British People to People

Viva la Revolucion - A musical New Year in Cuba

30th August 2014

Songlines Music Travel has created the ultimate 16-day trip to Cuba to experience a New Year’s Eve like no other, partying in a local bar in Havana, away from the tourists; New Year’s Day is also the island’s National Day when you will be able to join in the celebrations in the capital city.

Leaving Havana, you will commence a musical journey around the large Caribbean island accompanied throughout by Music Travel leader Philip Sweeney, author of the Rough Guide to Cuban Music; the itinerary will take you from Santiago de Cuba, through Manzanillo, Camagüey, Trinidad and Matanzas before finally arriving back in Havana.

Cuban music is a melting pot of African and Spanish ingredients, a legacy from the days of slavery, when Africans were brought to the sugar and tobacco plantations by the island’s Spanish colonisers.

Highlights will include:

Three full days exploring Havana, including a walk along the Malecón, the Necropolis and the Capitol Building, a visit to the rum museum and the Museo de la Revolución and a delve into the music of the capital to pick up on the mix of son, salsa, hip-hop and reggaeton that drives the city's music scene

A flight to Santiago de Cuba with a city tour and evening visit to the Casa de la Trova which make the Calle Heredia a musical hotspot of Cuba

A journey to Manzanillo, rarely visited by tourists and home to three of the most important bands in eastern Cuba (who you may well meet), stopping en route in the provincial capital Bayamo

Exploring Manzanillo's unique Moorish-influenced architecture and continuing the discovery of a music scene that the other musical tourists never make it to

The remarkably preserved town of Trinidad with a walking tour of the old town, and an exploration of the religious musics from Africa which are the basis of the Cuban cult of Santeria (and a special private reception by the Cabildo de Congos Reales)

Throughout the itinerary there will be visits to bars, restaurants and other places to listen to bands with opportunities to meet musicians thanks to Songlines’ extraordinary contacts.

Departing 29 December, the holiday costs from £1935 per person (two sharing) which includes 12 nights’ B&B (plus two nights’ HB in Trinidad), entry to selected music events, all sightseeing and transfers and the services of a Songlines Music Travel leader

For more information, visit songlinesmusictravel.com.

*Songlines Music Travel is a joint venture between Songlines magazine, the leading World Music publication and The Tailor-Made Groups Company, one of the most experienced specialised operators in the business. The expert tour leaders on each trip are handpicked by Songlines Music Travel.

Organic Agriculture at Thanksgiving (low cost)

Thanksgiving in Cuba?

Looking for something more interesting to do this Thanksgiving than watch football and eat too much? How about an in-person, behind-the-scenes look at Cuba's organic revolution?

Join a group of passionate explorers and researchers, food production and policy professionals as they travel the cities and farms of Cuba, November 21-30. Be prepared to transform your vision of sustainable food chains and cooperatives, in a country with a long and colorful history of agricultural reform.

Two decades ago Cuba  was the first country to convert from industrial agriculture to organic agriculture.  Today it is converting a major part of its economy to cooperatives.  Learn how this island nation is striving for food sovereignty as it reorganizes its economy.  Visit organic gardens and cooperatives, both urban and rural, an ecological zone, a community project.  Talk with specialists in sustainable agriculture, the Cuban economy, its health system, US-Cuban relations, and more.  Experience Cuban culture and the vibrancy of its people in this 10 day trip hosted by Havana's Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Center.  Sponsored by the Center for Global Justice and Via Organica along with Organic Consumers Association.

Estimated cost of $1550 plus airfare (from either Miami  or Mexico City) includes dormitory style accommodations and all meals at MLK Center, translation, guide, transportation and a full program of activities.  For applications and further information, contact cuba@globaljusticecenter.org.

LSU Honors Student Program

Honors students travel to Havana

Posted: Sunday, August 24, 2014 4:57 pm | Updated: 7:15 pm, Sun Aug 24, 2014.

Many students choose to study abroad in English-speaking countries with stable politics and economies, but this was not the case for the University Honors College students who accepted the challenge to spend two and a half weeks studying in Havana, Cuba, this summer.

In spite of the obstacles this trip could present, Christian Soler, international studies junior, was drawn to it because of his heritage. Coming from a Cuban family, he found the culture interesting and had the opportunity to get to know his roots through family there.

Soler took a 25-minute trip to Miramar to visit with his third cousin and his cousin’s wife, who shared stories about Soler’s grandfather and gave him a greater appreciation for the Cuban culture.

Other than Soler’s side trip, the students lived in “casa particulars,” the Spanish term for private homestays, in Havana for the majority of their stay. The students were able to practice their Spanish in this setting, though they were not forced to do so.

The basis of Soler’s honors trip included classes on the history and society of Cuba, an ideal practice environment for his Spanish and various excursions.

Soler’s favorite excursion was to the National Literacy Museum. He said he appreciates the post-Cuban Revolution effort to eliminate illiteracy in Cuba, among other efforts to improve life for Cuban citizens.

Soler’s professors on this trip were frank about the conditions in Cuba, he said. There will be much controversy in the coming years, they said, about these conditions.

But despite the political and economic instability of their country, Soler believes the “Cubans are some of the friendliest people,” helping him with language barriers and to better understand their culture.

The trip was not only a time for class studies, but also for individual observation.

“It doesn’t look like a third world country because it’s beautiful, but the people are suffering,” Soler said.

This eye-opening trip affirmed Soler’s zeal for diplomacy.

“It’s key for people to immerse themselves in other cultures — get out of our own comfort zones,” he said.

As a strong proponent for study abroad, the Honors College’s new Dean Jonathan Earle agrees with Soler.

“Part of my mission as dean will be to greatly enhance the number of students who study abroad,” Earle said.

There are numerous travel opportunities for Honors College students, and corresponding scholarships are available to students, such as the Starmount Life Insurance Study Abroad Award and the Tiger Athletic Foundation Scholarship.

http://www.lsureveille.com/news/honors-students-travel-to-havana/article_b3ef7c86-2bd9-11e4-aab2-0017a43b2370.html

It's Official: Beyonce and Jay Z Trip Was Legal

Beyonce, Jay Z Cleared of Violating Sanctions Laws in 2013 Cuba Visit

Aug. 20, 2014 4:59pm Pete Kasperowicz

The Treasury Department’s Office of Inspector General issued a nine-page report saying pop stars Beyonce and Jay Z did not violate any U.S. sanctions laws during their visit to Cuba last year.

The couple traveled to Cuba in April 2013 for their fifth wedding anniversary, which prompted immediate criticism that they engaged in tourist activities that are illegal under the U.S. embargo against Cuba.

Beyonce and Jay Z were found not to be in violation of U.S. sanctions laws when they traveled to Cuba in 2013. (Photo by Mason Poole/Invision for Parkwood Entertainment/AP Images)

Under current law and regulation, travel to the island nation is permitted under license. Treasury’s OIG said their visit was properly licensed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control under the so-called “people-to-people” educational exchange program.

It’s possible to get a people-to-people license to Cuba and then abuse it by engaging in too many tourist activities, or otherwise straying from allowable licensed activities. But the OIG found that Beyonce and Jay Z’s activities in Cuba did not violate the terms of the license.

“Based on our review of available documentation and applicable regulations and guidance, we found no indication that U.S. sanctions were violated, and we concluded that the Office of Foreign Assets Control’s decision not to pursue a formal investigation was reasonable,” the OIG report said.

While the trip happened during the couple’s fifth wedding anniversary, the report said the trip adhered to the terms of the license, which included a welcome dinner, a walking tour of various Cuban neighborhoods, and trips to see student artwork and theater performances.

“For example, one article reported the trip included a visit to a children’s theater group and several clubs, where the couple heard live music and occasionally took to the dance floor,” the report said. “According to the article, they also toured Cuba’s top art school, where they met with young artists, and ate at some of Havana’s privately run restaurants, known as ‘paladares.’ ”

But it added, “all of these activities serve the U.S. foreign policy goal of heeling the Cuban people by facilitating exchanges with them and supporting the development of independent activity and civil society.”

The couple, whose legal names are Shawn Carter and Beyonce Knowles-Carter, are reportedly preparing to divorce.

Read the OIG report here:  http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/08/20/beyonce-jay-z-cleared-of-violating-sanctions-laws-in-2013-cuba-visit/

Travel by Mega Yacht

US Office of Foreign Assets Opens Up Another Way for Americans to Tour Cuba

August 20, 2014 at 3:09 PM | by cmb | Comments (0)

It wasn't too long ago that travel to Cuba was near impossible but, slowly, opportunities are opening up for Americans.

Group IST has been granted a license by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets allowing the travel agency to offer an exclusive eight day People to People exchange program of Cuba throughout 2015.

The Havana to Cienfuegos tour will be based on the mega-yacht S/C Panorama from which travelers will explore the western part of the country.

Cuban experts and interpreters will help Americans explore the country and meet the locals. The program includes excursions to the UNESCO–designated Biosphere Reserve region and the eco-community of Las Terrazas, walking tours of Old Havana, a visit to the Sea Turtle Breeding Center and Endangered Species Protection program on Cayo Largo with coral reef and conservation experts, a tour of Cienfuegos, and more.

Havana to Cienfuegos starts at $4490, including seven nights on the S/C Panorama, all meals, a Cuban visa, mandatory Cuban medical insurance, and transportation.

To learn more, visit  http://www.groupist.com/cuba

OFAC Licenses Participation in Fishing Tournament

Ernest Hemingway International Billfish Tournament

Posted by: Gary Brown August 20, 2014 in Cuba, Offshore Fishing Leave a comment

SHAR

Commodore Escrich (second right) and Dr. Moisés Hernández (far right) with first and third place competitors

The 64th ‘Ernest Hemingway’ International Billfish  Tournament, (EHIBFT) one of the oldest sport fishing events in the world, brought together 22 teams from the United States, Sweden, France, England, Italy, Canada, Mexico, Latvia, Spain, Russia and Cuba. During four days of fishing, from June 9th to 14th, 20 blue marlin and six white marlin were tagged and released.

Finishing in first place and named Overall Champion was the Cuban boat Santi, they tagged and released three blue marlin and one white marlin and added to their score with five dorado. This was an historic moment for the tournament as Santi represented the fishing community of Jaimanita (adjacent to the Hemingway Marina), and it marked the first time a team of Cuban fishermen have represented a village community.

Noting Santi’s achievement, José Miguel Díaz Escrich, Commodore of the Hemingway International Yacht Club of Cuba and IGFA representative, said his goal was to see more communities take part in the 65th tournament, especially those north of Havana, and fishermen from the Cjimar community where Ernest Hemingway used to dock Pilar and where his captain Gregorio Fuentes lived.

Tensions between the USA and Cuba have long denied American sport fishermen access to the EHIBFT, but this year a thawing of relationships between the two countries saw greater participation by US Anglers.

Dr. Moisés Hernandez, a Miami resident and the first Cuban-American to participate in a Hemingway tournament, fished aboard the boat that finished third in the Tag & Release category. At the awards ceremony, Dr. Hernandez thanked Commodore Escrich, noting that thanks to him he could now participate in the tournament. He added that, as the first to take part, he would join in the efforts of Commodore Escrich to make it possible for more Cubans living abroad to enjoy the great festival of sport fishing that will be the 65th tournament.

Again showing that restrictions on travel between the US and Cuba may be easing was the participation of a group of U.S. fishermen. They were there thanks to efforts by the Florida-Cuba Environmental Coalition, with which the Hemingway International Yacht Club of Cuba has entered into a partnership. The group received permission from the US Treasury Department to travel to Cuba and be present at the event.

This is first time the US government has granted a permit to US anglers to travel to Cuba, by air, for this event. The next step is to allow fishermen to sail aboard their yachts and participate in the 2015 tournament.

Four anglers from the Lighthouse Point Saltwater Sportsman Association carried a banner of partnership to Commodore Escrich. Accepting the banner, Commodore Escrich said he will work to bring more teams to the next tournament, from fishing clubs and associations worldwide.

This year’s event celebrated the life and work of the American writer Ernest Hemingway who, 60-years ago, received the Nobel Prize for Literature for his novel The Old Man and the Sea. The tournament also marked the 80th anniversary of Hemingway’s first crossing from Key West, Florida to Havana on his yachtPilar.

The 65th Ernest Hemingway Billfish Tournament will be held May 25th –30th 2015

 AWARDS:

Champions Tag & ReleaseBoat: Santi
Country: Cuba

Second PlaceBoat: Odds and EndsCountry: USA

Third PlaceBoat: Tag & Release
Country: Cuba-USA

Largest DoradoBoat: Santi
Country: Cuba

Largest TunaBoat: Rebel YellCountry: Spain

http://www.allatsea.net/ernest-hemingway-international-billfish-tournament/

Marine Industry Trip

Industry tour of Cuba set for early 2015

Posted on August 15th, 2014Written by Reagan Haynes

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Cuba is gaining attention as a potential trade partner for the marine industry as some speculate whether the United States will lift its half-century trade embargo with the country.

Marina consultant Richard Graves and Associates is planning a U.S.-sanctioned industry tour of the country for Feb. 18-22, directly after the Miami International Boat Show, to help interested parties save on airfare.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association also has a small delegation of select members touring the island now who are interested in learning more about its industry potential, the NMMA confirmed to Trade Only Today.

“I firmly believe the embargo will soon be lifted. It doesn’t make sense and solves nothing. In fact, most people don’t even know how it started over 50 years ago,” Graves and Associates principal Richard Graves told Trade Only Today. “In recent surveys the majority of Americans believe the embargo should be lifted. It is also interesting to note that most Cubans in the U.S. under 40 also believe the embargo should end.”

Graves told Trade Only that he fears the United States will be left out of potential growth and development if it doesn’t lift the embargo sooner rather than later.

“Spain is building the marinas, France is building the hotels, the Chinese are investing, and even Putin is offering help in the construction of their shipping port—and the U.S. is left out,” Graves said. “Raul Castro has even made an overture to the U.S. to renew relations.”

Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean and the 16th-largest island in the world.

Anticipating the end of the travel ban, Cuban state enterprises responsible for marine infrastructure have begun an unprecedented push to prepare the island nation for yacht tourism and U.S. boaters. Although there are only 15 marinas with 789 slips, there are plans to add 23 more marinas with more than 5,000 slips, Graves said.

The expansion of Marina Gaviota at Varadero, 90 miles from the Florida Keys, is intended to help augment facilities for large recreational vessels.

Accompanying the marina will be a five-star villa hotel development. Plans show a marina complex akin to Atlantis at Nassau in the Bahamas or St. Tropez in France, only larger.

After extensive renovations and a massive expansion, Marina Gaviota Varadero will become Cuba’s largest and most modern marina. When complete, it will accommodate about 1,200 boats. An official opening is planned for 2015, but vessels are using the marina now.

Last year, Cuban President Raul Castro announced the end of travel restrictions, making it easier for millions of Cubans to leave the communist country.

Parties interested in participating in the tour with Graves must submit paperwork and be approved by Oct. 1.

“NMMA facilitated a [U.S.-sanctioned] research trip to Cuba on behalf of its members with the objective to understand the market and make meaningful contacts and connections that may benefit recreational boating,” NMMA spokeswoman Ellen Hopkins told Trade Only.

The NMMA does not have an official position on the current or future status of the U.S. trade embargo with Cuba and continues to abide by the trade restrictions the United States has imposed, she added.

http://www.tradeonlytoday.com/2014/08/industry-tour-cuba-set-early-2015/

RICHARD GRAVES & ASSOCIATES

Cuban Marinas prepare for the future and the lifting of the U.S. Travel Ban for Boaters.

Now is the time for the U.S. Boating and Marine Industry to develop contacts and relationships with its Cuban counterparts through people to people exchanges. In order to introduce the U.S. Industry to the Cuban Marine Industry, Richard Graves & Associates in cooperation with “Other Cuban Journeys”, an OFAC licensed tour organizer has developed a four night/ five-day itinerary that will allow interactions with the Cuban Marine Industry and its experts. This trip will give rare access to marinas and contact with its workers. It will also immerse the traveler in the rich Cuban culture and its people.

According to one estimate, 60,000 U.S. vessels over 25 feet LOA will visit Cuba in the first year after the end of the travel ban.

Anticipating the end of the travel ban, Cuban state enterprises responsible for marine infrastructure have begun an unprecedented push to ready the island nation for yacht tourism and U.S. boaters.

• According to one estimate, 60,000 U.S. vessels over 25 feet LOA will visit Cuba in the first year after the end of the travel ban. Though the number may seem high, the possibility is worrisome to business and government leaders in the Bahamas and throughout the Caribbean, who fear losing marine revenue to a revitalized Cuba

Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean and the 16th largest island in the world

• Although there are only 15 marinas with 789 slips, plans are to ad 23 additional marinas with more than 5,000 slips. The expansion of Marina Gaviota at Varadero, 90 miles from the Florida Keys, is intended to help augment facilities for big recreational vessels. Accompanying the marina will be a five-star villa hotel development. Plans show a marina complex more akin to Atlantis at Nassau in the Bahamas or St. Tropez in France, only larger. After extensive renovations and a massive expansion, Marina Gaviota Varadero will become Cuba’s largest and most modern marina. When complete, it will accommodate about 1,200 boats. An official opening is planned for 2015 but vessels are using the marina now.

The above is only a brief view of what is happening in the pleasure boating industry in Cuba.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Richard Graves – 954.401.4096 – Email: rvgraves@rgassoc. – Web: http://www.rgassoc.com

Source: Richard Graves & Associates – 1000 SE 4th Street – Fort Lauderdale. FL 33301

The Wheels Journey: A Bicycle Tour of Cuba

Duration: Duration: 10 days

Location: Cities: Havana, Cienfuegos, and Trinidad

Price: $3,500.00

Book Now!

Dates: August 1-10, October 10-19, and December 12-21

This cultural bicycle journey immerses the participants in Cuban culture at the same level of most of the island’s nationals. The bicycle, a common means of transportation in Cuba for most everyone, is the point of departure, allowing participants to scrutinize Cuba from a different angle and enabling them to have daily meaningful interactions with Cubans along the route.

Package includes: 
OFAC License to travel to Cuba
Cuban Visa
Cuban Health Insurance
Round Trip Airfare (Miami – Havana)
9-night hotel stay at 3-star hotels in Havana, Cienfuegos, and Trinidad
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner according to program
Personalized concierge assistance (AC study leader and Cuban guide) throughout the
program
Guest speakers’ fees
Private bus transportation throughout the program
Fees for all scheduled visits and excursions
Cuba Information Package and consulting fees

Final Itineraries and Program Contracts will be sent to those who make a deposit
towards their program participation.

Visits and Activities
A lot of bike riding through cities, towns, and off-the-beaten-track roads with the
opportunity to engage in conversation with Cubans from all walks of life as you
come across them.
Walking tour of Old Havana, led by architect involved in the process of preservation and
renovation of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites
Fuster’s Art Studio and Community
Visits with at least 3 other artists
Farmers’ Market and Craft Market
Numerous music venues
Callejon de Hamel Rumba
Visit to local schools and family-doctor offices
Day excursion to Topes de Collantes and El Nicho Waterfalls
Visit to the Scale Model of the City Center

Guest Speakers 
Gisela Arandia, scholar and community activist, will discuss issues of race and gender in
the context of current Cuba.
Jorge Mario Sanchez, economist, will dissect the Cuban economy and provide insights
into the economic future of Cuba.
Miguel Hernandez, Plastic Surgeon, on a presentation on the Cuban Health System

The listed activities and guest speakers is just a sample of the activities that will be
included in the final itinerary. Many more activities and speakers will be added. Final
program and itinerary will be provided to those who make a deposit towards their
participation in the trip.

Packages does not include: 
Cuban Airport Exit Tax
Gratuities in Cuba
Personal expenses
Cost of excess luggage on any air carrier

The contents of this program and itinerary are the intellectual property of Jose
Pineda and Anthropologie Consulting, LLC., and carry the international trademark
of Anthropologie Consulting, LLC.

http://www.acjourneys.com/package/the-wheels-journey-a-bicycle-tour-of-cuba-2/

The Kitchen Journey

Duration: 10 Days

Location: Havana and Cienfuegos

Price: Contact us for a quote

Book Now!

The Cuban Kitchen. This 10-day trip is a cultural and educational journey that focuses on the Cuban family economy through conversations and visits with five families who will open their kitchens to reveal their culinary secrets. This people-to-people exchange program provides participants with a unique opportunity to experience Cuba through the eyes of the families as they prepare traditional Cuban recipes. As trip participants learn to cook a typical Cuban dish, they engage in meaningful interaction, learning about the intricacies of Cuban culture, a family’s daily life, and their challenges, struggles, expectations and dreams.

Package includes:
OFAC License to travel to Cuba
Cuban Visa
Cuban Health Insurance
Round Trip Airfare (Miami – Havana)
10-night hotel stay at the 5-star Hotel Nacional in Havana
Breakfast, lunch and dinner according to program
Personalized concierge assistance (AC study leader and Cuban guide) throughout the program
Fees for guest speakers
Private bus transportation throughout the program
Fees for all scheduled visits and excursions
Cuba Information Package and consulting fees

Final Itineraries and Program Contracts will be sent to those who make a deposit towards their program participation.

Visits and Activities
You will be spending five days with five different families – one full day with each family. At each house, you will learn how to cook one of Cuba’s traditional dishes. You will share lunch with the family, become involved in the process of finding the items needed to prepare dinner, and participate in the preparation of the meal. You will then sit at the table with all members of the family and share dinner. Cuban coffee and more conversation will bring the evening to a close.
Walking tour of Old Havana, led by an architect involved in the process of preservation and renovation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site
Fuster Art Studio and Community
Visits with at least three other artists
Museum of Fine Arts
Farmers Market and Craft Market
Numerous music venues
Visit to the neighborhoods of Regla and Guanabacoa
Ride on ferryboat across the Bay of Havana
Museum of Religions
Rumba at the Callejon de Hamel
Visit to the National Arts School
Overnight trip to Cienfuegos

Guest Speakers:
Gisela Arandia, scholar and community activist, who will discuss issues of race and gender in the context of today’s Cuba.
Jorge Mario Sanchez, economist, who will dissect the Cuban economy and provide insights into the economic future of Cuba.
Tomas Fernandez Robaina, scholar and Santeria priest, who will speak on Afro-Cuban issues.
Miguel Hernandez, plastic surgeon, who will speak on the Cuban health system
Sue Herrod, British songwriter and composer, who has lived in Havana for over 10 years and will speak from the perspective of a foreign national residing in Cuba.

The listed activities and guest speakers are merely samples of the activities that will be included in the final itinerary. Many more activities and speakers will be added. Final program and itinerary will be provided to those who make a deposit towards their participation on the trip.

Packages do not include:
Cuban airport departure tax
Gratuities in Cuba
Personal expenses
Cost of excess luggage on any air carrier

The contents of this program and itinerary are the intellectual property of Jose Pineda and Anthropologie Consulting, LLC, and carry the international trademark of Anthropologie Consulting, LLC.

http://www.acjourneys.com/package/the-kitchen-journey-in-cuba/