We had most of the day in Santiago so we did a bit more souvenir shopping, had ice cream at the "Jardin de Enamoradores" (Lover's Garden). At 4:15 sharp, my motorhead friend showed up in his 57 Chevy to take us to the airport - a 15 min. drive, but we traveled in style. He refused any payment, but I assured him I would do my best to find the book he needed so it will end up being an expensive taxi ride, but what the heck. It is for a fellow motorhead and something he really needs to keep his classic running. Our flight was scheduled for 1845, but we were told to get there @ 1630 (for a national, not international flight!) We found out why. First wee waited in line for ~1hr. to get to the ticket agent. Then we were told that we were on "Waiting List" for the flight, but not to worry, our agent would try to fix it for us. I showed him that our tickets did NOT say Wait List, but he showed me how the computer DID say that. But not to worry, he would do his best to help us. And, indeed, he did get us tickets all together in the same row. "And now a little tip fr me for helping you out?" I knew right then we had been had, but what to do? I gave him $10.00cuc - probably as much as he makes in a week. Next we had to go through security which was another long line. No problems here though. We finally reached the 'Salon do ultimo espero" - translated "Departure lounge" but an equally valid translation would be "Lounge of last hope!" Maybe that was more appropriate. We waited, and waited. At least it was air conditioned and we could buy beer. By 7:45 we began boarding the 6:45 flight. Flying time to Havana is 1 hr and 10 min. The flight was uneventful although the seats didn't feel like they would stand up to a full throttle take-off let alone any kind of crash. They served shots of Cuban coffee and water on the side. After landing, we taxied to our spot on the tarmac and waited and waited. Finally they put the landing steps up to the front of the plane instead of the rear and we were able to de- plane. Of course all those who had pushed and shoved their way to the rear as soon as we landed were really pissed because now they were last. A bus took us to a rather dilapidated area to get our luggage. Which didn't come and didn't come. Someone explained that something or other was broken and they were having to move all the luggage by hand. Finally the conveyor belt started and very slowly the luggage began to appear. And then it stopped. About 2/3s of us still were waiting for luggage. After a long pause, a man got on the belt and yelled outside. Everyone stood up waiting for it to start. It didn't. As I shook my head, a young woman standing next to me said, "Cuba!" and shrugged her shoulders. It was really the first time we had experienced the "don't expect things to work in Cuba" problem. Finally we did get our luggage and went out to find a taxi. The first man we met took us to his taxi - a '55 Chevy WITH AIR CONDITIONING!! He had replaced the original engine/transmission with a Hyundai diesel and 5 speed plus added an A/C unit. Sandy immediately asked if he could take us to Trinidad when we needed to go. "Yes, for $300." Probably more than is reasonable even for a very 'cool' (in many ways) and comfortable ride. We got to our casa particular without difficulties, until the woman opened the door and showed us the narrow steep staircase - up 3 flights! Solid concrete and tile steps, but minimal or no railing depending on the flight and each flight was more than 20' up due to the high ceilings. We all made it. The climb was worth it. The sitting room was huge, beautifully decorated - though in a rather erotic style with lots of nude paintings and crystal chandeliers, brocaded chairs, etc. Deb insists the place must be owned by a gay male couple. Our rooms were fine, double bed (with a real inner spring mattress), good A/C and a bath with toilet seat and a good shower with plenty of hot water. The walkway to the room used to be the ledge and it opened to a 3 story drop to a court yard, but you were protected from falling by a very imaginative wrought iron fence/railing that stepped out twice from the narrow walkway to give you ample hip and shoulder room. Deb was not fond of the view down, however. Fortunately ours is the first room on that side so only a few feet of walking the ledge. The kitchen / breakfast area was at the end of a similar walkway on the other side. Then, up a winding metal staircase -the kind with steps radiating out from a central pole - was the roof top garden, complete with bar service from 5:00 - 10:00. And what a breeze and view of the city! FANTASTIC!! Unfortunately, it was now midnight and pretty much all the restaurants were closed. Deb opted for a shower and bed rather than brave the stairs again that night, but Sandy, Will, & I went out in search of food. The first place we found was still open despite the sign that said closes @ 12:00, but it only had full meals and we wanted less than that. So we found a bar that served 'snack' type food as well. Will & Sandy had beers, but I had a mojito and it may have been the best I have had so far in Cuba. Later a 'second opinion' confirmed the first impression. They had fried chicken and I had fried pork pieces which were really suppose to be appetizers, but came with salad and bean& rice. More than enough to eat. By the time we got back to the casa and up the stairs, it was 1:30 AM. We had left our previous casa over 9 hours ago for a 1 hour flight to Havana. But we are here!