Day 19 : Vinales, the land of Cigars

Rodolfo had made plans with the owner of the house last night to arrange horses for each of us today, to ride into the tobacco plantation where we would learn more about cigars. 

I love horse riding! 

The trip passed through the country side and took about 1 hour, where we got to a hut, and spent the next hour learning about cigars. 

I found out that the farmers in Cuba can only keep 10% of their tobacco production, as the balance 90% must be given to the government where tobacco will be massed produced in the factories.

For the 10% that the farmers get to keep, they will first soak the leaves in an infusion comprising different juices of fruits and spices, before drying the leaves (unlike factory production, where they just dry the leaves).  This results in softer leaves and gives the cigar a more aromatic flavour and makes it milder. 

I also found out that cigars are a lot less harmful than cigarettes, as the nicotine is found in the stalk of the leaves and are removed from usage in cigars, but are included in cigarettes. 

He then showed us how cigars are rolled (just taking a few leaves and rolling it up!)

The guide then explained the correct process of appreciating a cigar.  Instead of using a cigar cutter, which would actually damage the cigar, one should only pierce a small hole, sufficient enough to use for smoking, and dip the mouth piece with some honey and maybe some rum for better taste. 

A couple of cigars were lighted, and passed around the group to try.  I was sceptical at first as I had never smoked in my life and was always against smoking. 

Patricia, who also doesn’t smoke, said it was rather mild, so giving it a try in the land of Cuban cigars, I took a slight puff without much inhalation.  It was indeed rather mild.  I took another puff with slightly more inhalation, which I then felt in my throat, and could taste some of the spice, as well as a sooty-ness from the cigar smoke that left a long after taste and a dry throat.  And that was how I lost my smoking virginity in Cuba!

We then tried “Coco Dio” (Coconut God), a cocktail prepared from using the juice of coconut, combined with lime, pineapple and grapefruit juice, as well as rum. 

While we were about to get ready to get on the horses for our next stop, one of the horses started having an erection… boys being boys, they took the opportunity to have some photo fun!

Coincidentally, at the plantation, we also bumped into the guy who kept trying to ask me to dance salsa last night but I refused.  What a small town! 

Of course, the group started disturbing me for being a man magnet in Cuba… first “Richard” from the bar at the car rental, then the salsa boy from last night, and also the cigar guide, who also tried to make a pass at me… *eyes roll*….

Next stop, a natural lake, where some of us took a dip in the water or just soaking our legs in the lake. 

We quickly made our way back to the house, and before heading to Varadero, made a last stop at the Pre-historic art murals. 

It costs CUC5 per person, thus we decided against going in, though managed to catch the huge mural on the wall at the entrance!

Off to Varadero!