Nuevitas is an old city, according to Wikipedia, representing an early attempt by the Spanish for a permanent major settlement, but the greed of the seafaring folks and their sponsors would result in continuous raids and plunder of the town. So the focus shifted to a new place further inland (the city of Camaguey) and Nuevitas only revived with the arrival of heavy industry.

   I first cycled along the city's main street to get an impression, and what I saw were mostly rotting facades and even collapsing buildings.

   A walk through the same area at night revealed a different aspect though - some of that neglect seems to be intentional. In the hot climate, doors and windows are open to allow you to casually peek as you walk by. Many houses revealed properly furnished living rooms with comfortable couches and electronics like TVs and stereos. Maybe it shows prudence and conformance by presenting a threadbare image that will not attract attention.

   Kids play in the streets and seem normal and happy. Being barefoot in this climate is not a bad idea, but I do not know how they would avoid cuts and infections.

   The occasional home looks cosy enough, and on the hill, a squat looking church beside the large public square dominates the scene.

   A few flowers growing in the cracks and bulging trees beside the road makes the plaza quite agreeable.

   The town skirts the large bay and local young folks take advantage of this bit of nature.

   Withthe bike, I can explore at will, and decide to look up the industrial areas. It's a rough land, but there is not just industrial devastation but also vegetable plots and horses and people. That's close enough to the power plant, I think and I turn back to town...

   The hotel is licensed to serve foreign visitors and its not bad. It even has a decent view.

  And the sunset view is spectacular!

   The next morning, I leave Nuevitas and head back to the beach hotel in Santa Lucia.