March 11

This morning began quite early with wake up calls at 630am.

Choristers gathered for breakfast at 730am and ate their meals groggily, some able to function more than most. There was some frantic peanut butter sandwich making and the hoarding of various fruits and pastries before we grouped up and headed to the buses. We left the hotel at 830 and began the long drive to Soroa. Many choristers slept for the first bit, only to wake up and peer out their windows at a strikingly different mountainous landscape. After a twisted drive, through the foothills, we came to a stop and divided, some heading towards the orchid garden and others to the waterfall.

The first group headed to the waterfall was fortunate note to have to travel in incredibly hot weather, climbing more than 250 steps to the waterfalls base. We arrived to find it quite beautiful and breathtaking. Unfortunately, we were not able to swim, but some of the choristers (two whom will remain nameless, but you know who you are) took it upon themselves to scale the slippery rocks and take an unexpected dip, full clothed.

After the visit to the falls, the first group headed back the 250 steps, but unlike before the heat had risen extensively causing some to climb much slower than others.

Once we returned we headed towards an outdoor restaurant and practically bought all of their ice cream (tubs which cost an incredibly cheap $1.35) and gulped it down just minutes away from returning to the bus for lunch. As you might have guessed, not many ate much for lunch.

Once lunch was through we continued on our way to the Viñales Valley. Along the way stopping to donate our unwanted food to a rural elementary school, where we also sang to them and them to us. We were frightened back onto our bus by a giant flying black beetle. And so continued our journey to the caves.

Many chickens and roosters greeted us upon entering the site for the cave tour. Once we managed to climbt the steps to the cave entrance. Choristers clung to their friends as they prepared to face the monstrous beings inside, rocks formation that looked like bats.

Travelling through the perfectly framed cave we made it to the river. We all split off into groups to travel in a boat that would take us through the rest of the cave. Seeing many formations in the rocks (skulls, fish, crocodiles, etc.) the choristers made it to the end of the cave and into a small souvenir market where many stocked up on huge chocolate bars. Not only was there shopping, but a funny looking oxen named Thomas that many choristers paid to have a ride on.

During the ride home we stopped to view a wonderful mural painted on the side of the mountain and at a lookout to see the valley.

Once we returned to the hotel we had a wonderful meal and were serenaded by a live Cuban band. On top of it all it was Norah Davis´s sweet sixteen, so the band and the choristers sang happy birthday and delivered cake to her. She loved the cake, but especially enjoyed her dance with the Cuban waiter.

After dinner we had rehearsal before heading to bed for another early rise tomorrow.

Love and lots of hugs and wishes for those at home in the cold.

Justine and Elizabeth