What about food ?

There is a restaurant within the apartment complex where we are staying.
They serve breakfast lunch and dinner, you can arrange full board if you wish or simply order meals as you require them. There are a number of cheap restaurants nearby normally priced in US dollars. There are also kiosks in the streets selling food in Cuban pesos, such as pizza, spaghetti, rice with chicken or meat or omelettes. (basic but cheap)

For vegetarians and vegans your hosts will be happy to prepare special meals for you, there is normally a good selection of organic fruit, veg, beans and rice available. There is also a very good vegetarian restaurant nearby with a wide selection and very cheap. (prices in Cuban pesos).

For those who wish to cater for themselves there are several markets where you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables, beans , fish, chicken and meat, usually in Cuban pesos. Plus 'panamerican' shops where you can buy other items such as tinned puree/sauces, bottled water, milk, fruit-juices, toiletries and household products, usually priced in US dollars at equivalent prices in UK.

What about money?

For the majority of things you will need U.S. dollars. We recommend you bring a small amount in cash for when you first arrive and the rest either in traveller's cheques or there are several banks nearby where you can easily withdraw cash on visa or mastercard.

Please note that American Express cards or cheques drawn through an American bank are not generally acceptable.

Don't forget that you have to show your passport for these transactions.

There are some items you can purchase in Cuban pesos. You can exchange these for dollars in some banks. The rate varies from 20 - 26 pesos for 1 U.S. dollar. You can often pay with small dollar bills and receive some change in pesos.

Do I need to carry identity at all times in Havana?

All Cubans are required to carry identity cards by law and visitors may be asked for identification on the street. We would recommend that you bring photocopies of the main page of your passport so you can carry that  when you go out.

Don't forget you will need the real thing if you are going to get money from the bank!    

How are the music classes organised?

On the first day the Cuban musical director and instructors will asses your level and place you in a group according to your level of ability. It does not matter if you are a beginner or have years of experience as all levels are welcome. Our team of Cuban instructors have experience of teaching international participants and will understand any initial nerves, they will also be keen to encourage and stretch each individuals playing.

All participants will have some sessions in Cuban percussion, as understanding the rhythmic structure of the music is crucial whether you are playing or singing.

Friends

We will begin by working with our Cuban instructors in small groups learning and practicing parts for the repertoire for the performance, e.g. Singers, 1 or 2 groups of instrumentalists, 1 or 2 groups of percussionists. As the course develops we will start spending more time putting all the parts together as one group. ( See proposed itinerary )

Can I bring my own instrument?

Yes. If you have your own instrument and want to play it you should bring it with you. Large instruments like congas, timbales, piano, double bass and amplifiers will be arranged by us in Havana.

Make sure you have good solid cases, particularly for larger instruments like guitars or bass guitars which are unlikely to be allowed on the plane as hand luggage and will therefore have to travel in the hold.

Please let us know if you are bringing an instrument with you.

Can I participate if I don't speak Spanish?

Yes your Cuban instructors will have some English and your tour leaders speak Spanish and have experience of Cuban music and will be on hand to help throughout the course. However having to communicate in another language is all part of the cultural experience, and can be great fun.

It would certainly be useful to have some basic Spanish before you arrive, as this will greatly enhance your stay.

Spanish evening classes or self-study before you go to Cuba is recommended.

What will the weather be like?

We are travelling in springtime and the weather should neither be too hot or too humid. Average temperatures during the day should be around 32-35*c. It is the dry season in Cuba, but should it rain it will be a quick and heavy downpour, which will soon die off.

Note; the sun can be very strong and a high factor sun cream and u.v. protecting sunglasses are strongly recommended. Both of which can be purchased in Havana if needed.

What clothing should I take?

As it is fairly hot in Cuba in February light cotton and linen clothes are recommended. You can dress very informally at all times ( shorts, t-shirts, jeans, cotton dress) although you should bring something smarter for nights out and special events.

You will not need heavy clothes but a sweatshirt for chillier evenings and lightweight waterproof jacket can come in handy.

There will be one organised trip to the beautiful 'playas-del-este' the beaches to the east of Havana and other free time for you to make your own way to the beaches or swimming pools, which are available to non residents in some of the central hotels in Havana.

Therefore swimwear, beach towel and sandals are needed by those wishing to bathe.

Will I be insured?

It is a requirement for all participants to have adequate personal travel insurance in order to take part in this event.

We will be happy to advise on this.

What vaccinations do I need for Cuba?

The Cuban authorities do not, at present, require visitors to have an up to date international vaccination card to enter the country. However, you should read the following list and take the appropriate action for your trip.

       Diphtheria-tetanus-polio injection will usually been given to you at school. You should get boosters for these every 10 years.

       Hepatitis A: although it is not 100% effective you are advised to get a shot of Gammaglobulin as close to departure as possible to minimise the chances of getting hepatitis A.

       Typhoid: available either as an injection or oral capsules. Protection lasts from 1 to 3 years and is useful if you are travelling for long periods in rural tropical areas.

You must get advice from your doctor or a travel clinic.

What happens if I get ill during the trip?

Cuban healthcare is excellent and among the best in the world. There is an international hospital within a few blocks in central Havana should you have an accident or fall ill during your stay, medical attention will be available without delay.

Healthcare for visitors does cost, so again we remind you of the importance of individual travel insurance.

Can I take any gifts or make donations in Cuba?

Yes. Cubans have to survive on very low income and will usually be glad to receive gifts.

Things like clothes or shoes you may wish to leave behind, or toiletries and medications you have not used during your stay.

You may like to take out paper and pens to donate to a school.

For the Cuban musicians things like strings, cables, straps or sticks would all be welcome gifts.