Roula

I am planning to go to Cuba on my next trip and want to see it through the eyes of the locals. I don't really want to stay at big resorts. I have heard that it is possible to organise accommodation with local families. ( I do not speak Spanish - will this be a problem ?) What I want is to get to know local families, go to some authentic salsa clubs and really get into the culture. Also what time of year is best weather wise and is Havana the best place to go for this kind of holiday?<BR><BR>Roula.

John

havana is good for a few days. You are looking to stay in a "casa particular" I think. These are houses owned by Cubans. Some are legal and you are allowed to stay, others are not licensed and you have to be careful if you stay there. You won't get into trouble for dstaying in an illegal one but the Cuban will for letting you in their house without a license. The legal ones have to paty a monthly fee to the state regardeless of how much money they earn in a month looking after tourists. In general you won't come across many illegal casas if you don't speak Spanish. Not being able to speak Spanish is a handicap but is not too big a problem.

Steve

I love Havana, and like most tourists I stayed in a hotel the first time there. Then I found a Casa Particular and stayed with a Cuban family. It is a wonderful experience. Only problem is that the people I normally stay with (6 times now) will be visiting family in Canada till July of 2003. I will see them when they are here in Canada. I even call her my "Cuban Mother" because that is the way I feel about them now. Like they are part of the family.<BR><BR>As they are not available, then check out this British website which might give you a few ideas. They seem to specialize in local accomidations in Havana.<BR><BR>Try to be near Habana Vieja, the old city. It is near Centro, and also the Capitolo. This will place many of the fine historical areas within walking distance.<BR><BR>It is hot, humid in the summer (I was there in July) but I have also been there at Easter and in the fall. The fall can be hurricane weather, and it is generally the wet season. I have had everything from +30C highs to only +17C highs at Christmas/New Years. Seemms to depend on the year. But never had I had less than a great time.<BR><BR>My suggestion would be for early spring (Feb thru April) as the best balance between nice comfortable weather for exploring the city, and being too hot in the summer.<BR><BR>Havana is much better for experiencing Cuban culture than tourist "resorts" like Cayo Largo or Veradero. Been to both as well. But the beaches at Cayo Largo are superb, likewise Veradero. Just not the same cultural options.<BR><BR>But also try a few of the touristy things in Havana. The Tropicana Club for the dinner show, or the Parisienne Club at the Hotel National. Tropicana is outdoors while the Parisienne is indoors. Typical Cuban Vegas style spectacle show. But highly entertaining.<BR><BR>Language can be a problem, bt I carry a good (and compact) English/Spanish dictionary and am slowly picking up the lingo. Each trip gets easier to communicate. But there are many who speak english. Only problem is if I want to practice my Spanish, they want to practice their English. So often I end up stumbling my questions in Spanish...... only to get an english reply. Fun anyway.<BR><BR>Have a good trip.<BR><BR>Steve<BR><BR>http://www.w-i-t.com/w-i-t.uk.html

Roula

Thanks Steve, this is great info.<BR>Cheers....Roula.

Brian

try www.havana-rentals.com