Latin America 2014: Day 16: Sancti Spiritus

Rather interesting travel day. We had decided to break up our trip to Trinidad with a stop at Sancti Spiritus. So we went out to the bus station yesterday, but we're told they didn't sell tickets on Sunday - could get them at 10am on Monday for the bus leaving at 11:30. So we went out to the station a little after 10 this morning, but were prohibited from entry to the bus company office by a female custodian who was mopping the floor. She did the same to several others, and arranged us in a bit of a queue. When she finished she let us in, but the ticket seller inside said we had to wait until 11:50 when the bus was to leave. We waited, and about 11:45 I saw her peak out of the office, caught her eye and she motioned us in. D went in and came out shortly thereafter, having paid the fare, but had no tickets. The driver happened to be there, and said to get on the bus, which we did.

There were actually two drivers on the bus, and they wouldn't let anyone sit in the first four seats. They remained empty for the trip, except for when one driver would sit in one of the seats, and on one occasion when the original driver stopped, picked up a girl I thought was his daughter, switched with the other driver, and sort of snuggled with the girl for about 20 ks (likely a mistress), and then she got off and he switched back to driving. They made numerous stops throughout the trip, to very selectively pick up and drop people (ie young women), buy specialty foods etc.

The impression I have from this and other experiences here is a clichéd one, that the socialist bureaucracy creates privileges that are exploited for selfish reasons. Beyond me how people who do not have the privileges accept that. Seems very anti-social. They also seem to like queuing, however, so quien sabe?

Once we got to Sancti Spiritus things picked up considerably. We were met by our CP hostess in a gorgeous antique Pontiac, with a beautiful leather interior and the coolest paint job ever.

Since the bus from here to Trinidad leaves at 4 am, we'll likely take the Pontiac there tomorrow. Will cost $30, but, hey, it has a rock video unit on the dash.
Sancti Spiritus 1

We did a little walking tour in the Centro Historico, and were quite impressed, especially with the cobblestone streets.