 La Isla de Juventud (Island of Youth) is the second largest in Cuba. Known originally as La Isla de Los Pinos (Island of Pines), it lies 100km south of the main island. It was a popular hideout for many pirates in days of old who referred to it as Parrot Island. During the Batista era it was classed as a 'free zone and escaped the attentions of American tourist development schemes. After the revolution (1959) many young people volunteered to study and work on the island. This influx of labour helped develop the island become the agricultural centre that it is today. The northern half of the island is the most inhabited area, as the southern end is exceptionally swampy. Altogether there are roughly 75,000 residents and the capital is called Nueva Gerona, which was to be my home for the next few days. Walking round the town I was overjoyed to find that I was the only tourist in sight. The locals smiled at you and basically left you to your own devices. After a visit to the bank I headed back to the Casa to grab some lunch. It had been suggested to me that I might like to climb the Sierra de Casas, a small mountain not too far from where I was staying. I set off and found the base quite easily. The climb itself was more difficult than I imagined. There was dense foliage to deal with and the limestone proved slippy. I had also noticed that it was much warmer here; there were far fewer clouds and tropical downpours than on the main island. From the top you had a commanding view of the northern end of the island. You could see the ferry harbour and two enormous limestone pillars that flanked Neueva Gerona. The guidebook urged climbers to stick to the paths, I chose not to. Descending this way was a challenge and a lot of fun. At one point, I slipped and disturbed an ant nest, resulting in a few nasty bites that smarted for the rest of the day. Eventually I came into a clearing and wandered around the town at my leisure. Walking through the Barrios was great; the air was full of exciting aromas and the noise of children playing. I passed my new landlord and waved to him. Hed no sooner passed me than I realised I was lost. Thirty minutes later, I was no nearer finding the apartment. I headed back into the town and sat at a café in order to get my bearings. Luckily, the landlord's wife and daughter passed by. She asked, Que pasa? (Whats up?). Pienso que estoy perdido (I think Im lost). Laughing, she replied, Venga con nosotros, es muy cerca (Come with us, its very near). As we neared the apartment I realised that Id walked past it twice but wasnt going to admit to this. I then spent the evening chatting with the owners, Rey, Maria and their daughter Myla. They suggest a few things that I might like to do whilst on the island. There is a nature reserve to the south but visiting it is a bit pricey. They suggest I might like to visit the prison here  where Castro was held for two years. I thanked them for their time and advice and went to my apartment for supper and an early night.
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