Day 4 was a full day spent exploring Viinales and it’s surrounding area. I got a small amount of free time before we all met where I parked myself on a bench in the main square and wrote. I do have to say, while I’m THOROUGHLY enjoying this tour and the super cool people on it, I need my alone time as well.

We were on and off the bus a lot today, seeing incredible views of the valley and some amazing limestone rock formations. We stopped by a local tabacco farm to learn about how they make Cuban cigars. The owner of the farm was hysterical. He spoke enough good English to have us all laughing. Surrounded by young tabacco plants, we went into the barn where the leaves are dried. You can’t imagine the yummy smell in there! Tabacco and dirt and humidity. It was great! While in there, he sat and showed us how he splits the leaves and rolls the cigars. It literally took him about 2 minutes to make one. Then he shared it with the group. Finally I got to try my first Cuban cigar. Do I like it? Eh, it’s ok. I love the smell, I’m not a huge fan of the taste.

We were then invited into the farmers home where we had some beautiful coffee and, of course, a shot of rum. Rum is definitely the theme of this trip! It was very nice to visit with this family because we could communicate and appreciate someone’s sense of humor. And I got to buy cigars for family and friends. You know who you are….

In the afternoon, Tony took us to a friend’s casa for a salsa lesson. Yay! More dancing! What a lovely home this was with a charming covered back patio where we danced. Since it’s the theme and the men needed it just to get onto the dance floor, there may have been more rum involved.

Finally we were off to another local farm where we were to have a cooking lesson and then dinner. This farm was on the side of a cliff so a different type of beautiful view. Absolutey stunning and the breeze looking out over the valey felt like silk on your skin.

We were taught how to make sauce for dipping bread, rice and beans, pork stuffed with garlic and orange juice (YUM) and friend plantains.

They cook everything on a charcoal stove outdoors. The don’t have electric stoves on these farms. It’s about a 5 foot long slab of concrete with an impression in the middle where they put the charcoal. Then they use handmade metal grills on which they place the pots and pans. Its very impressive and again, the smells are mouth watering. So we al stood around watching the cook work her magic as we sipped wine and sampled her offerings.

We sat down for dinner at a table right on the cliff. It was a long dinner and we ended up playing games and laughing and telling stories as the sun went down and we filled our bellies. Another amazing meal and experience.

Of course, next was dancing – again at the lone club. This time the boys had the balls – and a bit of liquid courage – to get out there with us. We closed down the bar. They had to kick us out. Ha! When was the last time that happened to me?! I honestly can’t recall!