Cuba 2015 brochure

TABLE OF CONTENT

About Raul Touzon Page 3 Cuba Cultural Travel Page 4 The Experience Page 5 Trip Highlights Page 11

Pricing and Package Description Page 16

Raul Touzon is a Cuban-born documentary and underwater photographer who specializes in making images that convey what he refers to as “The Eternity of a Moment.”

RAUL TOUZON is documentary and underwater photographer who specializes in making images that convey what he refers as to “The Eternity of a Moment”. Raul has traveled extensively building a collection of dramatic photographs that have been featured in many publications including: Time Magazine, US News, The New York Times, National Geographic Traveler and the National Geographic Magazine

world as well as for National Geographic Expeditions. His images are represented by the National Geographic Creative, Getty Images and Corbis. His list of clients includes the US National Park Service, Apple Computers, and the United Nations for which he documented their operations in Sudan.

Raul has printed two landscape books: Visions of my World (2012) and Journeys For over a decade Raul has been a full (2013). Some of the images in these books time educator and instructor producing have been auctioned by Christies. and teaching his workshops around the WWW.TOUZONPHOTO.COM 2

WWW.TOUZONPHOTO.COM 3

Havana, what a treat: Cuba Cultural Travel Cuba Cultural Travel is authorized by the United States Treasury Department to operate people-to- people tours in Cuba. These specialized tours are an effort by the Obama administration to foster understanding between the people of the United States and Cuba. These programs are designed in a way that will encourage interaction and shared experiences.

Raul Touzon Photography and Fototeca de Cuba bring their expertise to enhance the cultural exchange between America and Cuba and enable our groups to explore and discover Havana through photography. For the still photographer, Cuba is a dream. From the faded colonial splendor of Havana to picturesque rural landscapes to the people themselves, Cuba presents a myriad of colors, themes and moods.

WWW.TOUZONPHOTO.COM 4

The sounds, The sights, The smiles!

I was born in this land and migrated like so many others at a young age, memories all but gone. A year ago I returned for the first time and the experience was incredible, as I had never left. But somehow I felt that I was missing the spirit of my people and that the places I was going to were not the right ones.

At my return I decided that I needed to share the passion for my land with others. Just two days ago I finished my first program in Havana, a program that took almost a year to prepare, to work out every single detail and to make sure that all aspects that make the Cuban culture unique were explored.

From watching Irene dance to rolling cigars with Eduardo in the middle of the Vinales valley; Santeria, rumba, mambo, painting, dancing, baseball, boxing and the welcoming warmth of a simple home all united in a sublime fusion called Havana.

WWW.TOUZONPHOTO.COM 5

There is a theory that anyone can make at least one good picture, but telling a story with multiple images is one of the greatest challenges for any photographer. Havana is a fascinating city where stories appear on every street corner.

To be a great photographer, just be free: Free from preconceptions and influences, find your own voice and enjoy the creative process.

Our days are spent exploring the city, living its culture and meeting its gracious people. We travel together in small groups with Raul and our Cuban photographers in the lead to provide hands-on support and advice. This is not a tour, this is a journey of deep immersion in to all the aspects that make this city and this culture great: music, art, food, sports, religion and amazing sights.

Never, ever expect to get a great picture out of every situation, just enjoy the moment and the ride.

This is a journey of interaction and exploration of people’s souls, of meeting citizens that have made a difference in their community. With over 10 years of leading international trips, Raul takes you into a visual journey of his country, nothing is left to chance, and there is no better or more complete experience than this. This program is part of a cultural exchange sponsored by Cuba Cultural Travel in association with Raul Touzon Photography.

Eventually they will lead you to the fourth one, Perfection. As for me I prefer to stay on the path rather that achieving perfection.

WWW.TOUZONPHOTO.COM 6

It is not the same to know the path as to walk the path and while in it always be true to the three “P’s”: Passion, Patience, and Perseverance.

WWW.TOUZONPHOTO.COM 7

RAFAEL TREJO BOXING GYM This boxing gym is the place for the young and not-so-young athlete to learn and train for their country’s second favorite sport. The determination and focus of these young boxers will inspire you as they train with the aspirations to compete on the national level.

AN INTIMATE UNIQUE l. HAVANA AND ITS PEOPLE EXPLORATION OF THE SPIRIT

WWW.TOUZONPHOTO.COM

WWW.TOUZONPHOTO.COM

8

9

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS • Before check in we will have an orientation walk of historic area surrounding hotel. After check in we will meet for a brief orientation and Dinner at one of the best noted restaurant for its Cuban-fusion cuisine

• Cuatro Caminos Market – The largest and most colorful example of free enterprise in Havana.

The always noisy and entertaining produce market is a photographer’s paradise.

• Afro Cuban Religion – We will visit the home of a local Babalao (priestess). Visit to Parque Trillo, a park in Centro Habana that is popular with followers of the Santeria religion. Our host and guide will be local scholar Elias Aseff, who will explain the role of African religion and culture in Cuba and the importance of Santeria in everyday life. He will also explain how Afro Cuban religion has influenced the evolution of Cuban culture.

• Fototeca, the leading photographic guild in Cuba and the most prestigious venue for showcasing work from leading Cuban photographers. Nelson Ramírez, who is Director of Fototeca and a very successful photographer, will receive us. Nelson will be joined by fellow photographers who help us understand the professional challenges of being an artist in Cuba, government censorship issues, and building professional relationships without the use of the Internet. We finish the day visiting Plaza Vieja and Calle Obispo • Iglesia de la Merced (Church of Mercy), dating back to 1637 when the “Monks of Mercy” began construction on a church that would require over 100 years of effort. This magnificently ornate cathedral, cloaked in a patina of time, serves as potent reminder of the immense influence the church once held in Cuba. We will be received by Fr. Gilbert Walker, originally from Chicago, who will talk about the various community activities and charities that the church supports.

WWW.TOUZONPHOTO.COM 10

WWW.TOUZONPHOTO.COM 11

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS • Rafael Trejo Boxing Gym. This boxing gym is the place for the young and not-so-young athlete to learn and train for their country’s second favorite sport. The determination and focus of these young boxers will inspire you as they train with the aspirations to compete on the national level.

• The Malecon. This broad esplanade, roadway and seawall stretches for 4 miles along the coast from the mouth of Havana Harbor in Old Havana, along the north side of the Centro Habana neighborhood, ending in the Vedado neighborhood. There is no other place, which shows more of the Havana’s soul, or attracts more locals and tourists than the Malecon • Christopher Colon Cemetery. This elaborate massive necropolis covers nearly 8% of the City of Havana, and contains and endless sea of poignant memorials, architectural jewels and human-interest stories.

• Callejon de Hamel. This neighborhood in Cayo Hueso has a population with a strong following of Santeria. The walls and homes display colorful murals depicting aspects of Santeria.

The Callejón de Hamel is a public temple, open to everybody, which celebrates the presence of African culture in Cuba. The stated goal is to embrace all Caribbean and American people of African heritage, while celebrating the equality and oneness of all members of the human race. We will meet with community organizer and artist Salvador Gonzales and several fellow members to learn more about the neighborhood.

• Visit 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.

WWW.TOUZONPHOTO.COM 12

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS • Barrio Colon. This urban neighborhood of Havana is home to the Palacio de Bellas Artes, the Palacio Presidencial & Parque de Zayas.

• Visit to the Centro Pro Danza. Founded by Laura Alonso in 1988, this school of dance serves 850 students. The center has held many highly professional Cuballets not only in Cuba itself but also abroad, in countries such as México, Brazil, Argentina, Sweden and the United States. You will have an opportunity to meet and talk with the dancers will offer their own stories, giving our guests a glimpse of life as a dancer.

• Escuela Taller where will meet with the Director and learn about the Restoration Project that is underway in Havana Vieja. This urban rehabilitation project is preserving the architectural history and cultural heritage of this beautiful city. We will visit a construction site and meet with engineers, builders, woodworkers and other craftsman utilizing traditional handcrafting methods to preserve the authenticity of these once – and soon to be once again - resplendent structures. Faced with challenges such as lack of materials, tools, equipment and even vehicular access to some of these sites, these monumental projects are a testament to the indomitable Cuban spirit to succeed in the face of adversity.

• 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.

• 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.

Continue to the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, a massive fortress built between 1558 and 1577.

WWW.TOUZONPHOTO.COM 13

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS • Visit the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales. The palace currently houses the Museo de la Cuidad and was the former residence of the Spanish Captains.

• We also see the Plaza de San Francisco, a cobbled plaza surrounded by buildings dating from the 18th century, dominated by the baroque Iglesia and Convento de San Francisco dating from 1719.

• From the port to cross the Havana Bay, in a small ferry to the Town of Regla, one of the strongholds of the Santeria (afro-religion) in Havana. Interact with local Santeros and Santeras who will gladly read you palm and tell stories of times gone by. People come from all over Cuba searching for their spiritual roots and to visit the Virgen de Regla sanctuary • Attend a Little League baseball game at Ciudad Deportiva (Sport City). It is is Cuba’s premier sports training center. Built in 1957, this center serves thousands of athletes from all over the island.

• Taller de Grafica Experimental. The Taller is Havana’s printmaking and lithographic workshop.

It is a studio, a school and most of all, an art making with relative freedom of spirit and form.

Artist Yamilis Brito and several fellow printmakers that belong to the guild will welcome us.

The artists will display their works and be available for personal exchanges.

• Considered by many to be the most beautiful place in Cuba, the Viñales Valley National Monument holds stunning landscapes and jaw dropping vistas. The area is also famous for being the premier tobacco growing area in the world. This is a photographer’s paradise!

• Our Farewell Dinner will take place at San Cristobal; this cozy paladar has a reputation of excellence in both atmosphere and local cuisine. The food is refined and balanced (enjoy dishes like gazpacho, tender lobster, crème caramel) and the nostalgic atmosphere is unforgettable, adorned in a unique style of art nouveau.

WWW.TOUZONPHOTO.COM 14

WWW.TOUZONPHOTO.COM 15

DOWNLOAD OUR BROCHURE

ESTIMATED PRICING:

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

• $ 3,750 per person in Double • $ 4,150 per person in Single

A Visual Story is a cultural exchange for amateur and professional photographers who are technically self-sufficient. This is not a program to learn how to use your camera or editing software. Participants should be in good health as long days are spent exploring Havana.

INCLUDED: • • • • • • • • •

Round trip airfare MIA/ HAV MIA on chartered airline.

6-night accommodation (standard room).

Daily breakfast Two dinners Three lunches Transportation as described in sample itinerary Airport transfers to Hotel and back Cuban Insurance (health and evacuation) included in airline ticket Compliance with US Treasury Department.

Cuban tourist visa ($50 USD)

NOT INCLUDED: • • • • • •

Air travel to and from Miami First night of hotel accommodations in Miami Airline baggage fees (individuals pay).

Hotel expenses (mini bar, room service, safe, internet, laundry fees, etc).

Cuban Airport Departure tax (25 CUC).

Gratuities for restaurants, guides and drivers. Entrance fees and donations.

SIGN UP NOW

Deposit of $1000 is due on sign up FORMS OF PAYMENT: Payment can be made with a check, cashiers’ check, or money order. Credit cards are not accepted.

Checks should be made out to Cuba Cultural Travel and mailed to: 425 East Alvarado, Suite H Fallbrook, CA 92028

and

REPLACEMENT

• Cancellations made 90 days prior to the start of the trip will forfeit $1,000.

• Cancellations made between 30 days to 90 days prior to the start of the trip, will forfeit $2,000.

• No cancellations are allowed 30 days prior to the start of the trip. Client will forfeit entire cost of trip.

• Cancellations must be made in writing to laura@cubaculturaltravel.com.

UNUSED SERVICES & REFUNDS: No refund or adjustment may be made for any portion of the services not used such as voluntary non-us16

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

PAYMENT:

CANCELLATION POLICIES:

WWW.TOUZONPHOTO.COM

VIEW OUR VIDEO

age of hotel accommodations, scheduled meals or any planned activity described in your itinerary.

Enrollment: limited to 14 participants This program is sponsored by Cuba Cultural Travel, which was granted a People-to- People license by the Treasury Department

WWW.TOUZONPHOTO.COM 17

5882 NW 113th Pl Doral Fl. 33178 305-420-6196 workshops@touzonphoto.com

WWW.TOUZONPHOTO.COM 18