2010 Librarians, Writers and Bibliophiles Havana Book Fair Tour 2010 Librarians, Writers and Bibliophiles Havana Book Fair Tour
No Swine Flu in Cuba Graphic No Fear of Catching Swine Flu in Cuba!
Don't postpone travel to the healthiest nation in the Americas. As of all is copacetic on the island. Click here for Cuba travel alerts.
Tropical book. Read what 2009 Havana Book Fair Tour members say about Cuba.
Twenty-one librarians, writers and bibliophiles joined us in Cuba on the 18th Havana International Book Fair Tour in February 2009. They were enthusiastically welcomed, indeed embraced, by Cubans from all walks of life during our many encounters over eight days. We warmly welcome all who love the written word to travel with us in February 2010. The journey opens eyes and changes outlooks on literature and life forever.

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2010 Librarians, Writers and Bibliophiles Havana Book Fair Tour
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
CITIES AND SITES VISITS
Ancient and modern Havana
Matanzas City and province
Fabulous Varadero Beach!
TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotel Havana Libre
Hotel Habana Libre A Luxurious respite during an action packed itinerary at this historic five star facility.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
all-inclusive beach resort Brisas Trinidad del Mar
A special afternoon for reflection and relaxation on the world-famed beaches of Varadero!
Visit Cuban libraries, and meet directors and staff
Attend the 19th Havana International Book Fair
Visit the famed book publisher Ediciones Vigía
Special visit with the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples to learn about issues facing Cuba today
Tour the Museum of Literacy dedicated to the 380,000 young women and men who volunteered to teach reading and writing to their island compatriots in 1961
Private guided walking tour of the main historical sites of Old Havana
Attend a regal cannon firing ceremony dating from 1519
Tour the University of Havana and meet with professors and students to understand Cuba's education system
Explore evening venues where the best Cuban music is performed
Salsa, cha cha chá, and rumba dance lessons by Cuban pros
Take part in a special community sponsored block party for librarians and book lovers
Witness the largest collection of colonial-era architecture in the Americas and inspect restoration and preservation efforts
CUBAN BOOK RESOURCES
Dana Lubow's Cuban Internet Resources 3900 island sites listed
"Independent Libraries" in Cuba exposed by Rhonda L. Neugebauer
Cuban Libraries Solidarity Group
American Library Association (ALA) research articles on Cuban libraries

Official 2010 Cuban poster for the XIX Havana International Book Fair. Official Cuban poster for the XIX Havana Int'l Book Fair. Click image to enlarge. If you'd like a high resolution PDF file suitable for reproduction, .
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Saturday 13 to Saturday 20 February 2010 Colorful quill for penning colorful thoughts and ideas.
Eight days on the grand island of the Caribbean during the 19th Havana International Book Fair where dozens of countries and scores of publishers exhibit their wares
Meet Cuban intellectuals and writers and learn about issues of freedom of expression on the island
Visit museums, cultural and historical centers, libraries, publishing houses, and attend special ceremonies 19th Annual Librarians, Writers and Bibliophiles Havana Book Fair 2010 Tour
Relish the island's best food and entertainment all in the five star comfort of the famed Hotel Habana Libre

Photo of Cuba
Cuban President Raul Castro makes surprise visit at the Book Fair. Photo Jose Goitia

2010 Librarians, Writers and Bibliophiles Havana Book Fair Tour
BE A SPECIAL guest at the Havana International Book Fair [Feria Internacional del Libro de La Habana]. Visit Cuban libraries, meet Cuban authors, converse with members of writers and cultural associations, tour museums, schools and intellectual institutions all involved in the written word. This year's Book Fair theme is To Read is to Grow. The country of honor is Russia. The Fair is dedicated to Cuban scribes Reynaldo González, National Literature Prize Laureate, and María del Carmen Barcía, National Social Sciences Prize Laureate. This year's event commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the National Press of Cuba. Learn about the history of the Book Fair.

Logo for official Cuba Education Tours.
51 years of literacy
This official tour has special recognition on the island and is designed by Cuban library and publishing professionals for North American participants to candidly examine the wealth of Cuban and Latin American literature, its production, distribution and role in culture and society.

Cuba Education Tours expert multilingual guide
The program is fully escorted from the minute you touch down in Havana until you return home. While on the island you're in the conscientious care of our expert multilingual Cuban guide together with our professional bus chauffeur. Our Canadian and Cuban staff ensures worry free Cuba travel before, during and after your tour.

Time to schedule your Cuba Tour
Time to commit. This tour is limited in size and fills up fast (see costs). Consider registering now. Shy, budget-minded or independent? Learn the benefits of group Cuba travel.
TOUR ACTIVITIES LEGEND
2010 Librarians, Writers and Bibliophiles Havana Book Fair Tour icon Crow with Book icon for library and book fair events Cuban dance icon Shoe icon for music and dance activities
Cuban history and architecture icon Turret icon for history and architecture Cuban culture icon Face icon for art, museum, and education visits
Cuban nature icon Owl icon for nature and ecology romps Cuba Education Tours Meals included icon Fork icon for tour meals included
Beautiful Cuban beaches logo Ball icon for beach, sun and swimming Cuban fun and free time icon Smiling icon for free time and leisure
Hint BLUE text links across this site offer extensive details and pictures.

Legal Cuba Travel License for Americans
USA travelers This program is legal and licensable for professionals whose work is related to this tour's theme. LegalCubaTravel.com provides an easy step-by-step application kit. If you don't qualify for licensed travel there are alternatives! Contact us.

Hello Cuba Girl
Travel for change Cuba Education Tours is a Vancouver Canada based organization dedicated to green, ethical travel that benefits Cubans and our guests.

Five star treatment with Cuba Education ToursFive star treatment round-the-clock from our Cuban and Canadian staff ensures worry free travel abroad.

Included in costs are all activities listed below unless noted otherwise.

Cuba Education Tours private fuel-efficient luxury tour coach chauffeured by a professional driver.
Island transportation You travel in a private fuel-efficient luxury air-conditioned tour coach chauffeured by a fulltime professional driver.

Meals All breakfasts are included as well as some lunches and dinners. Your guide is glad to suggest eateries for every taste and budget.

Cuban airlines
Getting to Cuba Call 1-877-687-3817 toll free or email us. We can help.

Cuban water lilly
Memories of Cuba last forever. Discover the island on routes less traveled with Cuba Education Tours.

Stained glass window over main entrance to the José Martí National Library in Havana "My Best Friend," detail of bookplate from the archives of the José Martí National Library.
Left Stained glass window over main entrance to the José Martí National Library in Havana. Right "My Best Friend," bookplate detail from the archives of the Library. Source: Cuban Libraries Solidarity Group

To know how to read is to know how to walk. To know how to write is to know how to climb. – José Martí, hero of Cuban independence

Early Cuban printing press.
The printing press arrived in Cuba in 1720, nearly 125 years after European settlement. The first publication was General Tariff for Medical Prices in 1723. This year over 1,600 new titles will be printed and 16 million copies distributed.
CLICK TO REVIEW EACH TOUR DAY :: 01 :: 02 :: 03 :: 04 :: 05 :: 06 :: 07 :: 08 ::
Day 1 :: SATURDAY HELLO CUBA To Top
Rooftops in Old Havana.
Rooftops in Old Havana.
African children who benefit from the assistance of Cuban doctors.
Cuban girls perform folk dance.
One-in-ten cars in Cuba are pre-1959.
One-in-ten cars in Cuba are pre-1959. Click photo to enlarge.
Cuban jazz musician in Havana
Alive with music at every corner.
The capital city of Havana as seen from the fortress El Morro, across the harbor
The capital city of Havana as seen from the fortress El Morro, across the harbor from your hotel.

Arrival at Havana's José Martí International Airport.

Collect your bags and go through customs. See What to take to Cuba.

You're welcomed at the airport by your Cuba Education Tours guide and professional bus chauffeur.

Your Cuba Education Tours guide will direct you to a bank or exchange bureau (CADECA) to purchase Cuban Convertible Pesos.

Hotel Nacional
Group transfer to the Hotel Habana Libre located in Vedado, the heart of Havana's cultural and entertainment district.

Mojito. Yum!
Private check-in with assistance from your guide.

Evening is free for you to settle in, rest up, explore Vedado's vibrant music milieu or stroll the Malecón seawall next to your hotel.

All breakfasts are complementary and served daily from 7:00am to 10:00am. Special dinners are included on Days 2 and 7. Your guide is available to suggest eateries for every taste and budget for meals not included in tour package.

Old car in Havana
José Martí International airport in Havana
José Martí International Airport in Havana – a colorful welcome.

TIME AND CLIME IN HAVANA



LONG RANGE FORECAST HERE
Havana's Malecón seawall
Havana's Malecón seawall near your hotel – a place for relaxation and new friendships.
Most common questions 1 Is Cuban food good? It's healthy and tasty but not spicy. 2 Am I free to ask any question? You'll insult your island hosts by being less than candid. 3 Is the water safe? Yes, but we suggest bottled water for peace of mind. 4 Are vaccinations needed? No. 5 Can Americans join? They are especially welcome to do so! 6 Can I stay in Cuba after the tour? Absolutely and we are glad to help. 7 Do Cubans like tips? Yes, please see our Gratuities Guidelines.
Colorful Cuban Tody.
Colorful indigenous Cuban Tody.
Logo for the definitive guide to endemic birds of Cuba.
CUBA IS THE LARGEST and least commercialized island in the Caribbean. It hosts 6000 plant species, half of which are endemic. There are 20 million palms in Cuba comprised of 30 species. Other flora includes the rare cork palm, a holdout from the cretaceous period; the jagüey, a fig with aerial roots; the palma barrigona (pot belly palm); the ceiba (sacred silk-cotton tree); and the mariposa (butterfly jasmine, Cuba's national flower). The most abundant land fauna is reptilian: crocodiles, iguanas, lizards, salamanders, turtles and 15 species of nonpoisonous snakes. The biggest land mammal is the jutía, a tree dwelling rodent the size of a cocker spaniel. The native bee hummingbird or zunzún is the world's smallest warm-blooded vertebrate weighing between 1.6 and 1.8 grams. The Cuban trogon or tocororo is the national bird – its red, blue and white plumage reflecting the colors of the Cuban flag.
Day 2 :: SUNDAY EXPLORING THE BOOK FAIR AND CUBAN CULTURE To Top
Old building in Havana which has been restored
Example of restoration in Old Havana.
Cuban mime
Street pantomime in Old Havana.
Photo of the Capitolio as seen from the Malecón seawall
View of the Capitolio from the Malecón seawall.
El Capitolio dome
Inside view of the dome of El Capitolio.
Exterior of the Cathedral of Havana Interior of the Cathedral of Havana
Exterior and interior of the Cathedral of Havana initiated by Jesuits in 1748 and completed in 1777. Click photos for larger view.
Cubans at the Havana International Book Fair.
Cubans, in their thirst for literature, queue in thousands to enter the fair.
Cubans at the Havana International Book Fair.
Islanders of all ages eagerly browse new titles. The island has the highest rate of literacy in the Americas. Photo Javier Galeano
Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña
Interior vaulted ceiling chamber in the Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña serves as exhibit space for a book vendor from Spain. Photo Javier Galeano
Havana's Gran Teatro.
Ornate filigree and statuary adorn Havana's Gran Teatro where the National Ballet performs. Click photo for view of interior.

Morning walking tour of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll visit four of the five historic plazas that make Havana unique in the western hemisphere. It contains the largest collection of remaining colonial-era architecture. This is a private tour led by your Cuba Education Tours guide.

Cathedral Square, the most beautiful and private 19th century colonial plaza on the island. Named after the masterpiece of Cuban baroque architecture: the Catedral de San Cristóbal de La Habana built by the Jesuit order.
Square of Arms, an ancient military parade ground for Spanish soldiers, surrounded by impressive buildings such as:
Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, former seat of colonial government. Today the building houses the Museum of the City.
Palacio del Segundo Cabo, seat of the second authority of the island. Today it houses important publishing concerns.
Museo de Artesania at Castillo de la Real Fuerza, the second oldest fortress built by the Spaniards in the West Indies. Today it displays treasures of artistic ceramics by the most prestigious Cuban artists from the middle of the last century to present. The institution is host to the Ceramic Biennial.
We continue onto San Francisco Square, one of the oldest plazas in the historical quarter. The square is named after magnificent Iglesia y Monasterio de San Francisco de Asís dating from the 16th century. The basilica is a striking example of Cuba baroque architecture.

Musicians at La Mina restaurant.
Plaza Vieja in Old Havana.
And later to Plaza Vieja, the only civic square of colonial times. Absent are churches and government buildings, and is in contrast surrounded by opulent aristocratic 17th century residences. We'll visit an important center for the visual arts.

Free time in the famous open-air handicraft market near Cathedral Square where you can purchase all sorts of crafts and souvenirs by local artisans.

Followed by a visit to La Cabaña Fortress, seat of the Havana International Book Fair to explore exhibition pavilions and meet local exhibitors, publishers and writers. The Book Fair is a Cuban festival that focuses on the promotion of books and writing. It's known in Spanish as Feria Internacional del Libro de La Habana. The fair first took place in 1982, and now unfolds annually between the months of February and March. It is launched in Havana's Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña before extending to other cities across the island, concluding in the eastern metropolis of Santiago de Cuba. Over 100 publishing houses from Latin America and beyond present their books and catalogues.

Musicians at La Mina Restaurant.
Musicians at La Mina restaurant.
Group welcome dinner at La Mina Restaurant where you'll enjoy traditional Cuban dishes and live music!

Tour highlight Tonight we have a Cuban band playing for us. You'll learn how to play and dance to Salsa, Son, Rumba, Mambo and other popular Cuban rhythms from the band members of Grupo Dulce María.
Day 3 :: MONDAY MATANZAS, VARADERO, CUBAN PUBLISHER, BEACH To Top
Book from Ediciones Vigía in Matanzas.
Detail of page from Ediciones Vigía book produced by hand from "found materials."
Playa Ancón
Varadero is fun, clean and safe. It is considered amongst the top ten most fab beaches in the world. Click photo or here for an enlarged photo.
Cuban bongo player Cuban beach boy
Musicians and kids play on the beach.
Baby sea turtle in Cuba
Baby sea turtle. Cuba's beaches are perfect for snorkeling and water sports.
Cuban soldiers fire the 9PM cannon
Soldiers fire the 9PM Cannon.
Book from Ediciones Vigía in Matanzas.
Original hand made books on display at Ediciones Vigía. Photo source: CubanArtSpace.net

Program highlight Morning departure to Matanzas. We stop for a visit and tour of Ediciones Vigía, and meet with its director and other members of this most unique publishing collective located in the city of Matanzas located in the western province of the same name. It fabricates books by hand using the most basic materials, techniques and equipment. The results are shocking artistry that has raised the reputation of this once obscure operation to international acclaim. Established in 1985 as an artist and printers cooperative, Ediciones Vigía began publishing some of Cuba's most important writers including Pablo Armando Fernandez, Cintio Vitier, Eliseo Diego, Nancy Morejon, Fina Garcia Marruz, and Roberto Fernandez Retamar. In the 1990s, it started to reproduce works by contemporary authors worldwide. A recent edition, for example, pays homage to Spanish poet and playwright Federico García Lorca (1898-1936) issued on the 70th anniversary of his murder by fascists.

The collective's artistic director Rolando Estévez, who also creates award-winning illustrations, designs many of Vigía's books. Dozens of other local and national artists also contribute designs and drawings. Shortages of paper forced the collective to produce their own that incorporates leaves, yarn and other found materials as ingredients. As a result, Vigía's limited edition (200-run average), hand-decorated books for adults and children have an authenticity without equal. The books are wonders to behold and each page brings surprises.

Beach afternoon! Don't forget your swimwear and sunscreen; el sol shines stronger on the island! Varadero's wondrous white sand beaches rival the best sun destinations in the world. This is a great occasion to sunbathe, swim, snorkel, relax and spend time with your new Cuban friends and tourmates. Other more exotic aquatic activities and services are available for very reasonable fees.

Cuban students watch the firing of the 9PM cannon
Students watch the blast of the 9PM Cannon.
Evening highlight Tonight we witness a most dramatic ceremony – El Cañonazo – the Firing of the 9PM Cannon at the Fortress of San Carlos de La Cabaña. This enchanting colonial reenactment dates back to 1519 when the city of Havana was enclosed by a tall thick rock wall to ward off attacks from pirates and the English. The cannon firing signaled the closing of the city gates for the night. If you were outside at the time, you were in "vedado" or the forbidden zone. Today Vedado is an important cultural hub and beautiful section of modern Havana.
Crystal clear waters in Cuba
Day 4 :: TUESDAY UNIVERSITY OF HAVANA, UNEAC, ICAP, CDR FIESTA To Top
University of Havana Alma Mater statue.
University of Havana Alma Mater. The institution was founded in 1728 and is considered worldwide as an esteemed institution of higher learning.
University of Havana Alma Mater statue.
Popular poster against tightening the economic blockade of Cuba by G.W. Bush. It asserts island youth will not be bought or deceived. Youngster puts Bush's demands in trash bin. Click poster for larger view.
Casa de la Amistad where the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples is headquartered.
Entrance to the Casa de la Amistad where we'll meet with representatives of the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP).
Dr Delio J. Carreras Cuevas
Dr Delio Carreras' sense of humor is infectious.

Visit to the University of Havana, led by its distinguished official historian and professor of law Dr Delio J. Carreras Cuevas, we'll tour the campus, the beautiful Aula Magna where opening ceremonies for conferences and other important functions are held, the law library and meet students from that faculty. Dr Carreras has hosted world leaders such as Hugo Chavez, Pope John Paul II and Jimmy Carter, among other luminaries. The University of Havana, founded in 1728, is an esteemed institute of higher learning with academic ties to venerable universities in Canada, Europe and Latin America.

Logo of the Union of Cuban Writers and Artists (UNEAC).
Logo of the Union of Cuban Writers and Artists.
This afternoon you're an honored guest at an exclusive encounter with members of the Union of Cuban Writers and Artists [UNEAC - Unión Nacional de Escritores y Artistas de Cuba]. The critical and influential voice of this collective (labor union) of creative workers founded immediately following the victory of the 1959 Revolution, has profoundly shaped the every aspect of island culture, most importantly in the free expression of ideas which as come to characterize – no less serve as a foundation for the meteoric rise, recognition and embrace of Cuba arts, culture and society nationally and globally.

Logo of Instituto Cubano de Amistad con los Pueblos (ICAP).
Logo of Instituto Cubano de Amistad con los Pueblos.
Followed by a visit to our island host organization the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples [Instituto Cubano de Amistad con los Pueblos – ICAP] at their beautiful facilities known as Casa de la Amistad [Friendship House]. This 1926 mansion was once the home of a sugar baron.

ICAP WAS founded on December 30, 1960, as a result of the enthusiasm and solidarity that arose everywhere in the world after the victory of the Cuban Revolution. Its purpose was to receive, assist and organize educational, cultural and volunteer activities for newfound friends of the island. Today, ICAP is an independent NGO. Its objective is the promotion of friendship with Cuba through political, social and cultural understanding. The organization has chapters across the island. It sponsors numerous activities for foreigners visiting Cuba. ICAP maintains relations with hundreds of organizations around the world affectionate to Cuba. At this afternoon's meeting will learn more about ICAP and challenges facing Cuba today.

Poster for a local Committee for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR)
Child safety, action against domestic violence, health care, and general well being are first concerns of this block watch-type organization with chapters spanning every couple hundred residents across the island. CDRs also ensure that detailed electoral information is provided on all candidates, and every vote diligently counted. Voting booth and ballot integrity is entrusted to primary level students on voting days.
This evening you're again a special guest at a festive gathering of at a local Committee for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR). CDRs are responsible for the well being, education, sanitation and safety of people in their neighborhoods. This event is held for participants of the Librarians, Writers and Bibliophiles 2010 Cuba Tour! Tip: Be a good guest. Plan to take snacks for the kids, and rum and coke for the adults.
Afrocuban dance in Havana. Afrocuban dance in Havana. Afrocuban dance in Havana. Afrocuban dance in Havana.
Afrocuban dance in Havana. African and Spanish heritages have combines to create a rich unique culture. Photos Barbara Fudge
Day 5 :: WEDNESDAY LIFE OF CUBAN LITERARY TITAN JOSE MARTI To Top
1976 poster for 75th anniversary of the Biblioteca Nacional José Martí.
1976 poster for 75th anniversary of the Biblioteca Nacional José Martí.
Commemorative stamp issued in 1967 for Biblioteca Nacional José Martí
Stamp issued in 1967 for Biblioteca Nacional José Martí.
Scholarly journal published by the Biblioteca Nacional José Martí
Scholarly journal published by the Biblioteca Nacional José Martí.
Young people inspect new titles at the book fair
Young people inspect new titles at the book fair. Photo Javier Galeano
Library at the Havana synagogue known as the Patronato
Library at the Havana synagogue known as the Patronato.

Havana as seen from La Cabaña Fortress, site of the 19th International Book Fair.

Tour feature Morning visit to the José Martí National Library [Biblioteca Nacional José Martí] and have a special meeting with its director and staff. This institution, founded in 1901, celebrates over a century of ardent dedication reflecting every aspect of Cuban cultural life in print, focusing on Cuba's key literature, arts, fine arts, history and science. Its collections hold the greatest value to the heritage of the nation, many of its editions exist only in the library. It holds vast treasures whose value is of import to the entire "New World" or "Our Americas," as the Cubans say. The library makes every attempt, despite lack of resources resulting from the U.S. blockade, to honor both tradition and attempt modern renewal. It is a living repository of the vital writings of outstanding Cuban intellectuals past and present.

Followed by a guided tour of the Memorial José Martí and the Martí Museum at the Plaza de La Revolución. Click here for a brief overview of the life of José Martí.

Remainder of the day is yours for personal exploration at La Cabaña Fortress, seat of the 19th International Book Fair of Havana. It's a great occasion for exchanges with local exhibitors, publishers and writers, and a chance to participate in official activities.

Club La Zorra y El Cuervo
Evening suggestion Dance to Afrojazz, Cubajazz and Sonjazz at Club La Zorra y El Cuervo [The Fox and the Raven] featuring astonishing performances by island bands and soloists! It is frequented by artists, students, dancers, and foreign guests (entrance free of 10 CUC not included in cost).
Biblioteca Nacional José Martí
Biblioteca Nacional José Martí. Click here or photo for larger view.
Statue of and monument to national hero José Martí.
The statue of and monument to national hero José Martí dominates the Plaza de La Revolución. Fidel Castro had a unique role as a young attorney in the development of the monument.
Ancient map of Havana.
British map from 1763 shows plan of the original walled city of La Habana (founded in 1519). The city was occupied by British and Canadian colonial troops from 1762 to 1763. Spain settled the dispute by trading Florida for the return of Havana. Click here or on map for another British occupation map of Havana from 1762. Try to identify this section of Havana on a modern interactive Google Map of Cuba.
Day 6 :: THURSDAY VISIT TO THE LITERACY MUSEUM To Top
"Yo Si Puedo" means "Yes I Can" learn to read 2006 commemorative stamp issued on 45th anniversary of the Literacy Campaign.
Left Plaque at Literacy Museum: "Yo Sí Puedo" means "Yes I Can" learn to read. Right 2006 commemorative stamp issued on 45th anniversary of the Literacy Campaign known in Cuba as "Alfabetización."
Taíno Indian Chief Hatuey

FIRST HERO OF THE CUBAN PEOPLE
Taíno Indian Chief Hatuey from the island of Hispanolia traveled to and warned his Cuban counterparts about the horrific dangers of the impending Spanish invasion in the year 1511. Read about his legendary struggle – that of the premier independence and resistance fighter in our Americas who staked his life for freedom from foreign occupation and thralldom.
Youth at a Cuban baseball game
Youth at a Cuban baseball game.
Lord Byng faculty Richard Harris and 2009 LB Cuba tour student.
Why is this photo of John Lennon here? Click it to find out.
Cuba school girls.

Museum of Literacy
Museum of Literacy at Liberty City near Havana.
Morning visit to Museo de la Alfabetización (Museum of Literacy) that exhibits relics of the 1961 literacy campaign. We'll meet with museum director Susana Morejon, who will in addition to explaining the literacy campaign, talk about how Cuba's literacy model is now used in Venezuela, Bolivia and other Latin American countries.

Prior to the Revolution a quarter of adult Cubans were illiterate and another million were semi literate. Ten thousand teachers were unemployed and 70% of the rural population had no schools. After 1959 all private schools were nationalized and education became free and universal. Former military garrisons were turned into schools. In 1961 all schools were closed for eight months and some 250,000 students and teachers were sent to rural areas to teach reading and writing, laying the foundation for Cuba's stellar literacy rate today. This campaign brought tens of thousands of city youth into contact with the country people, breaking down racial barriers and instilling a spirit of national cohesion.

Remainder of the day is yours for personal exploration at La Cabaña Fortress, seat of the 19th International Book Fair of Havana. It's a great occasion for exchanges with local exhibitors, publishers and writers, and a chance to participate in official activities.

Depending upon the playoff schedule, we'll attend a baseball game in Havana – always a rousing, friendly experience. Baseball is Cuba's national sport.
Havana vegetable market
Fresh from urban organic gardens: farmers market in Havana.
Cuban jutía.
The jutía, native to Cuba, is a large rodent the size of a cocker spaniel. They dwell in trees and are vegetarians. Jutías are the preferred breakfast of crocodiles and the largest endemic island mammal.
Cuba Crocodile.
Cuba Crocodile The endangered Crocodylus rhombifer is found only in Cuba's Zapata Swamp and the Isle of Youth. It jumps to feed by thrusting its powerful tail and can leap up to four-and-a-half meters (15 feet) from the water to snatch arboreal animals such as jutías from overhanging branches. Today, barely 4,500 Cuban crocodiles remain in the wild. Photo Dan Macintosh.
Cuban Organic Bananas Cuban Organic Coffee beans Cuban Organic Cucumbers Cuban Organic Pineapple Cuban Organic Sweet Potatoes Cuban Organic Eggplant Cuban Organic Avocados
Some among many staples grown organically in Havana and Pinar del Río provinces: Left to right Bananas, coffee beans, cucumbers, pineapple, sweet potatoes, eggplant, and avocados.
Day 7 :: FRIDAY CASA DE LAS AMERICAS, BOOK FAIR EXPLORATION To Top
Vamos a Cuba

Vamos a Cuba [Visit to Cuba], a kid's travelogue written for 8 to 10 year olds, was yanked from south Florida schools by extremists in the Miami-Dade County school board because it portrayed island youth as being too happy. The ban is being fought by librarians and the ACLU. On February 6, 2009 the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that Miami-Dade County School District is allowed to remove the book. The ACLU promises further legal action.
Cuban boy at the Havana International Book Fair.
Cubans of all ages attend Book Fair events. In 2009 over 600,000 visited. Photo Reno Massola
Official logo of the Havana International Book Fair.
The book combined with a peace dove in the blue, red and white colors of the Cuban flag is the official logo of the Havana International Book Fair.
Festive dance and music performances during the Havana International Book Fair.
Festive dance and music performances take place constantly during the Book Fair.
Trinidad de Cuba, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO
Castle Morro and La Cabaña Fortress as seen from Havana.

Casa de las Américas HQ in Vedado, Havana, Cuba.
Casa de las Américas in Vedado.
Tour feature Morning visit to the Casa de las Américas and meeting with its staff. This first-class arts institution was founded by Haydée Santamaría (1923-1980), one of several female participants in the Moncada rebellion of 1953. Her advocacy to make culture paramount resulted just four months after the 1959 Cuban Revolution, in the establishment of the Casa de las Américas. Its purpose is to research, support, publish and promote the works of Latin American writers, sculptors, musicians and artists. This esteemed institution bestows the Casa de las Américas prize, one of Latin America's oldest and most prestigious artistic awards to both professionals and students. Some scholars and writers of note who have won this prize are Edward Brathwaite, Eduardo Galeano, Susana Rotker, Françoise Perus, Beatriz González-Stephan and Luis Britto García. Today the Casa is recognized globally as the stalwart Latin American cultural authority.

Today is yours for further exploration of the La Cabaña Fortress, seat of the 19th International Book Fair of Havana. It's a great occasion for exchanges with local exhibitors, publishers and writers, and a chance to participate in official activities.

Program highlight Farewell group dinner at Café del Oriente! This elegant eatery with its beautiful patterned marble floor, high ceilings, and dark wainscoted walls is considered tops in the city. The menu is one of the more extravagant in Havana, offering exotic entrees available nowhere else.

Café del Oriente is situated in the Plaza San Francisco.

Café del Oriente in Havana.
Cuban cane cutters dance from the 1930s.
1930s photo of a Cuban sugar cane cutters dance. Island music and movement has its origins in labor combined with the admixture of African and Spanish cultures known as syncretism. Below Youth rehearse modern machete dance.

Modern Cuban machete dance.
Cuban students at the 2009 Havana Book Fair.
Cuban students peruse new acquisition at 2009 Havana Book Fair. Photo Reno Massola
1959 office of Comandante Ernesto Che Guevara at the La Cabaña Fortress.
1959 office of Comandante Che Guevara at the La Cabaña Fortress.
Day 8 :: SATURDAY GOODBYE CUBA, HELLO NORTH AMERICA To Top
KEEP IN TOUCH with your new Cuban friends – exchange email addresses! Bring some business cards to pass out on the island. Take pictures and keep a journal. Upon your return, we'll post them on this website for all to see and enjoy.
Green Anolis from Cuba.
Green Anolis. Lizards are ubiquitous in Cuba. The island has 73 known native species and this number is growing. They are not aggressive, don't bite, nor are they poisonous.


Early morning transfer to Havana's José Martí Int'l Airport for your return home. Don't forget to save 25.00 CUC for your Cuban airport departure fee and some money for meals on the airplane.
Want to stay longer in Cuba following your tour? Contact us and we will help make it happen.


Old Cuban saying, "a true friend remembers the song in your heart when you have forgotten the lyrics."
Cuban flower.
Goodbye Cuba girl We'll miss you and hope you return soon!
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