Tiburon on the beach in Varadero

Our resort in Varadero is very nice.  And peaceful. But today, there was excitement on the beach!!

Our resort is called Grand Memories.  We’re staying in a special subsection of the hotel called Sanctuary.  It’s an “adults only” section that has it’s own swimming pool, bar, restaurant, social activities, and beach area.  Although I wasn’t fully aware that this is what we reserved, I’m glad to have it.  The “general admission” area of the hotel can get a little hectic.

During this last part of my adventure, I’m lounging more than I have so far.  But in my first three days here, I’ve already participated in the Zumba, aquafit, and Spanish classes; done my usual stretching, swam a decent distance in the pool, and I’ve been reading a book called “A brief history of Cuba”.

But this morning was extra full of activity. I got up early to walk on the beach before it got busy.  When I got there, I saw people gathered around something on the shore.  A shark!!!!!  A real one!  Sadly, it was dead.  The hotel staff said it was a sting ray stinger that went into it’s nose area and though it’s mouth.  Can a sting ray do that? 

The shark washed up on shore overnight.  Within a short time, a bunch of Cubans loaded it onto a trailer and carted it off.  The lifeguard seemed to be saying that the “authorities” would come get it to examine and analyse it.  I got the impression that it’s destiny was dinner.  It was fresh after all! 

I touched it.  It had no smell.  When I touched its skin from head to tail it felt really smooth.  In the other direction, it felt like a fine emery board.  Very sad, but cool!!

Pictures:

#1 - Shark on the beach with me.  The lifeguard said it was a young adult blue shark.  He said it was about 2.5 meters long and would have grown another 1.5 meters.

#2 - Our beach early in the morning

#3 - Some locals loading the shark on a cart.  There were Cubans in all sorts of hotel uniforms.  I wasn't sure if the chef was there as just an observer?  Or was he planning his new menu??

#4 - The path to the beach from our hotel Shark being carted off, with the potential chef planning his menu??

#5 - A more close-up of the poor shark