The Light - An Alumni Publication Winter 2014/2015 | Page 7

TRAVEL

YFU: What would you say to tour participants about
the citizens of Cuba?
Lopez: Cubans are friendly, warm, communicative,
enthusiastic and hospitable people. It is uncommon
to meet a Cuban who is not outgoing and fond
of festivals, music and especially dancing. Most
Cubans find it easy to joke around about almost
anything, even hardships and difficulties.
The Cuban people have endured 53 years of a
U.S. economic embargo that has severely burdened
the entire population. The Cuban people have
always welcomed American visitors and have been
able to separate the political differences between the
U.S. YFU will be a great ambassador delegation,
and who knows, maybe soon we will be the first
to open the way for a student exchange program
between both nations helping to heal the wounds of
decades of isolation.
YFU: This is a really unique opportunity for
Americans to travel to Cuba. What parts of the tour
do you like the most?  
Lopez: The island has nine United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) world heritage sites. They’re architectural
gems that have not been discovered by Americans
from this generation.

You’ll never forget your visit to the National
Museum of Fine Arts in Havana. The collection
ranges from the traditional to the modern. It’s as
good as any museum in New York.
Participants will also enjoy the Cuban cuisine.
It is much more inventive than just black beans and
rice. Because of the embargo, they don’t always
have the best ingredients, but they sure make do.
Paladares, privately owned restaurants that are often
run by families (sometimes out of their homes), have
become popular in recent years. They are intended
to give tourists a truly authentic Cuban experience.
YFU: Why should YFU alumni or anyone else travel
to Cuba?
Lopez: The announcement to re-establish diplomatic
relations makes this trip a historical time to visit
Cuba. It is the most sensual island in the Caribbean
and has been frozen in time for American visitors.
Cuba is full of friendly people, amazing geography,
and has 250-plus museums and 500 years of
historical sites. Havana’s architecture is magnificent,
and dance, culture and great cuisine are
everywhere. This is a truly educational experience!

Learn more about YFU’s
tour provider Interplanner, or
better yet, sign up with YFU
and be accompanied to Cuba by
Lopez and YFU USA’s President and
CEO, as you enjoy the exchange
experience one more time!
YFUUSA.ORG/TOURS
YFU

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