Cultural Exchange to Cuba Sunday, October 22 to Sunday, October 29, 2017

Transcription

1 Cultural Exchange to Cuba Sunday, October 22 to Sunday, October 29, 2017 Join the Newark Museum on a fascinating 8 day/7 night trip to Cuba. The island remains a mystery to all but the most adventurous Americans. The Newark Museum is once again collaborating with Cuba Cultural Travel, a US based tour company. The emphasis of the trip will be cultural interaction with the Cuban people. Cuba has a rich and varied heritage dating back to colonial times. We will be hosted by a variety of local scholars and artists who will offer in-depth commentary on art, history, architecture and religion. Our expert guides will give us a privileged behind the scenes view seldom granted to American visitors. The vibrant contemporary art scene will play a prominent role in our itinerary and we plan on meeting artists, visiting studios, museums, galleries and art schools. Havana offers a treasure trove of architectural styles that few cities can match. From Colonialism to Modernism, the city has benefited from the fact many neighborhoods have remained unchanged for generations. Music is omnipresent in Havana and our schedule will satisfy all tastes. From Latin Jazz to the sounds of the Buena Vista Social Club, music is never far away as you walk the streets of Old Havana. We invite you to join us and take advantage of this unique opportunity to explore Cuba before the inevitable changes take place. RESERVATIONS ARE LIMITED AND ARE ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS. Best regards, Merle Lomrantz Director of Member Travel Services NEWARK MUSEUM People to People Cultural Exchange Cuba, October 22-29, 2017

2 TOUR COST & CONDITIONS Double room occupancy (per person): $4,975 Single room occupancy: $6,550 INCLUDED 7 night accommodation at Hotel Parque Central Havana (standard room) Roundtrip airfare to/from Cuba and associated fees * Daily breakfast in Cuba Meals as listed in itinerary (5 lunches & 6 dinners, including tips) Air conditioned bus throughout the trip equipped with cold water at all times Admission to all museums, performances and public buildings listed in itinerary Cuba Cultural Travel Escort and local Cuban tour guide Compliance with U.S. Treasury Department Cuban Tourist Card/Visa ** NOT INCLUDED Airline luggage fees Meals other than listed on itinerary or described as on your own Gratuities for guide and driver (recommended amount is 7-10CUC per person per day for guide, and 5-7CUC per person per day for driver) Individualized hotel expenses (mini bar, room service, laundry fees, etc) Trip cancellation insurance PAYMENT DUE DATES DEPOSIT: JUNE 22, 2017 CHECK NO.: YOU MAY RETAIN THIS PAGE FOR YOUR RECORDS. THE FOLLOWING PAGE SHOULD BE REMITTED WITH YOUR DEPOSIT TO SECURE YOUR FINAL PAYMENT: JULY 21, 2017 CHECK NO.: SPACE. BE SURE TO REVIEW THE NOTED CANCELLATION POLICY. You may contact Laura Adams via at Laura@CubaCulturalTravel.com or by phone at (760) Monday thru Friday from 9am to 5pm PST with any questions. Please note, Cuba Cultural Travel is a licensed Tour Operator and California Seller of Travel. * Airfare allowance of $400 included. If airfare costs increase, individuals will be billed the difference in ticket cost. (Frequent flyer and Known Traveler Numbers will be collected at a later date.) ** Cuban born travelers, please contact Cuba Cultural Travel prior to mailing your deposit and reservation form. Registration is on a first come, first served basis with limited enrollment. Confirm your participation by completing and returning this form along with your deposit to the address noted below. Your passport must be valid for 6 months after the dates of travel. If you need to renew your passport, please do so immediately. A note from Cuba Cultural Travel: Trips to Cuba require quite a bit of walking on uneven cobblestone streets along with stairs where an elevator is not always available. Participants must be able to walk unassisted. Please keep these physical requirements in mind when making your reservation. If you require mobility assistance, please contact us directly, prior to completing your reservation form, as Cuba is not adequately able to accommodate physically handicapped persons. To speak with Merle Lomrantz, Director of Member Travel Services for the Newark Museum, please call (973) or her at mlomrantz@newarkmuseum.org.

3 Cuba Cultural Travel is licensed by the U.S. Treasury Department to operate People to People tours in Cuba. A letter of authorization will be provided to you with final travel documents. NEWARK MUSEUM People to People Cultural Exchange Cuba, October 22-29, 2017 REGISTRATION FORM If reserving space in a double, please indicate names of both parties. Deposits may be paid separately. Please note Cuba Cultural Travel does not pair individuals. Deposit must accompany this form to confirm participation. Complete one form per room. Initial here to indicate you understand the passport requirements previously noted: PARTICIPANT INFORMATION: GUEST 1 ADDRESS PHONE U.S. CITIZEN: YES NO CUBAN BORN: YES NO LAST NAME (AS SHOWN ON PASSPORT) FIRST NAME MIDDLE ANSWER YES OR NO TO BOTH STREET ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE HOME CELL OFFICE ** ** ALL INFORMATION, TRAVEL TIPS, FORMS, CONFIRMATIONS, ALT ICES ARE SENT ELECTRONICALLY. GUEST 2* ADDRESS PHONE LAST NAME (AS SHOWN ON PASSPORT) STREET ADDRESS U.S. CITIZEN: YES NO CUBAN BORN: YES NO FIRST NAME MIDDLE ANSWER YES OR NO TO BOTH CITY STATE ZIP CODE HOME CELL OFFICE ** ** ALL INFORMATION, TRAVEL TIPS, FORMS, CONFIRMATIONS, ALT ICES ARE SENT ELECTRONICALLY. * INVOICE INDIVIDUALLY DEPOSITS SENT SEPARATELY ACCOMMODATIONS: (COST PER PERSON) DOUBLE ROOM $4,975 SINGLE ROOM $6,550 IF RESERVING SPACES IN DOUBLE OCCUPANCY, PLEASE PROVIDE BOTH NAMES ABOVE AND INDICATE: 1 KING BED OR 2 DOUBLE BEDS Total amount of check $. Enclose your deposit check payable to Cuba Cultural Travel for the amount of $1,000 per person to reserve your space. Deposit due no later than June 21, Upon receipt of your deposit, a letter of confirmation will be sent to you electronically. Additional information and forms to be completed and returned will be sent at a later date. An invoice for the remaining balance owed will be included at that time. Full payment is due by July 21, PAYMENT: CANCELLATION POLICY:

4 Payments are nontransferable and nonrefundable after the dates noted in the cancellation policy Due to OFAC regulations, payment must be made via personal or business check; or cashier s check issued from a US bank/account CREDIT CARDS, BANK CHECKS ISSUED ONLINE, AND/OR WIRE TRANSFERS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED Cancellations made prior to June 21, 2017 will receive a full refund Cancellations made between June 21 and July 21, 2017 will forfeit full deposit of $1,000 Cancellations after July 21, 2017 will forfeit entire cost of trip All cancellations must be made in writing via to Laura Adams at Laura@CubaCulturalTravel.com By signing below, I hereby agree to the aforementioned cancellation policy. Signature: Date: We strongly recommend you purchase Trip Cancellation Insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances requiring cancellation of your travel. Information on acquiring trip insurance will be sent to you with your letter of confirmation. You will have two weeks from the date of confirmation to apply for insurance for coverage of pre-existing conditions. Please return this form along with your check made payable to CUBA CULTURAL TRAVEL to: CUBA CULTURAL TRAVEL 1215 EL PAISANO DRIVE FALLBROOK, CA Cuba Cultural Travel is licensed by the U.S. Treasury Department to operate People to People tours in Cuba. A letter of authorization will be provided to you with final travel documents.

5 NEWARK MUSEUM JOURNEY TO HAVANA & VIÑALES VALLEY, CUBA Sunday, October 22 to Sunday, October 29, 2017 A People-to-People Educational Exchange Organized by Cuba Cultural Travel Itinerary Subject to Change Day 1 Sunday, October 22 7:30 am Newark Airport Check in. Our flight to Havana is on United Airlines Flight # :18 am Depart for Havana. 1:53 pm Arrive Havana. Clear customs and immigration, a process that takes about 1 hour. The group will be greeted by an English speaking HavanaTur Guide and Driver who will assist us to the bus along with our luggage. Our first stop is the Plaza de la Revolucion. The center of government, this area contains most of the offices of the main ministries and is often used for massive rallies. 4:00 pm Welcome cocktail and check-in to Hotel Parque Central. This five star hotel is considered the finest hotel in Havana and perfectly located in the central part of Havana. All rooms include a safe deposit box free of charge. Hotel Parque Central Neptuno, esquina Prado y Zulueta, Havana, Cuba Tel Cuba Cultural Travel 1 Page Itinerary Subject to Change

6 Some historic landmarks surrounding the hotel that we will explore during our stay include: Havana s Central Park and the first monument erected in Cuba (1904), dedicated to National Hero Jose Marti. Paseo de Marti (El Prado), a tree lined pedestrian promenade leading to the sea. The home of Cuba's former president Jose Miguel Gomez and the lavish Palacio de los Matrimonios. The Capitolio Nacional, a fabulous monumental building inspired in the Capitol model and built in 1929 by Cuban and foreign artists. Gardens designed by famous French landscaper Jean Claude Nicolas Forestier. The Bacardi Building, erected in 1930 and remaining today one of the most fabulous examples of art deco in Cuba. The Sevilla Hotel, remodeled in 1923 by the American firm of Schultze & Weaver, and the recently restored lavish Palacio de los Matrimonios, the former Casino Espanol of Havana, built in 1914 by Luis Dediot. Parque de la Fraternidad. This is Old Taxi central; here you will find all make and models of American cars from the 50 s. It is a great opportunity to mingle and converse with taxi drivers and engage in their favorite subject; their cars. 6:30 pm Depart for our welcome dinner at the famous La Guarida Restaurant. One of the best restaurants in Havana and famous not only for its delectable dining, but also as the location for the film Strawberry and Chocolate. It is housed on the third floor of a large, old town house carrying the charming ambience of the 1920's. 8:30 pm Return to the hotel. Day 2 Monday, October 23 Complimentary Breakfast is served daily at the restaurant in the lobby level from 7:00 am to 10:00 am. The large buffet offers eggs prepared to your liking, imported cheeses & cured meats, cereals, yogurts, fresh breads & pastries, a large variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, chilled juices and hot beverages. 9:30 am Lecture by Arch. Isabel de Risgol, a renowned architectural historian and conservationist. This presentation will take place in a conference room at the Parque Central Hotel. Continue with walking tour of Havana Vieja. Please make sure to wear comfortable shoes! We stroll through the Plaza de San Francisco, a cobbled plaza surrounded by buildings dating from the 18 th century, dominated by the baroque Iglesia and Convento de San Francisco dating from Visit the Plaza Vieja, dating from the 16th century. Learn about the massive historic preservation program which began in this Plaza under the leadership of City Historian, Eusebio Leal. 1:00 pm Lunch at Paladar Mercaderes. This impeccably restored mansion in Havana Vieja is a welcome 2017 Cuba Cultural Travel 2 Page Itinerary Subject to Change

7 retreat from the bustling streets of the old city. Visit the Plaza de Armas, a scenic tree-lined plaza formerly at the center of influence in Cuba. It is surrounded by many of the most historic structures in Havana as well as important monuments. Visit the Taller de Grafica Experimental located on the Plaza de la Catedral. The Taller is more than Havana s printmaking workshop. It is a studio, a school and most of all, an art institution that preserves and develops the sophisticated art of print making. 4:00 pm Return at your own pace via Obispo Street, a pedestrian promenade, stopping at some of the most significant buildings such as the Art Deco Style La Moderna Poesia, the Ambos Mundos Hotel, and the banks of the former Havana Wall Street. Some may choose to visit La Bodeguita del Medio, the most famous of Hemingway s haunts. Dancing and fun where Hemingway enjoyed the famous mojito and famously declared "Mi Daquiri en Floridita y mi Mojito en Bodeguita". Remainder of afternoon free. 6:00 pm Meet in hotel lobby and walk to Centro Asturianos for a private musical performance and dinner. Our evening begins with demonstrative lecture on Cuban Music at Bar Asturias by Prof. Alberto Faya who has been working as a musician, professor and researcher within the Cuban musical world since He has obtained national awards in music and musicology. He will be joined by a trio of musicians who will take us on a musical journey thru the history of Cuba. Refreshments will be served. 7:30 pm Dinner at La Terraza on the 3rd Floor terrace overlooking the Prado. Day 3 Tuesday, October 24 9:45 am Meet in the hotel lobby and walk a short distance to attend a dance performance of the Compañia Irene Rodríguez. We will receive a warm welcome by Irene and her company at the Centro Asturiano. Irene is considered by many to be the finest flamenco dancer in Cuba. 11:15 am Visit Callejon de Hamel, a street in Havana known for its lively murals, rumba, popular with followers of the Santeria religion. Our host and guide will be Elias Aseff, who will explain the role of African religion and culture in Cuba and the importance of Santeria in everyday life. A short walk way is the home of a Babalao who will receive the group and explain about the deities and elaborate alters in the house. Visit to the Arts and Crafts market, a great place to interact with local, everyday artisans. You ll find just about anything here, a great place to find souvenirs or gifts for your friends and family back home. 1:00 pm Lunch at the charming La Divina Pastora overlooking the Castillo del Morro and the Bay Cuba Cultural Travel 3 Page Itinerary Subject to Change

8 Afternoon Possible Artist studio Visits Havana Vieja: Roceo Garcia or Choco (Eduardo Roca Salazar). Choco is internationally recognized for his collagraphs, a printmaking technique where the image is composed from a variety of materials placed on a plate, then inked and pressed. They result in stunning 3-dimensional images. He also works on canvas and produces ceramics. Other artist studio visits TBA: Mabel Pujol or Abel Barroso. 4:00 pm Return to the Hotel. 6:45 pm Meet in the hotel lobby and depart for dinner at Paladar San Cristobal. This cozy paladar has a reputation of excellence in both atmosphere and local cuisine. The food is refined and the nostalgic atmosphere is unforgettable, adorned in a unique style of art nouveau. President Obama and his family recently dined here during their historic visit Cuba. 9:00 pm Return to the hotel. Day 4 Wednesday, October 25 9:30 am We visit the Museum of Cuban Art. The museum is dedicated exclusively to Cuban Art from the earliest days of colonialism to the latest generation of Cuban artists. We will be guided by young art historian Yudith Vargas Riveron. Yudith will be with us for the duration of our artist studio tour. 11:30 am We visit the Kelvin Lopez Art Studio in La Vibora. This famous Cuban contemporary artist is known for his vibrant portrayals of nature and urban landscapes in Cuba. 12:30 pm Lunch at Starbien in Vedado. 2:00 pm After lunch, we visit artist studio 3 y 31. This new cooperative is home to three young and very talented Cuban artists: Adrian Fernandez, Alex Hernandez & Frank Mujica. They belong to an emerging constellation within the island s contemporary visual arts scene working in three different mediums (photography, painting, and drawing) and refined techniques, the artists explore conflicts and problems existing in present day Cuba. The artists will receive us in their studio space and discuss their work. 2:45 pm We visit to the Jorge Godoy Studio. Jorge is an artist and a poet, and you will bear witness to the links between his abstract art and deep human feelings. 3:30pm Visit to the R10 Studio. The atmosphere of the contemporary Cuban Art includes painters and some of the Cuba s best designers. 4:15 pm On our return to the hotel we stop for refreshments and a tour of the iconic Hotel Nacional de Cuba overlooking the Straits of Florida and the Malecón. When it opened in 1930, Cuba was a prime travel destination many illustrious guests including Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, John Wayne, Marlene Dietrich, Marlon Brando, and Ernest Hemingway Cuba Cultural Travel 4 Page Itinerary Subject to Change

9 5:00 pm Time to freshen up for the evening. 6:15 pm Meet in the hotel lobby and depart for an unforgettable private performance by the Orchestra Sinfonica Juvenil (Havana Youth Orchestra). This group of supremely talented music students represents the finest artists of their generation. The orchestra will perform a medley of international classical favorites as well as Cuban compositions. 7:30 pm Dinner at Paladar Miglis - a curious yet delightful mash-up of Scandinavian sensibilities and Cuban flavors. 9:00 pm Return to the hotel. Day 5 Thursday, October 26 9:00 am Group meets in the hotel lobby and boards our bus for our day trip to Viñales Valley. Considered by many to be the most beautiful place in Cuba, the Viñales Valley National Monument holds stunning landscapes. The area is also famous for being the premier tobacco growing area in the world. 11:00 am Arrive in Piñar del Rio for our visit to Proyecto Grabadown. The Grabadown Project was started ten years ago by Jesus Carrete and his daughter Linianna, who was born with Down Syndrome. What began as way for Jesus to share his love of art with his daughter has grown into a wellrespected community project supported by many other families who have discovered the benefits of engaging their special needs children with art and music. Starting with a simple printing press that offered the children a chance to express their creativity, the program has grown into a multidiscipline creative workshop where the children are encouraged to sing, dance, create art and take a more active role within the community. 1:00 pm Arrive Finca Confianza in the valley with stunning views of the mogotes. We will learn about the production of a multitude of organic fruits, vegetables, grain and tobacco. Lunch will be a community event on the farm where we will be served a large variety of organic fresh vegetables, fruits, chicken and roasted pork. This is a true field to table dining experience. 2:30 pm Visit the home of Ramón Vázquez León, an artist born in Viñales, Pinar del Río, who graduated from the National School of Fine Arts in Havana. Ramon creates fantastic worlds full of allusions with his bright colors. 3:30pm Return to Havana. Dinner on your own. Suitable recommendations will be provided. Day 6 Friday, October 27 9:30 am Board bus and depart for panoramic bus tour of the Vedado Neighborhood visiting the most iconic buildings of Havana s modernist movement. Sites include the Habana Libre hotel, The Coppelia Ice Cream parlor, the Pabellon Cuba and the Riviera Hotel. 11:00 am Continue to the dance studio of Company Havana Compas in a unique merging of Spanish dances with the Afro-Cuban rhythms and contemporary dance through new aesthetic codes, in which the female dancers not only dance, but use percussion, using any element at hand: drumsticks, castanets, heels, wooden slippers, claves, chequerés, and percussive chairs Cuba Cultural Travel 5 Page Itinerary Subject to Change

10 12:15 pm Visit to Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA) with Architect Universo Garcia, a key contributor to many renovation projects in Havana. One of the few major architectural projects completed in Cuba in the early 1960s, this remarkable post-revolution campus is the premier school in Cuba for students studying music, visual arts and performing arts. Castro commissioned Cuban architect Ricardo Porro and two Italian architects, Vittorio Garatti and Roberto Gottardi for this tuition-free, educational institute built on a former golf club. "Cuba will count as having the most beautiful academy of arts in the world. Fidel Castro (1961) 1:30 pm Lunch at the contemporary La Foresta in the Playa neighborhood. This upscale restaurant features a garden terrace, spacious lounge area and delicious, contemporary cuisine. 3:30 pm Tour the whimsical home & studio of artist José Fuster who has made a major contribution to rebuilding and decorating the fishing town of Jaímanitas in the outskirts of Havana, where he lives. Jaímanitas is now a unique work of public art where Fuster has decorated over 80 houses with colorful ornate murals and domes. 5:00 pm Return to the hotel. 7:00 pm Depart for dinner at the Arte Culinaria, the newest venture at the popular Fabrica de Arte Cubano (FAC), a collaborative arts venue in Havana featuring theatre, dance, live music, and contemporary art exhibitions. The creative chef from Paladar Atelier has created a unique menu for this thriving hot spot. Enjoy priveleged access to the collection before and after we dine. Day 7 Saturday October 28 9:30 am Lecture by Juan Alejandro Triana, a graduate of the University of Havana and a faculty member of the Department of Economics at the Instituto Politechnico Jose Echevarria (ISPJAE). His research and publications have focused on micro-financing in Cuba and Cuba-U.S. economic relations. He will explain the changing policies of privately owned businesses in Cuba and the concept of microfinancing and how it differs from similar programs in other countries. This presentation will take place in a conference room at the Parque Central Hotel. Lunch on your own. Some may choose Paladar Al Carbon by Chef Ivan Justo located steps from the hotel. Remainder of afternoon free to explore Havana Vieja or enjoy the Hotel amenities. Optional visit to the Comunidad Religiosa Hebrea Adath Israel de Cuba in Havana Vieja. In 1952, the total Jewish population reached around 15,000 with approximately 75% of them living in Havana and the rest in the other provinces except Pinar del Rio. Today there are 1,500 Jews living in Cuba. Today there is an increase in the numbers of young practicing Jews due to the flexibility of accepting not just those born to Jewish mothers but to converts with no family histories. Although only a small fraction of the Jews in Cuba today have parents who are both Jewish, the community is part of the ajiaco (literally a stew or melting pot) that is the Cuban nationality. TO BE ARRANGED 2017 Cuba Cultural Travel 6 Page Itinerary Subject to Change

11 BY YOUR ESCORT. Optional Dance demonstration and lessons at La Casa del Son in Havana Vieja located a few blocks from the hotel. Meet with several dancers for a dance presentation by professional dancers Silvia and Raymond, followed by a Salsa lesson for those interested. TO BE ARRANGED BY YOUR ESCORT. 7:30 pm Meet in the hotel lobby and board Classic Convertibles. Depart for cocktails and dinner in the private home of your escort Oscar Fernandez. Oscar will invite Cuban contemporary artists and an art curator invited to discuss current trends on Cuban art. Live music in an elegant setting with refined food and drink make for a memorable evening. Day 8 Sunday, October 29 Morning Free. 11:30 am Check-out of the hotel and depart for the airport. 2:53 pm Depart Havana United Air Flight # :18 pm Arrive Newark. * Tips may be given to your Cuban guide and driver at this time. The recommended tip is a minimum of 710 CUC per day, per passenger for your guide and a minimum of 5-7 CUC pesos per day, per passenger for your driver. BE SURE TO COLLECT YOUR BELONGINGS FROM THE SAFE DEPOSIT BOX IN YOUR ROOM: PASSPORT VISA PLANE TICKET LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION Please Note: This is a working itinerary. There may be some changes, additions and/or subtractions to the final itinerary. All venues and artist studios are subject to final confirmations. Be assured that any changes made will be done to enhance the total program and promote a smooth operation of the tour. Note about Purchasing Art or other Cuban products: The U.S. Government allows U.S. travelers to bring back an unlimited amount of Cuban art and informational materials such as books and CDs. If you feel you might be interested in purchasing art during your stay in Cuba you should carry additional money to pay on the spot. Your hotel room includes a safe deposit box in which you can keep your valuables safe. Pursuant to the regulation changes on January 16, 2015; in addition to bringing back art, U.S. Citizens are now permitted to import goods for personal consumption including alcohol and tobacco products; normal duty taxes apply. Acquiring additional money via an ATM machine in Cuba is not possible at this time. Some of the more established artists could possibly have U.S. bank accounts in which the payment can be wired. The art can normally be brought home and payment sent at a future date. Our first recommendation is that you bring additional cash. For more details about travel to Cuba please visit our website: Cuba Cultural Travel 7 Page Itinerary Subject to Change

12 Please contact for questions regarding the itinerary Cuba Cultural Travel 8 Page Itinerary Subject to Change