Translation of balda

The machine arrived in Cuba at nine and it was already dark. The border control was nothing like the one in Mexico. They were communist and one could see the strictness and uneasiness of them.
It was a very cute version of Star Bucks and had a great blend of Mexican coffee. They also had very special cakes and other kind of deserts. I sat there for a while and read a local newspaper.
We booked a tour for the next two days, one on a boat and the other on foot. In one of the agencies we met a nice couple and decided to stay in touch with them and have dinner together.