Farmlands, crystal clear waters, mojitos, rum, music — all in a day’s cycling in Cuba

Elizabeth O’Neill joined an international crew circumnavigating the island of Cuba.

The ribbons are for the Cuban 5 – explained our tour leader, Ichael, as we stood around him in the colonial square. The afternoon sun lit up the blues and yellows of Trinidad, Cuba and he outlined the situation for the five prisoners held in the US since 1998, convicted of espionage. Two had been recently released.

Considered heroes in Cuba, the white ribbons streamed from the square’s Royal Palm – the national tree and a symbol of strength – as a reminder of the plight of the remaining three.