Hello from Havana!

Just days after the Cuban flag was raised again in Washington and with Cubans waiting for John Kerry to visit on August 14, our group arrived in Cuba.

We spent our first day getting to know each other and taking our first salsa class. We topped it off with dinner overlooking the ocean. The sunset was so breathtaking that it was mentioned time and time again when we shared our high moments of the day.

Today we plunged into starting to understand this place a little better. After thinking about the questions we have about Cuba, we had a talk with Dayron Gonzalez about history and context. Armed with more information, we split into our workshops. The Spanish Language & Culture and Music & Dance workshops headed to Museo de la Revolucion to learn more about how Cuba has become what it currently is. Documentary Media students set out to explore Habana Vieja including the sharp contrast between crumbling buildings sheltering fruit vendors and old men lounging on steps just feet away from the fresh paint and street performers along Calle Obispo. The goal was to get more of a sense of what Cuba is all about so we can start to tell that story with our cameras and our pens.

In the afternoon, we all met with our Cuban amigos and spent the afternoon chatting in the shade and findings some interesting corners and rooftop views that even our Cuban friends hadn’t seen yet.

It was a full and great day. And we’re ready for tomorrow!

Hasta pronto!