Deliverance in Pinar del Rio

[Ryan]

Just back from the festival on Tuesday, not entirely happy with the goings-on in Havana but that's another story.

Rob Fox and I were very lucky to get an invitation out to Hector Luis Prieto's farm, with huge help from Punch Joe, where we ended up staying for a couple of days working, by "working" I mean breaking more leaves than we picked and ploughing up rows of his neighbours crop when we were supposed to be going between them..

As luck would have it, it was the time to pick the "Libre de Pied" leaves, second group from the bottom of the plant, so not easy on the back.

We learnt an enormous amount from Hector, more on that to come.

With the huge hospitality we were shown by all the people out there and the laughs we had, it was one of the best times of my life.

By the way, the music track is purely poking fun at the ineptitude of Rob and me not at all at the location. One of the nicest places and kindest people in the World.

[Cohiba007]

Awesome

[Guest rob]

Andy, that's a great story! I was at Hector's farm in November, and can attest to the beautiful nature of all there! Some of my fondest memories was moments spent there.

Great to see my Hermano, Jose !

Good to see Foxy as well. He made me laugh loud and often!

[CanuckSARTech]

Very cool. Well put together, Andy. Good on you guys to do that - a very cool thing that Jose got arranged for you guys there.

Good on ya's, and thanks for sharing. Cheers.

[CaptainQuintero]

Great vid andy, I'd love to do something similar and see the real Cuba and its people instead of the standard plastic tourist factory/LCDH trawl, glad you enjoyed it!!

[Dara]

Absolutely brilliant Andy, I look forward to hearing about it at the next herf!

[OZCUBAN]

Great video Andy

All this is still on my wish list LOL

Thanks for sharing

Steve

[CanuckSARTech]

Hey Andy - you guys get any of those big green & black tobacco worms on you? Big, giant, mutant caterpillar-looking creatures from hell. They sure do LOVE to eat leaves when they're at their prime.

They do make a lovely multi-coloured splat when you throw them on the ground though.

[mazolaman]

As the rain comes down, the scenes of Cuba seem even more appealing!

That's a proper trip to Cuba, a long way from Varedero.

Enjoy reading you stuff, as I always enjoy Jose's. Cheers.

[Trent0341]

All I can say wow... Thats a great trip. Thanks for sharing.

[khomeinist]

I was expecting 'Dueling Banjos'

Bummer

[FCUBUCK]

Wow! Now that's an experience of a lifetime. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[Colt45]

Thanks Andy.

[stargazer14]

Thanks, great pics, does make you want to join in.

[JohnnyC]

Sounds like a good depiction of a great time. Thanks for sharing Andy

[Pilgrims]

love it, thanks

[SiegeA]

That was really enjoyable. Thanks for taking the time and making the effort to share your experience.

[Charltonc]

Wow this looks like a fantastic time. I am off to King Corona in Ybor City for some cuban food and some relaxation, nothing like this though.

[JPS72]

Very cool - thanks for sharing!

[laficion]

FANTASTIC !!!!!!!!!! Now,THAT is Cuba Andy.Thank you .

[Surucipe]

Thanks man, looks like quite an experience! Probably not too many people get to see that side of Cuba, let alone live and breathe it. Cool!

[tempbond]

Great video, thanks for sharing it with us !

[Bartolomeo]

Pics on Facebook are priceless, good stuff and thanks for sharing!

Bart

[El Presidente]

Bloody Brilliant

.... I wonder if I Hector will let you or Rob near his crop again

[AndrewNR]

Looks incredible.. Motorcycles.. Gorgeous rural settings.. Animals.. Cigars.. Agrivulture done old school.. God my heart aches to be there..