Change Your Outlook With A People-to-People Cultural Experience In Cuba

Are you feeling exhausted by our political and cultural wars here at home? We all need a change of outlook at times, this year more than ever. Perhaps you have always dreamed of going to Cuba but found the prospect too intimidating. Well you’re in luck; right now it is easier than ever to go. Take a break from all those friends who have “unfriended” you on Facebook and go make some new friends in Cuba. With the advent of direct flights from the U.S. and a host of organizations eager to help you plan your Cuban experience, there has never been a better time to go. Select a people-to-people exchange that lines up with your interests, and you’ll be on your way to discovering fresh, new perspectives, all while sipping a mojito and listening to great music.

With direct flights daily from the U.S., why not just book a hotel and go, you might wonder? Tourist travel to Cuba remains prohibited by the U.S. government. In addition to the tourist card required by the Cuban government, you must either obtain a license from the U.S. Department of Treasury or your travel must fall under one of the twelve authorized categories established by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). For most of us the latter option offers the easiest access, and the category that is both convenient and fun is known as people-to-people travel, or “support for the Cuban people.” Going on such a program is akin to study abroad for grown-ups, with no academic credit (or tests)! People-to-people travel can be arranged for you by one of many authorized organizations in the United States, and it entails a full schedule of educational activities with the goal of promoting meaningful exchange between you and Cuban people. It is truly an enriching experience, and you will return from your vacation feeling far more satisfied than if you had spent a week lounging in an all-inclusive resort.

When our group of four decided the time was right, I contacted Global Exchange because I had had good experiences on their Reality Tours, and I knew they also arrange customized trips. Unfortunately, our group was too small for their services, but they referred me to an excellent organization based in Miami, AC Journeys. Company owner Jose Pineda replied to my inquiry immediately, and he succeeded in organizing the perfect tour for our group based on our interests and other information we gave him. We had a mere five days to spare, and AC Journeys made sure every moment counted. We did some stereotypical excursions that are practically de rigeur for American tourists: these included a walking tour of Old Havana and a Hemingway tour. AC Journeys also arranged activities that put us in touch with Cuban people who share our particular interests in art, music, food, farming and culture.

The charm of Old Havana could scarcely prepare us for the thrill of riding along the Malecón with the sea to our left and the wind in our hair as we headed for the fishing village of Cojímar in beautifully restored Dodge convertibles of 1950’s vintage. We visited the restaurant La Terraza where Hemingway sat and wrote, inspired by the surrounding natural beauty and the local fishermen. We continued on to his home, Finca Vijía, where we visited the grounds and viewed rooms in his home as well as an observatory where he wrote and gazed at the universe through his telescope. The Cubans we met on this segment of our trip were eager to share what they knew about our compatriot, which they did with reverence and enthusiasm.

One of the highlights of our trip was the casa particular where we stayed. Our host, Yusvel, was charming, and our two bedroom apartment was spacious and centrally located, near Calles O and 23 in Vedado. Yusvel and his friends took excellent care of us, preparing us breakfast and dinner, and we enjoyed many animated discussions with them. The apartment was located next to a fantastic jazz club, La Zorra y El Cuervo, and we were just two blocks from the legendary Hotel Nacional, where we went nightly for sunset, mojitos and music.

Other attractions included a tour of artists’ homes and studios, facilitated by the gifted musician Inti Santana. We met with three very different artists, all of whom worked from studios in their homes. Diana Balboa, an icon of contemporary Cuban art, was among those we visited; her rooftop terrace studio overlooking Havana and the sea beyond was stunning. The artists all offered us coffee and were eager to discuss their creative process with us. On our last day, we visited an urban organic farm, Vivero Alamar, just outside Havana. Miguel Salcines, formerly of the Cuban Ministry of Agriculture and now president of the organic cooperative, was our personal tour guide. He is an enthusiastic spokesperson for organic farming, and he has even done a TED talk to help spread his message.

The Cuban people are friendly, welcoming and above all resilient. We can learn much from their entrepreneurial spirit and their love of life. Few Americans are without stereotypes of Cuba, and a visit to this fascinating country is bound to shatter those stereotypes. Many of us are at a point where we need to reach beyond our borders for fresh perspectives as we grapple with the events and debates within our own country. It was enlightening and encouraging to spend time with Cuban people, who welcomed us and showed us incredible hospitality regardless of what they may think about our government. Rather than us offering our “support for the Cuban people,” I felt that they were offering us their support. In this respect, our experience was truly a people-to-people exchange, one of human beings connecting and appreciating our similarities with the capacity to look beyond our different governments and cultures.