Quick dilemma... Moon v old LP guide for Cuba?

Any guidebook is a happy read and a "what if" sort of reference when one is contemplating travel to a particular locale. It then becomes, or I should now say, can become an invaluable tool when used to plan the specifics of a visit. You have me somewhat at a disadvantage in responding to your excellent question as I left the guidebook in question behind in Cuba. I will try and reconstruct my dilemna from my notes. Someone who actually has the current edition of the Moon guide in hand will be needed to assist me in explanation. I have only the 3rd edition of 2004 in my possession. There are significant differences betweeen the two - especially concerning sharing casa particular accommodation in Trinidad with a Cuban. Happily, the improved situation on that item, as reported in the current edition, is accurate.

I had specific objectives in mind for this visit to Trinidad. These included a visit to the Topes de Collantes and a visit via the "tren vapor" excursion to the "valle de los ingenios". My preliminary paper reconnaissance via the Nov 2006 (?) edition Moon guide indicated to me that the information I sought was best available from a cultural or visitors centre on Jose Marti at the corner of Camilo Cienfuegos. An address and telephone number were given. I started my search for specifics in Trinidad by an attempted visit there. I went to the address indictated only to discover that it was a computer training center. I searched the adjoining streets with no success. My companion telephoned the number given and the person responding indicated that s/he had absolutely no idea what we were talking about. It was a complete dead end! I could understand the information being out of date or incomplete. In this case it appeared to be a complete fabrication! Just what the hell was Baker injesting in Trinidad? How much of it and for how long?

Fortunately, on the Viazul bus to Trinidad, I had exchanged guidebooks with another traveller who was using the LP guide. I made supplemental notes from his book - which ultimately saved the day AND my trip! This was a fortunate accident, but my previous confidence in the Moon Guide was shattered.

There is no replacement for accurate information received from a physical visit to a locale. Trinidad was unforgettable! Topes de collantes was spectacular and the CUC 55.00 jeep visit and hike offered by Gaviotatours was outstanding and an excellent value for money. The tren vapor was repaired and available the day of my (already delayed) departure. At least I got to see, hear and smell it in operation before I was forced to leave. Valle de los Ingenios and a visit to tower at Iznaga (and visited by privately made arrangements) are OK but not quite the same without the steam train experience.

I may be being too marsh on the Moon guidebook as it has proven to be a "good read" otherwise. It is NOT or at least was not in this very specific instance a useful tool in hand. My disillusion with the MOON guide has resulted in my current recommendation that a visitor consult two different references before undertaking an actual visit to a new locale for the first time.