Opinions & Impressions

"I had thought that, as Americans in Cuba, we would be treated with some hostility. What I learned after talking to many Cubans on the street was that they understand the difference between government policy and the policy of the common person. They were most interested in sharing with us and learning from us as people from a foreign country, not denigrating us because our governments do not see eye to eye." - Andrea Zweifel-Dana

"My first experience with music in Havana was at the Casa de la Música, where we attended a Los Van Van concert. Los Van Van were incredible. That night I realized the great power of salsa and its rhythms; the power it has to liberate your mind and let you move your hips freely. I couldn't dance very well, but it didn't matter... Music had gotten into my body and I was having a great time.

"Music was the biggest part of my experience. I learned so much about the culture and history through music. It is evident that Cuban music is one of the major attractions of the Cuban culture, and that is why the Cuban tourism industry prospers." - Adam Groebner

"Cubans are as colorful as their stained glass windows. They possess: an insatiable curiosity, an impeccable education, a sense of humor of which the best part is their ability to laugh at themselves, a passionate nationalistic spirit, a passion for what they do, and a lifestyle that is a mix of patience and happiness in facing all situations presented. Spending time with Cubans is incredible; you laugh a lot, you learn a lot, and you feel a love that can melt the heart." - Dawn Victoria Muyres

"Cuba is a small island fighting a super power nation. In the midst of a rigourous blockade and economic war that have lasted almost half a century, Cuba has come out victorious in certain aspects: eradicated illiteracy in a year, social security covered 100 percent for 100 percent of the population, discrimination against women has been eliminated and today women make up 64% of the technical and scientific work force, and since the earliest months of the Revolution there was not a single form of racial expression, copied from the southern states of the U.S. left standing." - Cynthia Gonzalez

"For me this trip was a blessing. I had the opportunity of traveling to a country where the majority of Americans cannot. I learned a lot about Cuba, and I also learned about socialism, capitalism, and even communism. This was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life." - Christine Wieseler.

"Personally, I think that Cuba deserves national sovereignty just as much as those countries that have democratic governments." - Angela Pfister.

"There are many differences between the U.S. and Cuba, but people are the same at heart. The differences I saw were in their transportation system, their food, and their housing, among other things. This trip for me was great because I learned about the real Cuban people - their customs and beliefs. They talked to me and they told me things I will never forget." - Kate Busby

"Looking back and reflecting on our experience, and with the U.S.-Cuba relations increasingly deteriorating, we were very lucky to have been able to make this trip. Two days previous to our departure, the University of Havana in Cuba dropped the invitation for us to attend the educational program that they planned to offer us. The reason: new government policies on short term stay programs. No further explanation. Without an educational program there was no purpose for our group to visit Cuba, but we had our licenses, plane tickets and legal papers in order. Plus our hotel and stay paid in full. So we decided we might as well just go! Quickly we set to find other arrangements for another lecture series from different institutions. Luckily, we got an educational package offering from Havanatur in Cuba, the day before departure. We confirmed our interest in contracting the package, but didn't receive their confirmation on time.

So we left without confirmation for the lectures. We took a risk, but it was worth it and it all worked out for the better. Havanatur contracted high ranking government officials to come and lecture for us. They got us an excellent series of lectures, and the caliber of the lecturers was outstanding. We couldn't have gotten a better deal. With the tightening of the embargo, which will make it even more difficult now for Americans to visit Cuba, I think our group was one of the last ones to be cleared for Cuba, at least for a while. As we speak, all current policies for educational programs are being revised until new regulations are enacted. Some other Minnesota institutions with planned trips to Cuba, departing around the same time that we did, were not cleared by the U.S. government, or rejected at last minute by the Cuban government. I think we were very lucky to have made it. The challenging situation, made it a more memorable experience for all of us. I am happy and relieved that we didn't have any problems at all. All participants were happy and got something out of this trip. Cuba was a fun, exciting and educational experience for all. Without a doubt, all of us had a tremendous time." - Jenny Herbst