by El Boni » Tue Sep 20, 2005 4:10 pm
If you get to Santiago, try Ramon 'Michael' Marquez, and Manolo 'El Duke', principal musicians of Folklorico Cutumba. I studied with these guys for 3 months last year, and they were the best teachers I've ever had. Ramon is a true maestro, and Manolo is a marvellous vocalist and percussionist. I can dig out his number if you're heading that way. It's just the phone number for the street though (most people don't have phones in that neighbourhood), so you'll have to wait for him to be fetched.
I also have the address and I think, phone number for Changuito. I studied with him also. Though, whilst I learnt a great deal, his teaching technique left a lot to be desired.
Incidentally, I think you'll find plenty of safe casas particulares to stay at, mostly run by honest families. Just keep your wits about you, take sensible precautions, and you'll be fine. Re money, the charge on changing dollars is an additional 10%. To avoid this, simply bring your money in Euros or Sterling.
B