I need a vacation.. suggestion needed!

[Oilers]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

To get around, I took the public bus, or private taxis in Havana. You'd need to speak Spanish though, so maybe stick to the tour arranged transport and legal taxis

Yes sir. Too bad I didn't take Spanish in High school instead of French. Time to register for Spanish 101 I guess

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Oilers

Yes sir. Too bad I didn't take Spanish in High school instead of French. Time to register for Spanish 101 I guess

As long as you show some effort, the locals will appreciate it. You can learn the basics in a week.
The first time I went anywhere was to Havana, and spoke three words in Spanish. It was embarrassing So when I got home, I started studying and now speak a fair bit so I can carry on casual conversations.

But Google basic Spanish, learn greetings, please, thank you, where is stuff, etc. Cuba is de nada for you're welcome vs con gusto in other countries. Papaya is a bad word and do NOT use it outside of the buffet at the resort
most other stuff is generic. A popular tourist phrase is "mucho bueno" which means nothing in any proper form Those were 2 of my three words my first trip -lol And spending the week with a family that spoke 2 words in English made it very interesting. Actually one of my most memorable vacation times, but I felt bad for assuming everyone in a foreign country would speak my language. They don't!

[Aquattro]

Oh, and if you know French at all, Spanish shouldn't be tough. Same language structure with feminine/masculine, verb tense, etc. Also formal vs. casual greetings.

"Como Estas" for casual, staff that call you amigo or campenero. "Como esta usted" for more formal greetings. Assume all women are Senora, not seniorita.
But similar to French. Not tough to learn if you've already played with other languages.