Cienfuegos, on Cuba’s southern coast, is a relatively small city of about 150,000. However, in some respects, it looked more attractive than Havana with its great number of run-down buildings.  The town is named for a 19th century Cuban general and has some French influence since there have been French immigrants over the years.  Our plan for the day was to first see the botanical gardens and visit a local club and restaurant for a favorite Cuban drink and lunch. Then it was onward to an opera house tour and a look at the downtown.  Finally, we finished with a fine concert by several Cuban young persons.