Varadero hotel is a class act

School’s not out for Meliá Internacional Varadero guests who want to dabble in the language of Miguel Cervantes, Penelope Cruz and Pablo Picasso during their Cuba vacations.

Among available poolside activities for guests are afternoon Spanish classes given by Daniel Comas Guillen of the resort’s entertainment staff, with the casual classes usually running 30 to 40 minutes.

Classes are held rain or shine, with Comas Guillen able to move them indoors if the weather’s bad.

Comas Guillen concedes that those who attend just one class won’t make a great deal of progress but can still pick up some basic greetings, phrases and expressions if they’re starting from scratch.

Most students are curious Canadians, with Comas Guillen saying Spanish — a Latin language — is easier to learn if you speak French than it is for English-speaking people, thanks to the likes of similar grammar.

But all resort guests are capable of learning Spanish, continues Comas Guillen, who hopes his classes will inspire his students to study the language after they return home. “That’s the idea.”

Comas Guillen says there are Meliá Internacional Varadero guests who actually speak Spanish very well.

Spanish class attendees who don’t have a good grasp of the language will find a patient instructor, he promises.

Comas Guiilen says he’s happy to help all with their Spanish language skills, regardless of what level they speak at.

“I can help them understand a bit more,” he confidently states, while citing a reason for learning.

“Spanish is very, very beautiful.”