Sunrise, The Malecon (Old Sea Wall), Havana, Cuba AH, CUBA!
As many travelers note, Cuba is fascinating, captivating, and perplexing all at once. There is immense possibility, visible transition, uncertainty, challenge, and palpable tension in the flowing tapestry. It's a country reaching toward the future while tightly clutching its past, a country filled with contradiction, hope, fear, ideals, beauty, torn edges and struggle, and a deep value toward family and community. The impact of the country's aging leadership and political structure and a fifty plus year U.S. led embargo lingers.  The Color Of History, Taxi Cabs, Havana, Cuba
In late October and early November of this year, I had the opportunity to travel back to Cuba for a colorful, nine day tour. I led a passionate group of guests on a cultural program produced by the Cross Cultural Journeys Foundation through a U.S. State Department approved "People To People" license.
Truck Mechanic, Town of Regla, Cuba We started on the east side of the island in the Santiago, Baracoa, and Guantanamo regions and then traveled to the capital city of Havana. Live music, museums, dance performances, village and city walking tours, sunrise and sunset photography explorations, meetings with photojournalists, historians, city planners, economists, spiritual guides, farmers, artists, small business owners, and professionals of all types, and meals in local restaurants, small cafes, and hotels filled busy days and evenings.
Much like my experience last year, the generous and warm spirit of the Cuban people and the rich culture, complex history, unique landscape, and aging architecture produced many cherished memories. Our group of travelers from all over the U.S. came together in a magical way to learn, explore, absorb, play, and share. Serendipity struck often. Much to savor.
You may enjoy a few sample images from our travels ...  City Wall, Old Section, Baracoa, Cuba 
Young Dancers, Havana, Cuba  Farm House, Kiribi Indian Village, Outside Baracoa, Cuba
Rosaida Plands, Fortune Teller And Spiritual Guide, Museum Of Popular Religions,  Stirring The Pork On The BBQ, Town Of Regla, Cuba
 Afro Cuban Dance Group, Guantanamo, Cuba
 Santiago's Streets From Above, Cuba  Neighborhood Nail Salon, A Government Approved "Private Business," Regla, Cuba FUTURE PLANS - CUBA 2015
I plan to return to Cuba with Cross Cultural Journeys Foundation for a third trip in 2015. We anticipate approval from the U.S. State Department for a new program with eight to ten days of travel through Havana and other regions in November/December with U.S. departure and return through Miami. Let me know if you may wish to join me. From my vantage point, the next few years are an incredible time to visit Cuba.
A bit of a "plug" for Cross Cultural Journeys Foundation ... the CCJF team has worked in Cuba for over fifteen years and produced over sixty successful travel programs in this region of the world - a wonderful partner. A few interesting articles on Cuba ... Upcoming newsletters will touch on other recent trips. In November, I traveled to Bangladesh to support an inspirational nonprofit, ReSurge International. Earlier this month (in December), I camped in White Sands National Park under a full moon for several nights and then traveled through the Navajo regions of Chaco Canyon, Mesa Verde, and "Shiprock." Both these trips were focused on documentary work. Imagery and short stories on the way. Happy Holidays!
Jeff
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