Spanish and Salsa lessons in Trinidad, Cuba

Hi,

I am planning to travel to Cuba this summer for 2-3 weeks to take Spanish and Salsa lessons and to enjoy the beaches. I have read that classes are offered through some language schools in Trinidad. Has anyone tried this before? I would like to take the route of private lessons as from experience I know that I have to dive into the country to pick up the language. I would also like to stay at one of the casas particulares and was wondering if anyone would have any suggestions for Trinidad. On top of that all I would like to combine "school" with some fun and take some Salsa lessons which have also been offered by the language schools on-line. would anyone know if there are private lessons? Do I have to go through the language schools on-line or is there a more direct and possibly less expensive route? Many thanks for taking time to read through the questions and giving some feed-back.

Haven't done what you want to do, but in light of NO other replies -- just go, do it, no need for a lot of plans, everything will work out. :-)

Ok, first thing is a casa that I stayed at and really enjoyed.

Hostal "Pablo"
Calle Ernesto Valdes Munoz, No. 69
Telef (01419) 3652 and (01419) 3515.

One telephone number is the Casa, and the other is the daughter's work telephone number in Trinidad. Sorry, don't know which is which.
It's located about 100 meters from Plaza Mayor and is only a 2 or 3 block walk from the Viazul station. It has it's own private building located in the garden of the house, 2 beds (single or small twin), private bathroom, hot and cold water and is Air Conditioned with a fridge in the room.

Next is the Salsa. I didn't take any lessons, but the Casa de la Musica is just up the street from this casa. Go to Plaza Mayor, then take the BIG steps up to the Casa Musica. I've seen dance classes taking place here. So it's a place to start. Also in the evening lots of dancing and music takes place on the large steps about 1/2 way up.

Finally:
Enjoy this slideshow of some of my images from Trinidad 2 years ago.
Trinidad Slide Show

Steve

muskox,

this is what I did this March: I spent two weeks taking private Spanish lessons in Trinidad and enjoying the beach next to my casa particular (in La Boca). Sounds pretty much like what you have in mind, doesn't it? Well, with six hours of Spanish class every day, I didn't have time or energy for additional salsa lessons, although I badly need them, sooner or later... But yes, the coordinator of my course is also offering salsa instruction.

I paid 300 CUC for two weeks, that's 5 CUC per hour, extremely good value, I think. I was very happy with my two teachers -- I studied with one in the mornings and with the other in the afternoons. Both were highly qualified and experienced, at the same time flexible enough to adjust the course to my individual needs and preferences.

I was already fluent when I started but made a lot of progress, also learning a lot about Cuban arts, culture, society and everyday life. So far, I've received lessons in nine different foreign languages and I consider myself an experienced language student and think I can tell a crap course from a better one. These two weeks worked well for me, at least. And I had done some research about available options before I went.

The man to get in touch with in Trinidad is Carlos Martín Lorenzo also known as Carlito, phone +53 419 2433 (saludos from Heiko from Germany). The lessons he organises are perfectly legal: Carlito and his team of teachers are operating under the umbrella of "Paradiso", a government agency promoting cultural tourism (and taking a percentage of what you pay). He can also arrange accommodation, but I preferred to stay at my dream casa in La Boca, from where I commuted to Trinidad by bike.

My casa particular, directly on the beach in La Boca: casa Durán (Manuel Durán Rodríguez and his wife María), phone -3301, very good value, extremely lovely owners, Durán's food is among the best I had in Cuba. By the way, direct neighbour Eloy Acosta's house is featured on Cuba-Junky's page.

Send me a private message if you'd like more information.

...during July and August, when hundreds of holidaying Cubans descend on the beach, La Boca completely changes its face and loses its idyllic charm, my casa hosts say. It becomes very lively, to say the least. While that might appeal to some people, it's not such a good idea if you want to relax, or if you have a problem falling asleep at night with both Reguetón and Alejandro Sanz playing at full volume nearby...

thanks everyone for the great advice. i will get in contact with carlos and check the casas. unfortunately, it will have to be the summer due to work commitments.......

Ah, thanks for the info everyone!
I am also looking into a Trinidad vacation...
maybe this June though possibly July.
A friend & I are looking for a great place
to swim & relax on the beach
while also enjoying salsa at night!
I've heard Trinidad is small ~
do you think it still provides a quality dance experience?

P.S. Do you know other Caribbean nations
get crowded on the beach in the summer like Cuba?