Our IFAM trip to Cuba, led by Peggy Gaustad, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each day was packed with eye-opening adventures.

We visited art galleries, museums, and individual artists' studio and were welcomed to professional dance and music performances in the cities of Havana, Cienfuegos de Cuba, and Trinidad. Yonie, our guide, passionately shared her deep knowledge of Cuban colonial and revolutionary history, architecture, and culture as our bus driver, Rollie, flawlessly navigated highways, streets, and country roads.  

Peggy’s personal relationships with artists, art schools, and musicians opened doors that other groups couldn't access. Our hotel was modern, and accommodations were excellent.   

The food was traditionally Cuban and plentiful. At every lunch and dinner, we were greeted with a welcome cocktail.   

While the focus of the trip was on folk art, music, and dance, we experienced so much more: The beauty of the country, the kindness and resilience of the Cuban people, and the sobering effects of the embargo.