Club Amigo with Family
Trip Start
Jul 10, 2004
1
Trip End
Jul 17, 2004
Holguin, Holguín, Cuba
Sunday, July 18, 2004
WEATHER
The weather could not be any more perfect. Majority of our trip was HOT sun. I think the temperature was a round 33 degrees C but because of the humidity, it felt like almost 40. I got a nice tan. It was the last few days that it rained, but it was for a very short period. I thought it was needed. It helps cool down the place.
ACTIVITIES
My family enjoyed themselves (mind you, they were a little burnt). We did everything from swimming in the ocean and pools, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boating, billiards, and dance lessons. There were so many activities, but we didn't get a chance to get to them. Activities such as mopeds*, bicycles, horse taxis*, sail boat, archery, ping pong, tennis, volleyball, water aerobics, crazy games, golfing and other excursions* (extra cost*).
DANCE LESSONS
I did private dance lessons everyday, even the last day from the dance team at the resort. Cuban dancing is a lot different from the Latin dancing here in Canada. I think Canadian Latin is probably more ballroom type. I had a few teachers one girl and 3 guys... I only remember the last two guys' names, Carlos and Ivan. They were very nice. Ivan made me a CD with some Salsa Cubana. That was really nice of him. We talk and hung out a lot after many of our lessons. He wanted my email, but I doubt he'll email me. Oh well, he made the trip a lot nicer.
NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT
I was surprised on the variety of shows they had at night. The first night won me over. It was a Latin dance competition. Every night they had a live bands and vocalists who both sang in English, Spanish and French. It was very impressive. Other nights they had "Miss Guardalavaca" contest, Holguin Fashion Show, Synchronize Swimming team and other shows. I felt the shows were well organized with professional entertainers and very fun.
It is very safe there. Just use some common sense. You are traveling in a foreign country. Respect that they have different ways. I walked around in the late evenings. There is a local club near the resort called La Roca which played all sorts of music. The resort also had a tiny Disco area which started at 11pm. Just beware of drunken guest. They can't hold they liquor.
FOOD AND DRINKS
The food there was ok. It wasn't amazing but there was a lot of it. I think there were four pools and each one had a snack/drink bars (some were 24 hrs). There were buffets and few restaurants. The restaurants you had to make reservations for spots no extra cost, but it was well worth it. Each restaurant was different 3-4 course menus (not much of a selection) but you could choose the main dish and what have you. The staffs again were friendly and accommodating. I have to give my warning though. If you are not a drinker, be aware of the drinks. For small cups they sure love to put a lot of alcohol in them. I learn my lesson.
ROOMS
The rooms were basics, but they don't give any of those complimentary bathrooms stuff. It was ok for me, because I always bring mine anyhow. Everyday the house cleaning would do something everyday creative with our towels, bed spreads and flowers. It gave the room a nice touch. The first night we didn't have towels in our rooms, but that is ok. We all human, nothing can be perfect. I called front desks and they were nice, apologetic and quick about the service.
I think the one thing I see most with people on vacation is they are quick to get hot temper if things are not to their standards. It's like they expect that they are royalty just because they paid for this trip. It's just humorous that they get so hot fused for the littlest things on a trip. My motto is... You are nice and people will be nice back and if not... it's not the end of the world.
Thank goodness for air conditioning. I don't think we would have survived most of the trip if we didn't have this wonderful technology.
MINI MARKET
I didn't spend that much money because without a job and money I can't buy much, but I did manage to get some small souvenirs for my close friends. The market was very small. There is not much there, seeing how this is a communist country. The government dictates what is sold. Just like Cancun, you can haggle but they are by far aggressive. There is no pressure to buy there merchandise. I actually got a few gifts. The merchants were nice enough to give me gifts of things that I really admire of their collects.
AIRLINE
Now the flight on the other hand was not so great. It wasn't bad but it wasn't the best. We traveled with SunWing Company with JetsGo. I thought it was very cheap. We had to leave in the afternoon to catch the flight down and catch a flight back at night. I don't like traveling at night. They charged us for juice and pop, but tea, coffee, milk and water was free. The food they served was ice cold chicken on both flights. On the way back there was a lot of turbulences and it was during the cold chicken. That didn't sit well.
OVERALL
I thought the trip was great. It was my families second time to that resort because they were returning guest. We all got complimentary 4 course Lobster dinner. It was delicious. There was champagne pyramids and volcano erupting ice cream cake. They really treat the guest as Amigos. The manager was there and asks each and every guest their experiences compared to their first few times. I even met a guy from Scarborough and it was his 11 times there and said he will be going back next month. I would love to go back most definitely. No matter if it's with family, friends or a special someone. This is a great inexpensive place with amazing people and service. It was only $477CAN plus $150 service tax... and the Cuban airport tax leaving tax of $25US. This was a 7 days all inclusive (airfare/bus+resort+food/drinks). One tip... They don't have much down there. So bring what you can for tips or things to give away would be great. My heart goes out to those really hard working people. They are thankful for life itself and it just shows.
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