“My experience of this he trip exceeded my expectations! Thank you Alden and Tim for making this a lifetime experience for me! I experienced Cuba “from the inside” and this was just incredible! I also learned a lot from the instructors, the guest speakers and my fellow writers and I advanced my writing. This trip left an indelible mark one me. I left my heart there!” Vassiliki Rapti, Massachusetts

“Weeks after my return, I keep reflecting on this experience because it was so powerful, so moving, so packed with valuable experiences. I also found this conference incredibly empowering as a writer. The people of Cuba work so hard, day in and out, at whatever they do. This work ethic inspires. The young artists—dancers, painters, sculptors, drummers—also beat on in my brain as a sort of mantra: write, write, write. Visiting Hemingway’s Cuban home, peering in the windows at his typewriter and shelves of books in every room, will remain with me for my lifetime as a writer. I understand now more than ever his idea of one true line. The Cuba experience was so real, so vibrant, so true.” Jenny Grosvenor, Vermont

“My friends are sick and tired of my talking about how much I love Cuba, how much fun I had in Cuba, and how much I can’t wait to go back to Cuba. Havana is literally a magical place and the ideal backdrop for a writers’ program. Since coming back from Cuba I have not stopped writing. In fact my agents joked that I should go back to Cuba once a month if I keep turning in pages so quickly! I have a whole new perspective. A life-changing experience!” Rose McAleese, California

“The Cuba Writers Program was everything I thought it would be and more. Tim and Alden put so much thought into all the activities we did, and there were plenty of surprises along the way. I learned so much about Cuba, writing, and myself on this trip.” Meaghan McDonough, Massachusetts

“Seeing Cuba through the lens of the Cuba Writers Program was nothing short of a revelation. The itinerary was incredibly well plotted, starting on the first full day with an overview of Old Havana’s cobbled streets, then dipping into the political, cultural and literary with the lectures, workshops, and visits to artists’ studios, art and music schools, and so much more. It was a wonderful balance of a wide view and close up, and I left feeling like I started to get to know Cuba in a way I never would have without such careful plotting. Thank you Tim and Alden for so generously providing your knowledge and spirit over an incredibly rich and inspiring 8 days!” Jean Victor, California

“My experience in Cuba with the Cuba Writers Program was extraordinary.  I have described it to people like this: you know how you can go to a museum, walk around and simply enjoy yourself, versus going to a museum and for a more in depth understanding get a headset? Well, we had headsets! The lectures, the personal meetings with writers, dancers and musicians, Tim’s bottomless wealth of knowledge, [Cuban guide] Orelvis’s ability to articulate his take on events both past and present, Alden’s openness and accessibility – these qualities and more made this trip incomparable! I felt like I was in good hands and never doubted that the next event might surpass the previous one. Really, I have not been able to stop talking about what a fabulous experience this was for me. Without hesitation I would recommend anyone travel with the Cuba Writers Program!” Nancy Smith, Massachusetts

“My experience with the Cuba Writers Program has forever changed me and my career. I now have a sense of vision and direction—both in the project I am working on and in my future as a writer. It saddens me to have to leave both this country and your training!” Teri L. Thompson, Georgia

“I really loved this experience! The combination of seeing places and the lectures were especially wonderful in the way it enriched my understanding of Cuba. Visiting Muraleando was one of many highlights of the trip; it was not only a visual delight, but also an insight into the culture in a specific neighborhood. Thank you for such a fabulous trip!” Suchita Chadra, Toronto, Canada

“I will follow Alden and Tim anywhere. Those two cast an easygoing thrall over all of us. Having been to the Cuba Writers Program in both 2016 and 2017, I love Cuba’s slow reveal. On the Cuba Writers Program I felt more like a participant in the culture than an observer.” V. Hansmann, New York

“I really enjoyed the Cuba Writers Program. Cuba is of course amazing, confusing, endlessly fascinating. The length of the trip was perfect. The participants were varied and interesting. I really enjoyed and appreciated Tim and Alden’s knowledge and insights about Cuba.  Tim’s history lectures were really great, and Alden’s comments about life in Cuba helped fill in a lot of gaps as I tried to figure out the place. Thanks again for a wonderful trip and a great experience!” Elle Johnson, California

“The Cuba Writers Program, with its agenda and surprises, blew me away. The itinerary was fantastic—there’s almost nothing that doesn’t add in a significant way. Tim’s lectures and Alden’s workshops were great—I learned so much in each.” Gwen Kordonowy, Massachusetts

“Loved, loved, loved this trip! Tim and Alden’s knowledge of and passion for Cuba is contagious (though I already loved Cuba!). The Cuba Writers Program was a blessing. I feel so lucky to have met so many great people on the inaugural trip!” Katrina Woznicki, New York

“The sense for the culture and history of Cuba that I gleaned from this trip has been inspiring. The people on the trip were fantastic and Alden and Tim were great directors for the program. I had a great time seeing Cuba and a fantastic workshop experience with Ann. I felt like I was in good hands the whole time. Thanks so much for a great time.” Travis Portreous, Texas

“The Cuba Writers Program was phenomenal! Took my outside of my box and taught me how to be fluid. Tim, Alden and Ann—you rock!” Traci Currie, Michigan

“The Cuba Writers Program was a wonderful introduction to Cuba. It offered high quality workshops, many extreme highlights, and good chances to hear from knowledgeable Cubans about their experiences.” Susan Kolodny, California

“Our fearless leaders were amazing. Many of the activities were geared towards writing and I loved that. The Cuba Writers Program was incredibly inspiring. I’m so glad I came.” Mary Fielder, Connecticut

“The program was such a special way to experience Cuba for the first time. I appreciated how each day unfolded, and how personal each of our destinations were to our guides. Instead of a cookie cutter tourism trip, we were able to see Cuba through the lens of those who once had to learn as we did, one piece at a time. It was an incredibly humbling way of not only observing, but also interacting with Cuban culture. I am leaving with a belly full of inspiration!” Kavita Shah, Washington