There is good news and bad to share with you. There are many new ideas and improvements and the same wonderful staff and there are some things that really need work.
Flight:
We traveled with Air Transat and all went well. The flight was on time except for the luggage. One suitcase was too overweight and so I had to open it and transfer stuff from one to the other. We always travel Club Class and really enjoy it. It is worth the additional cost. Boarding when you want, extra luggage allowance (double) champagne and orange juice, (good at any time of the day). The meal is usually good and all drinks are included. A decent wine is served and there is no line-up for the washroom.
Customs:
We were one of the first off the plane and so no long wait. Got through and to the money exchange immediately. 91 CUCs for $100.00. All but 1 piece of luggage came quickly and then the 4rth one came out with a customs agent accompanying it. It was a young woman who did not speak English well. She asked me to fill out a customs declaration and I said I had nothing to declare and I had received one on the plane and read it and had nothing to declare. She asked me to come and speak to another agent, who did speak English and who I knew from our many previous trips. He asked if I had a DVD player and I responded I did but it was for my own use at the resort. He asked what else I was importing and I responded nothing. He commented that I had a lot of clothes and I must be leaving some in Cuba. We discussed at great length what I had brought. I explained that I did bring many small gifts for tips, but nothing that I was going to sell in Cuba. He wanted me to pay duty on the DVD and we kept showing me the declaration form. I pointed out to him that the form allows $50.00 duty free and I had the receipt for the DVD player and it was $49.99 and therefore I did not have to claim it or pay duty on it.
He then asked if they could weigh our luggage. I wanted to know why. At this point Derek was getting a little panicky, wanting to just give them what they wanted and get out of there. The agent then explained to us that we were allowed 30 kilos of luggage each and any more than that we could be charged duty at the rate of $10.00 a kilo. At that point Derek worked out (he’s very quick with the math) that we would be paying over $400.00. At that point he decided to let me continue to DISCUSS the issue with customs. They did weigh all of our luggage, including the dive bag. He was not interested in the fact that we were allowed the weight according to the airline and was not interested in the dive bag exemption.
Sooooo, they weighed each bag and wrote down the weight of each one and had both Derek and I confirm the weight. He then punched the numbers into a calculator and had us both confirm each one again. He added up the total and guess what. 101 kilos. (and that did not include either of our carry-ons, where all my shoes were, or my purse, that I could barely lift). After much discussion and my repeated requests for them to show me where in the declaration form it had any weight restrictions or where it said we could not bring in small gifts for tips.
Finally, he asked me if it was a portable DVD player and took the receipt and said on this occasion they were not going to charge us for the additional weight but suggested when we returned home we should check the Cuban website to confirm the weight limit per person. I thanked him and we were on our way.
We spoke with 3 other people who just happened to have DVDs or a Play Station and they were each charged $50.00 duty. I guess I am just stubborn and/or contrary enough or perhaps even charming enough to avoid that.
I mentioned that we were frequent travelers to Cayo Coco and other areas of Cuba and had never run into this before. He said he was aware of that and recognized us from many trips.
We were not the last people on the bus so others were being looked at.
Funny thing happened on the bus. There were a few people who had enjoyed a few drinks on the way down and at the airport in Cuba and one of the women kept coming to the bus and asking why we were not leaving yet. She asked the representative
Several times and the representative said they were waiting for one couple. Finally the representative
came onto the bus and asked if anyone knew a certain couple that they were waiting for as they had not picked up the package with the check in info and sign in card. Well, guess what, the woman who was complaining was the one who had not picked up her package and was holding up the bus. That was good for a bit of ribbing.
Trip to the hotel was fast and we were the only ones going to the Blau. We walked into the lobby and there was Leber at the new lobby bar to greet us. It was like coming home and having the family there to meet you. Derek checked in while I took on the important task of getting drinks for us. It was a bit rainy but warm. Suitcases were delivered to our room and were waiting for us when we got there. WE were in Bldg #14 on the second floor with a king size bed, a view of the ocean if there were not such large tall trees, but we could hear the ocean and we were able to sleep with the windows open the whole time. I love to be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves crashing onto the shore.
Arrival at Blau / Room / Resort:
We had a great vacation and were happy to see all of our friends in CC.
The rain stopped when we arrived Thursday evening and never came back. It was windy and the roar of the ocean could be heard throughout the resort.
We were greeted by Leber and Alexander, both of whom were working the NEW lobby bar that night. We had a drink while our luggage was taken to our room. We were very impressed with the new bar and lobby. New paint job and recovered furniture. I must warn you, the beveled glass topped coffee tables are dangerous. Derek cut his leg as did several others. The glass protrudes out from the table top and they are quite low and so just out of sight. We noted there were a few bleeding legs. I did not use the couches much because they were also very low and hard to get out of. They recovered them but did not re-stuff them.
They have moved the pool table from the disco to the other end of the lobby, (near the bank) and it is much brighter and surrounded by couches for viewers. The cues are kept at the pool during the day as there is another pool table there for daytime use. If you have your own I would bring it along with chalk. There is no charge and the balls are kept at the front desk.
We were in building 14 on the 2nd floor. A very nice room with a king size bed and a view of full grown trees. You would be able to see the ocean but for the trees. They are having difficulty providing ocean view rooms as the vegetation is so mature. They made a decision not to cut down trees and I support that. The balcony was L shaped and so we also had a view of the walkway to our room. On the stairs up to our room we noted (you will see photos ) of plants growing under and up the stairs and the wall. I loved it. The second week we were there the gardener chopped it all down. It looked naked. I asked him why and he said the boss ordered it.
A group of workers spent more than a week working on the pipes leading to building 14 and 15 and after a few days we could really notice the difference in both temperature and force of the water. Judy had her shower head cleaned and said the shower could knock her backwards. It is certainly an improvement over the way the water has been for several years.
There is a lot of repair work that needs doing at the Blau. There are broken chairs, the steps leading to the beach are in very bad shape. They are dangerous and someone is going to seriously hurt themselves if they don’t get some attention soon. The steps and ramp leading from the beach bar have been closed completely as they are treacherous. The ones to the west of the bar are also in poor repair and the bottom step is so far off the sand you must jump to the beach. The ones near bldg 15 are also problematic. The rails are wobbly and if you actually use them for support they break. Someone comes along and bangs the one nail holding it together back in the same hole until the next person tries to use it for support. The paths further east are safe as they are a gentle incline and do not require a walkway or steps. Au Natural. However it would be very difficult if not impossible to get a wheelchair to the beach.
There was a team of builders erecting new palapas along the beach. It was very interesting watching them work with little or no tools. There is now a steady row of palapas from one end of the beach to the other. They are putting a roof on them so they will provide complete shade rather than slatted shade as before.
There are all new lounge chairs (see photos) at the beach and the pool and there are lots of them. They are a much softer plastic and seem sturdier but that may be the newness.
The ocean was wild when we arrived but it got less and less each day until the day we were to leave and it was perfectly calm. There aught to be a law.
The beach was dirty for several days as the storm had just ended. The Blau and the other resorts along the beach have a contract with an outside company to clean the beach. As I have mentioned previously the beach in front of the Blau (unlike the other beaches) is very soft and therefore the tractor cannot clear the weeds. It must be done by hand and since it is the most difficult area it is left to the last. The company (there is only one) does not provide additional staff after a storm. The lifeguards and chair personal cleared us a path to the beach and day 4 they raked all of the weeds into piles for the crew to pick up We really appreciated that. It was not their job to do and they spent an entire day raking.
The Hemingway BBQ Grill is a work in progress. They are aware that a lot of loyal return guests miss the old Hemingway Grill and so are working toward having it available again. They are doing BBQ lunch, (didn't try it but friends said it was fine) (hamburgers etc) and hope to expand the evening but at the moment it is just for the VIP guests as a special treat for those who have either paid for the VIP package or been offered it as a multi return guest.
We know things change from one visit to the next but I can tell you that they have managed to have a BBQ set up and it is unlikely it will go away. It will at least be there for lunch.
There was no beach animation at this time but they were at the pool. They had a Cuban feast one day at the pool, where the animation staff built a fire, cleaned and cut up vegetables and made a giant pot of soup (Cuban style) for all to enjoy.
Wednesday night was beach party night. Although we did not attend we heard it loud and clear. Sounded like a good time. It was the only night we closed our windows.
There is a new gym with new equipment. It is located at the pool in what used to be the children’s center. They have machines as well as free weights and an attendant. On the stage beside the gym is a pool table and ping pong table.
The new facilities for the children is currently being built at the east end of the pool in the building that is in front of the seafood restaurant, on the ground floor and it looks good. There is also an outdoor playground with a slide, swings and rocking horses and other bouncy things, etc. It is behind building 16.
As to the salt water section, the news is that they expect to reopen both that section and the other buildings not currently in use by March /April. We did not see a lot of work going on over there but "they" say the government has made a commitment to the Blau and so it will be done. We did mention to the new Director General, Ernesto Dominguez, that many Happy Faces were looking forward to the salt water section opening again.
Yareys has a new menu as do all of the restaurants.
Leber introduced Judy and I to the new Director General and he had heard about us, ie: Happy Faces who have been to visit many times. He was very gracious and welcomed us and offered his services 24/7. He said he lives at the resort and works everyday and we would be welcome in his office at any time to discuss the resort improvements or problems. He appears to be very popular with the staff, who believe he will improve many things.
VIP Package for returning guests:
One of the things he has approved and that is the VIP package for guests who have been to the resort many times. I was not aware but there is a VIP package available at the resort for approx $50.00 a day. The VIP package was posted late in the second week and I'm sorry I didn't write it down but it was for the week and not a day. I don't know how it would work for 1 day but you can always talk to public relations.
It includes:
1 massage per guest in the room, (that is a full 1 hour massage),
continental breakfast (juice, tea/coffee, breads, yogurt, toast, croissants and jam) in the room (ordered the previous day),
unlimited a la carte restaurants (booked the day before)
special shrimp and lobster meals (requested the previous day)
VIP dinner on Tuesday evening at the new steakhouse (beach grill)
ocean view rooms
slippers and robe
a welcome bottle of rum
and late checkout (5:00 pm) on the day of departure.
We were given the package as a thank you for our many stays at the Blau and our yellow bracelets were replace with clear plastic ones.
I enjoyed the massage very much. I also enjoyed Derek’s massage very much. I had one each week.
We had the breakfast in the room and it was lovely to sit on the balcony and have breakfast.
The seafood restaurant is closed for renos. They are hoping to enclose it somewhat so it is more comfortable in inclement weather. If you have ever been caught in a heavy rain you will understand. So the bar is also closed. The seafood restaurant is currently in the 2nd buffet building. I have always love this room with it’s frescos and beautiful décor. There is a lounge area with a bar, on one side and the tables on the other.
The 24 hour bar has all new tables and chairs in the open area and wicker chairs with cushions under the eaves of the Piano Bar. The Italian restaurant and the piano bar are still running smoothly.
The bank is now open 24 hours. He does however, have to have meals and so it is occasionally closed for short periods.
We saw a wedding while we were there. They have not perfected that as they have at other resorts but it was beautiful. It was held over by the ponds, across the bridge and to the right. There was a 4 piece band, some flowers and balloons. The wedding party was all in white and the bride was in red. It was quite striking. They had the dinner at the Italian restaurant. We could have gone there as well so it was not closed off to the public. We chose to not share the occasion.
The street party did not happen while we were there this time. We didn't ask about it. Shows were very good. The entertainment staff are really polished now. Recall last year they were very new and had only rehearsed for 1 month. You could see the difference in the polish as all of the routines were the same. They were however a much more serious group than they were last year. It was all fun and happy then and now they are serious entertainers.
I will tell you about our day excursions soon. Time for Judy to kick in here.
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EXCURSIONS by Derek:
Delayed muchly, but here's our 'Out and about on and off (some of) the Cayos' report from our most recent trip to CC.
We had a couple of excuses to get off campus this trip.
First was Judy’s birthday party in Pina.
To get there we had to drive through a small flood across the main road into Moron. For those who know the drive, it was just at the south end of the large Z turn just before the fish farms on the west side of the road. Even though the last of the storm was a week or more in the past at that point, the road was still awash in mebbe 10-15cm of water.
Pina is a small town (perhaps 5,000 people if you include the surrounding rural bits) roughly 30km (from memory) from the end of the causeway out to Cayo Coco.
As you can see from the photos, the party was great. I also have a set of photos I took while on a short walk around the block. I can’t add much to the photos I think. Nice people, everyone smiling and nodding to me.
Our hosts have a de Soto in their yard. It’s slowly being brought back to (original) working condition. Mechanics are done, bodywork and interior still to come.
I took some photos of people and just did the usual request for permission before shooting and everyone I snapped was happy to pose…which is a problem. But the advent of digital cameras means you can ask permission, take one photo with the subject posing for you, wait until they return to doing what you want a snap of, and then shoot the ‘real’ photo.
Judy and a friend acting as guide and I drove from Pina into Ciego d’Avilla. It’s always fun to drive about in another country just for the anthropological experience of things like bus stops etc. On the way back we visited the site of an important battle during the War of Independence against the Spanish. No other stops though as the party was waiting.
Judy may wish to detail what happened on the visit to Ciego d'Avilla per se.
On another day we rented a car and again with a guide wandered around Cayos Coco, Guillermo and Paredon. Judy hasn’t ever really been off-campus save for a trip to the nude beach and then on to the wild boar caverns.
Headed east we managed to get out onto Paredon, despite a rather dilapidated bridge. Holes that were rather large and which went through the bridge so that we could peer down and look at the rather quickly (or so it seemed) rushing water. Our friend had to guide me over and around them.
Judy was so confident in my skills as a driver that she refused to be in the car going over the bridge and walked both coming and going.
At the bridge, which is also a fishing dock, is a small coast guard station. The staff has a pet bird that was a hoot. If you look closely at the photos you can see it eating a rather large fish in one go. And no, it’s not a pelican. Dunno what it is really.
Hungry perhaps?
The roadway to Paredon is chained, you must ask at the Coast Guard station to have it (very graciously and without any promise of a gift or tip in return) opened for you.
Out on Paredon is a cast-iron lighthouse almost 100 years old. Much fun climbing up it and the mechanism, apparently original, was interesting. A large counterweighted clockwork system for rotating the light.
Great views.
Long drive getting there though as the road is rather rough (not to mention the holes in the bridge) and this slows things down a fair bit.
We also hit Playa Flamingo for lunch (very nice) and beer (even nicer). Lunch was lobster and rice done on a BBQ. The grill has gotten quite a bit fancier since we were last there. There are flush toilets and something that looks like it might be a band shell.
Sigh. I must be getting old. As with the grill at the nude beach, I can remember when it was a bunch of stumps sticking out of the sand, a thatched closet with a cooler full of beer and a BBQ pit scooped out of the sand.
Say, I AM getting old. I can remember when that would describe what is not the Sol Cayo Coco! J
As well, the sand dunes between the nude beach and the caverns (impressive, great views, no cars allowed any more as it has just been declared a reserve, but you can walk to them), and Playa Pilar of course.
The grill at Pilar is being rebuilt, but the beach is as spectacular as I remembered.
After that we had to zip back to the hotel as it was close to 18:00.
Photos here: Wandering Cayos Coco, Guillermo, Paredon.
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