Trinidad (Spanish pronunciation: [tɾiniˈðað]) is a town in the province of Sancti Spíritus, central Cuba. Together with the nearby Valle de los Ingenios, it has been one of UNESCOs World Heritage sites since 1988.
The Casa Particular where I stayed in Trinidad
A beautiful sunset behind a tangle of wires
Twilight descends on the neighborhood. Looking down the street from our second floor balcony
Looking the other direction
Houses across the street at sunset
Abandoned church a block from our Casa
Iglesia Santa Ana. UNESCO World Heritage Site
Trinidad man watching the sunset
Transportation came in many forms, all bumpy due to the cobblestone streets.
Our first day in Trinidad began at Plaza Santa Ana. Plazas and Squares are the heart of Cuban social life.
In the countryside just outside Trinidad was a beautiful park at the top of a hill. The views were incredible, looking south to the Caribbean and north across a fertile valley to the mountains.
Just beyond the horse doctor was a one room log cabin. Our tour guide introduced us to the three generations who live there. The grandmother had been a cowgirl for 25 years. She now lives with her daughter, granddaughter and an assortment of animals that all share the same dirt floored room.
Nearby was a regional crafts market. It was held at the base of a tower which was supposedly built by one of two brothers who loved the same woman. The other brother dug her a well which was of more practical value but she chose the brother who built the tower.
Our next stop was an area that once housed a sugar plantation. Workers were excavating and reconstructing where the mill had stood. Close by was a burial area that was also being excavated.
One feature of the park was an enormous Ceiba tree similar to the African Baobab tree. It is considered sacred to the Yorubas and lukumi people of Cuba who practice Santeria.
We also visited the studio of a well known Cuban potter and sculptor. He was incredible in how quickly he could make a beautiful vase from a ball of clay. This was a great stop for buying gifts.
After dinner, we photographed near our Casa. Our favorite subject was Iglesia Santa Ana, the UNESCO World Heritage site as it glowed like gold in the setting sun.
The houses and streets took on a different look as the sun set behind them.
The next morning, we met at Plaza Mayor. Although the Plaza began in 1514, it wasn't until about 300 years ago that it began to take on its current appearance. The buildings here once belonged to the wealthiest families, but now house mainly museums.
After some shooting around the Plaza, we met with Julio Munoz, the "Horse Whisperer." He walked us through the historical center of Trinidad and to the outer edges of the town where horses far outnumbered cars.
After lunch we went back through the plaza to get a better sense of life in Trinidad.
There was a beautiful old church on the edge of the Plaza. I felt privileged to be able to go inside and also to photograph.
We had lunch at a lovely old colonial mansion that had been restored and was filled with antiques.
