Continuing on with my Hemingway day, Jose took a pleasant route through the countryside to Cojimar.  Alexis had already made arrangements with his long time school friend Giselle to meet up.  We pulled up in front of her house and she joined us.  We then proceeded to drive around the small village while Giselle pointed out the places of interest.
The building where Jose Marti's mother lived, the house where Che Guevera's nephew? lives, the fish warehouse/processing building, the metal bars where the fish are hung to judge the winner, the bust of Hemingway, the bar where he drank, etc.
Giselle's grandfather fished with Hemingway, but is now too old too fish.

Sitting by the shore looking out at the sea and imagining ….The Old Man and the Sea.

Driving down the narrow road/lane beside the sea into Cojimar.

By the sea.

The metal bars where they hang the fish to judge whose is the biggest.

A small Spanish fort known as the Torreón de Cojímar, which is part of Havana’s fortification system, a UNESCO World heritage Site. Built in 1649 to protect the coast.  It would prove its worth in 1762 during the British invasion when it prevented the British fleet  landing there forcing them  farther east.

Directly opposite the fort is this, the first monument dedicated in memory of Hemingway one year after his death.  The town folks collected metal anchors, chain links, propellers etc. which were used to cast the bronze bust by a Cuban sculptor.  The dedication plaque reads, "In loving memory from the people of Cojimar to the Immortal Author of the Old Man and the Sea".

Then, my big surprise of the day happened….