I walked approximately one kilometer down a gentle hill and reached a large traffic circle. This avenue enters the circle next to the road I walked. The ocean is behind, north, and my road is to the right. Two things to notice; first, this is a thriving small business area that is kept very clean, second, Cubans tend to be slim, like europeans. This observation comes to me because, as a north american, I am familiar with seeing a higher percentage of heavier people. My theory is Cubans exercise more.

All these automobiles are taxis, the buildings behind them are small businesses. I ate pizza from the middle left area and sweet breads from the central island. To the right is a gasoline station called Oro Negro, Black Gold. It is one of two and is a landmark for directions.

This group of taxis is one block south of the main avenue. Upon inspection one will notice that these cars sit a little higher than when new. They are all rebuilt many times and the springs are new.

I found the fully functional old cars to be as fascinating as others have said they are. Here I am walking away from the main Avenue, still to the south, approximately 3 blocks from the main East–West Avenue. I noticed the large blue wall to the left and let my curiosity lead me toward it.

I turned left on a smaller side street bordering the blue wall and encountered this sign. During a brief conversation with workers the owner/artist arrived, he is an energetic and amiable person and graciously showed me around his project. He also gave me a beautiful book of his work.

I encountered and photographed this artist's work a few days later and will tell that interesting story further on. I soon discovered there is a large art university nearby.

Another blue wall is located next to Kcho's studio, this surrounds a vehicle repair yard. A short walk further and I found myself entering a neighborhood of smaller homes.