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| Joint reflections on our trip to Cuba | August 2009 Teachers Tour |
Moravia Central School District, Lansing, New York
Abigail Cleary, Spanish Teacher
Lansing High School, Lansing, New York
Our trip to Cuba can be seen from different views. One is a first time visitor to the island; where everything was new and who carried many stereotypes about the country and a second view from someone who's been there several times and came to reconnect with an old friend. For both travelers, the trip offered a unique insight to Cuba's history, culture and daily life from an educator's point of view.
Even though at times it was difficult to get through the intense itinerary with such a large group, we wouldn't change it since every piece was fantastic, interesting and included such a variety of the Cuban life. At each stop we learned in depth about each place thanks to the wonderful hosts and guides, who came to meet with us in spite of the fact that it took them away of their vacation or their work. We specially liked the idea of experiencing a little bit of the countryside at the end; it made for a good change of pace and the beauty of the Viñales area is breathtaking! Fue un auténtico "broche de oro" para nuestro viaje.
The experience was smooth from beginning to end. Yanelys from Cuba Education Tours was always very helpful and responsive. The orientation information was thorough and useful and it certainly made a difference once we were in Cuba. Our guide, Tatiana Rodriguez, as well as our driver, Angel always took very good care of the group. We had such a great time in this trip and we hope to go back to Cuba again soon.
| Privileged to have visited such a rich culture | August 2009 Teachers Tour |
South Carolina State Department of Education, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
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 Amy DeCola |
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Visiting Cuba rejuvenated my interest in world history. So many museums and not enough time to see them all! My favorite visit was to the Fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña. We saw where Che Guevara set up his headquarters and got to witness El Cañonazo – the Firing of the 9PM Cannon at La Cabaña. This was the most incredible fort I have ever seen. Many times I felt like I was part of an old movie. A beautifully restored 1950 Chevy would zoom by our tour bus and out front there was a pair of oxen. Our tour guide Tatiana was so informative and patient with our endless list of questions.
| It's the openness of the people I'll remember most | August 2009 Teachers Tour |
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 Ann Eskridge |
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| I've always wanted to visit Cuba | March 2009 Teachers Tour |
West Valley College, Saratoga, California
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 Dulce María Gray |
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| Much better than an all-inclusive beach trip | August 2008 Teachers Tour |
Planning and Development Department, Town of Beaumont, Alberta
Our guide Mildred succeeded in giving us a wide base of knowledge of Cuban history. The itinerary and program were very interesting, enlightening and showed us the real Cuba. The University of Havana visit gave us a history not only of the institution but of the island itself. The Literacy Museum showed us how important changes came about for Cuba, as did the bus tour and other excursions. Seeing the La Maqueta de Habana [site where the city was founded] was a favorite as I am involved in urban planning. Going to Casa del niño y de la niña [House of the boy and girl] was awesome. The teachers and children were so welcoming. Viñales Valley was beautiful. I would not have had the opportunity to visit any of these places had I come on my own. Our hotel, the Habana Libre was wonderful and the staff superb. Our rooms were clean, large and had beautiful views of the Malecón. I am so happy I joined a tour instead of the all inclusive beach trips that are so popular. I really loved the program and will recommend it to others.
| Already plotting my return | August 2008 Teachers Tour |
Simon Fraser University (SFU), Burnaby, British Columbia
I absolutely loved the tour and it well exceeded my expectations, which were already very high, given that I have wanted to go to Cuba for more than 30 years now. My husband and I were planning for a trip to Cuba with our children when they were very young, but the costs were too prohibitive at that time. So for now just to say that this was exactly the trip I wanted: I was pushed out each day and absorbed knowledge beyond any book learner's privy. Our guide Mildred was truly magnanimous in every way possible. I am already planning and plotting my next trip – this next time with my son. My only regret is that the tour did not go on for many days more. The amounts of activities were sometimes exhausting, but I would have given anything for more time in Cuba.
| Can't stop talking about it | August 2008 Teachers Tour |
Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools, Morinville, Alberta
Well, to say the least, Cuba was fantastico. Judy, Sheila and I all loved our trip. We haven't stopped telling stories and recalling the fabulous experiences and the meaningful connections we made in Cuba. First on my list of suggestions is a letter of commendation to our guide Mildred and bus driver Oscar for their hospitality, professionalism and brilliant ambassadorship. Second, I think we would be remiss if we didn't put in writing our heartfelt thanks to your organization for an educational trip nonpareil. It was nigh perfect in every way. I learned a lot. The Cubans we met and the experiences we had touched our hearts deeply. The program had a worldview-altering influence on me. I commend you for the work you are doing.
| I feel so lucky | August 2008 Teachers Tour |
Fairbanks, Alaska
I absolutely loved Cuba and feel so lucky to have been able to go there. I loved the work of the artist José Fuster. What a treat to have lunch with such a man, and he sat right next to me! The visit to the Latin American School of Medicine was my favorite activity. Our guide Mildred did a wonderful job and Oscar the bus driver really went out of his way to be helpful, courteous and kind. I got to speak with so many Cubans that my Spanish greatly has improved. All in all it was a fantastic trip and I would definitely do it again.
| Our eyes and hearts were opened | August 2008 Teachers Tour |
Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools, Morinville, Alberta
We were treated royally from the minute we stepped off the plane. An air-conditioned motor coach took us through picturesque countryside and back in time as we entered Havana. The Habana Libre is a wonderful hotel with an excellent breakfast. We were thrilled to see a side of Cuba and Cubans not reflected in the news. Each activity was extremely interesting and well organized. The Cuban people treated us with warmth and kindness and went out of their way to help. Never once did we feel threatened or unsafe, even after dark. Above all, this tour was truly an education. Take a very large notebook to record all that you'll learn as Cuban culture is extremely fascinating. At the end of the tour, our guide stayed with us at the airport until we departed. If you go, your eyes and hearts will be opened, and you'll come home with different outlooks on many issues. This trip is was worthwhile, indeed life-changing!
| Tour mates compatible and very knowledgeable | August 2008 Teachers Tour |
Emily Griffith Opportunity School, Denver, Colorado
The tour was wonderful and our tour guide marvelous! While I enjoyed the all the activities, the days were a little packed for me personally. Everyone on the tour was most compatible and very knowledgeable. I visited Hemingway's home and found it so interesting as an American. He played a big role in our literature. All in all, I had a fabulous trip and returned with many fond memories. I think Havana is ripe for tourism from Americans if we could only lift the embargo.
| Returning to Cuba to teach ESL | March 2008 Teachers Tour |
Toronto, Ontario
I want to thank you for all your hard work. The tour was wonderful. Our guide Reynaldo and bus driver Mario did an excellent job! I was very happy with everything. There were many highlights, but I think the first meeting with the architect Dr Miguel Coyula was one of the best. It was a good introduction to the rest of the week. I am thinking about going to Cuba to teach English in the future.
| Curious about Cuba for some time | March 2008 Teachers Tour |
Dr Gail Thomas, Professor of Sociology
Soka University of America (SUA), Aliso Viejo, California
I have been more than curious about Cuba for some time and wanting to visit our close neighbor. The opportunity arose recently through a Cuba Teacher Education Program in Vancouver. I pursued it and joined five new friends in Havana March 15-22nd during our Spring Break. Read her full report…
| An American educator's views on Cuba | March 2008 Teachers Tour |
Education Program, East-West Center, Honolulu, Hawaii
With a transition in Cuba, Fidel Castro's passing from the scene and his brother Raul and elder revolutionaries not far behind, I thought this a good time for a visit and for gaining personal impressions with a particular focus on Cuba's educational programs and policies. Read his full report…
| Next trip is the Havana Jazz Festival | December 2007 Teachers Tour |
Cedar Park, Texas
I enjoyed the trip and think it was a very good introduction to Cuba. I plan to return in a few years for the International Jazz Festival. Our guide Mildred and bus driver Leo were fantastic. I was thrilled to see Buena Vista Social club and Eliades Ochoa in concert. I even got pictures and autographs! I will definitely recommend this tour to my friends (Actually, I have already done so). Feel free to use my comments, and my contact information for future teachers who want to talk with past participants. Thanks for everything.
| More schools and teacher meetings please | December 2007 Teachers Tour |
Vancouver, British Columbia
I had a great and informative time on the tour. My only suggestion would be a few more school visits, and time to speak with more teachers and students. I am very inspired by what is going on there, and the more contact the better. The visit to Hemingway's finca was very interesting in addition to the village of Cojimar which inspired his Old Man and the Sea. The jazz club near our hotel is the best I have ever visited. The proximity of the Hotel Nacional to ours was great – I went there often to dine, visit and relax. The program was very well put together and I am very glad I joined. Initially I wanted to go on your Nature Tour, but it was full. However our visit to Las Terrazas satisfied a lot of my eco-requirements. I have gathered together a few special things for our Cuban hosts to give to them in the future.
| We learned while having fun | December 2007 Teachers Tour |
UCLA Dept of Humanities, Sciences, Social and Health Sciences, Los Angeles, California
I am changed forever after such an amazing experience! Our guide Mildred was awesome and goes the extra mile. She ensured we had the most complete, authentic, and satisfying trip possible and saw the REAL Cuba. Our bus driver Leo was very kind, and an excellent chauffeur who got us around safely. All the tour activities were priceless. Whether they were educative or touristy, each stop was a blast and we learned while having fun. I also appreciated the fact that the nature portion of the tour was rural Viñales, and not an isolated beach resort. The day trip to Las Terrazas eco-community was amazing and I especially enjoyed swimming in the lake, and the delicious lunch afterwards.
Return to HelloCuba.ca page
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| FEATURED TEACHER REPORTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS |
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| Philip Theriault February 2008 ESL Cuba Volunteer, Halifax, Nova Scotia |
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| Jacqueline Birchall Student tour faculty leader, Vancouver |
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| Mary Van Thiel August 2007 Teachers Introduction to Cuba Tour, Newfoundland |
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| Dr Gail Thomas March 2008 Teachers Introduction to Cuba Tour, California |
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| Mimi Champagne November 2007 ESL Cuba Volunteer, Nova Scotia |
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| Viveca Ohm February 2007 ESL Cuba Volunteer, Vancouver Island |
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| Siegfried Ramler March 2008 Teachers Introduction to Cuba Tour, Hawaii |
