On the other hand people are friendly, and in spite of all the tales to the contrary are very happy and do extremely well with what they have. One should remember that Cuba has the Highest literacy rate in the world and rank amongst the highest for Public Health Services, in spite of the embargo on medical drugs. Once you clear the hills to the SW of Santiago you make your way along the shoreline where there are numerous new small craft shops. Past the many signs crying Viva Fidel and the mountain top watch stations. Winding your way past Whitefish Bay the small housing developments can be seen on both sides of the road.
People still ride horseback as a method of transport and bicycles are common place.
Also as well as motor trucks, horse drawn vehicles are still to be seen hauling heavy commercial loads. There are two super Club Hotels on the South Coast and your bus will stop at both of them so if you are going on to Los expect another 45 minute ride. For now we will continue to our favorite Los Galeones, which is far from an entertainment capital, for young-uns we will be returning later to Serria Mar. Hotel Los Galeones , is the smaller of the Super Club hotel chain, perched high on a hillside above the village of Chivireco. As you pass the public beach and cantina you can see the lights of Los Galeones far above you, atop an isolated hill, which helps form a well protected harbour. Turning off the highway in Chivireco you get your first real look at at the well tended Cuban homes of the area.