When someone says “Class-four Hurricane” what do you usually think? Perhaps it’s pictures of the damage done by Hurricane Sandy several years ago that comes to mind. You may think of the satellite image of the spiraling blob of red that has showed up on the news a bit too often for comfort last week. Yet while both of these examples could be used to describe the most recent storm… Read More

Dear parents, families, and friends of the Cuba group, Good news! I spoke with Michelle and Kevin this morning and they let me know that all is well. The hurricane passed far enough east of them that they only experienced rain. No high winds, heavy storms, flooding, or damage that they can tell so far in the city. They said if they hadn’t known it was a hurricane, they would… Read More

Dear parents, families, and friends of the Cuba group, Thank you again for your on-going expressions of concern and willingness to support the group. I understand how challenging this continues to be and we appreciate your support as we navigate how to best support our students and keep them safe as the hurricane approaches. I recently got off the phone with Kevin and Michelle, they said the group is feeling… Read More

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Dear parents, families, and friends of the Cuba semester, We’ve now heard from a few of you as the press coverage about Hurricane Matthew continues to grow and I wanted to specifically address the concern that some of you have shared regarding the evacuations at the Guantanamo Bay Naval base. Guantanamo Bay has evacuated about 700 of the 5,500 people living at the base. Those evacuated were non-essential personnel and… Read More

Dear parents, families, and friends of the Carpe Diem Cuba group, Thank you to those who have reached out with questions or concerns regarding Hurricane Matthew. As many of you know, it is moving through the Caribbean and is currently expected to make landfall in Cuba late Monday night. We have been monitoring it’s progress and have been in touch with the group as well as other contacts in Cuba… Read More

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Hey Everybody, Miriam here! We are officially adjusting to the magical whims of Cuban lifestyle here in Baracoa. So far the adjustment process has been tough… Swimming in the ocean everyday during Spanish class, learning how to cook a traditional Cuban meal, riding horse carriages to arrive at our destinations, having multiple salsa dance lessons and eating three huge amazing meals a day that are most often accompanied with fresh… Read More

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Life is going well in Cuba! Kevin and Michelle let me know that the whole group is happy and the vibe is great so far. Since arriving, they’ve already had a great history lesson, done a traditional Baracoan cooking class, had two salsa lessons and gone to a traditional Cuban music show! The group is relaxed and embracing the idea of dancing and diving into Cuban culture. They are all… Read More

After an early morning and then a delayed flight, I just received word that the Cuba group has arrived safely in Santiago de Cuba! They were picked up from the airport and are now en route to Baracoa. They are looking forward to some rest when they get there and then to diving in to their orientation. They are very excited to have arrived! Stay tuned as in the coming… Read More

From all over the USA, the Cuba students have all made it safely to Miami and are together as a group for the first time! They are checked in to their hotel and are settling in for the night before an early morning tomorrow! Everyone is excited and happy to finally meet one another. We wish them much learning, laughter, joy and adventure over the next three months! Stay tuned… Read More