A sea of black clouds ready for a storm: that’s the view from our car window. During our taxi trip Holguin-Varadero, we decide to stop by in Santa Clara long enough to be able to visit both the unmissable Che Mausoleum & armoured train. Despite the rain-threat, together with our new travel buddies Emily (Canada) and James (Irland), we’re ready to explore the Plaza de la Revolución. The first thing we see is a massive statue of the Che. Wow !
“HASTA LA VICTORIA SIEMPRE”, says a writing under the statue.
Nonetheless, the most overwhelming thing of the place its not the statue but the “mural”. The mural, made of beautifully carved bas-reliefs, its a story; not just any story though but a short summary of the Cuban Revolution. Next to the mural there’s also a writing in golden letters which represent the last mail that Che Guevara sent to Fidel Castro, the same day Che decided to leave Cuba forever. “Although I’m leaving Cuba, my heart will always stay here.” so does the letter ends.
On the other side of the mural there is the Museum of the Che, a collection of objects, photos and anything that was ever related with Che & the Revolution. The pen he used to write letters with, his uniforms, his photos and even his faithful gun “Libertad” that stayed with him until the end. Amazingly enough, the entrance to the museum is free but you’re not allowed to take any kind of picture or video inside. After visiting the museum rooms, you’re also allowed (in very strict conditions) to visit the place where the body of the Che and all of the ones who fought with him are buried. All around this place there’s an atmosphere of deep respect, strength and remembering. What a unique experience, definitely worth a stop !
Just before leaving, the long-delayed storm that has been following us from Holguin has finally reached us. Running like crazy under the rain, the taxi driver and us manage to get onto the taxi relatively “dry”. The next stop is the armoured train on the other side of the city: the same train filled with weapons for the government forces that Che managed to stop and derail. Thanks to this strategic event, the Batista army didn’t have enough firepower to stop the Revolution Forces and guess what… Revolution triumphed ! Our taxi-driver also explains us that nowadays, inside each wagon, there is a small museum which explains everything in more details. Unfortunately today its raining and when its raining the museum is always closed. What a pity !
Back on the taxi, we’re getting ready for the last part of our long-ass trip: Varadero. Santa Clara has been a stop full of history, discoveries and things that gave us a better idea of what Cuba & cubans have been through in the past. Short but worth !
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