, I ate three bowls of ice cream, and tonight I'm having sardines and an apple. I'm also having a homemade peanut brittle bar.

Finally, I'm full! The hostel is located deep in the countryside. It's impossible to find a restaurant or eat on the street. No internet connection, which is nice. I'm going for a walk in this place shrouded in darkness. I feel like a deer watching the cars passing by in the dark. Dogs move stealthily. Bicycles appear out of nowhere. I feel good in this light rain. I dare to imagine what my life would be like in this region, eating rice and trying to survive day after day in these difficult conditions. I'm going to sleep very well tonight. Enjoy your supper! It's surely delicious.

David Beauchesne