You taught me a lot, and in exchange I showed my special hometown (Havana) through my own experience and comments. Thanks a million Geo!!! . Copper bridge Foundation is more than a exclusive cultural program, it’s dream come true, thanks to great true friends!!! Lo mejor!!! From a former Havanatur guide…

My wife and I participated in one of your People-to-People programs in Cuba this past May. It was one of the most memorable trips we have ever been on! The people are wonderful and very caring. The highlight of highlights of this journey was a visit to the Narciso Medina Dance Company to watch a performance by these mostly teenagers. We were struck by the ability, creativity and, most of all, the passion of these young people for their art. They were truly amazing – even in a barren theater their performance was on a par with some of the best professional dance companies we have seen in the United States. The work you do foster interaction and better understanding between the people of both countries is outstanding! Keep up the good work! Thank you for the opportunity to meet such wonderful people.

I am pleased to report that Copperbridge put our itinerary together with a great deal of flexibility - - moving the daily agenda around as necessary so that we could take advantage of some special access that, by its very nature, takes place on short notice. In that way, we got to meet touring dance companies, see a performance of Carmen and meet the entire Company of dancers, meet with a children’s acting company, meet an acclaimed dress designer in her home, have a special guided tour at an art museum, meet graphic artists in their studio, walk Old Havana with the foremost Cuban City Planner, spend an afternoon in an area near the sea with fancifully decorated homes and meet the owners. I could go on and on, but I’ll end by saying that my expectations were exceed by a wide margin.

I traveled to Cuba under the auspices of the Copperbridge Foundation. What was most impressive was how they connected us to two local dance and theatre groups that were exposing and teaching disadvantaged children the joys of the performing arts. Seeing such enthusiastic teachers and parents struggling against economic odds was heart wrenching yet joyous. Without Copperbridge's experience and connection to Cuban culture, I doubt if I would have been exposed and been able to aid such groups.

A special remembrance:  getting to meet and know Maria Elena, the architect, who first talked to us about the different types of architecture in Havana.  She spoke to us w/ expertise and passion and then led us on an architectural tour of her city.  Enjoying lunch later with her was an added treat.  But to top it off, I got to reconnect w/her this summer in Chicago where a group of us fellow Cuba travelers shared a delightful evening with her. It really is the people, namely Maria Elena, that I remember the most.

My trip to Cuba was perhaps my best travel experience and I have travelled extensively all over the world. Why was that?  Because I met and had real conversations with so many people from all walks of life. Artists. Taxi drivers. Business people. Hotel staff. Students. Teachers. People on the street. Families. And I brought home not souvenirs but works of art produced by the people of this fascinating country. And I brought home the joy of interacting with these warm, welcoming people who have so little but gave so much.

Going to Cuba was the best trip I’ve ever gone on. Geo Darder and the Copperbridge Foundation were fantastic. We were able to connect with the people of Cuba and have direct interaction with educators, artists, musicians, dancers, actors and the many other adults and children who participated in the activities on our tour.  I recommend the People to People program to Cuba – and the Copperbridge Foundation in particular to be your guide and make this the best trip you will ever take.  Our guide on the bus – Mario – was fantastic. He shared the history and culture of Cuba and the Cuban people – it was wonderful.

I am a professional artist who traveled to Cuba with the Copperbridge Foundation in May 2012.  What struck me the most was the joy and enlightenment of the people, particularly the artists and children that we were privileged to meet.  The trip completely changed my attitude toward Cuba, and I struggle to understand the political situation that forces such wonderful people to live in such a difficult environment.  As I mentioned, I am a professional artist.  Havana and its people inspired my current series Havana Libre.   I think of Cuba often, and hope to return again someday.   Thank you for making this possible.  

It's hard to believe that it has been almost three weeks since we returned from Brazil! I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you again for helping to make it a great trip! We saw so many wonderful places and works of art. It was great to meet your friends in Rio. Being able to see how "real people" live there really added to the experience. And of course, it was great to meet YOU (Geo) after hearing so much about you from the Cuba travelers! I hope our paths will cross again.

We are still coming down from a magical trip! Thanks for sharing your Cuba with us. What an unforgettable experience!

Going to Cuba was the best trip I’ve ever gone on. Geo Darder and the Copperbridge Foundation were fantastic. We were able to connect with the people of Cuba and have direct interaction with educators, artists, musicians, dancers, actors and the many other adults and children who participated in the activities on our tour.  I recommend the People to People program to Cuba – and the Copperbridge Foundation in particular to be your guide and make this the best trip you will ever take.  Our guide on the bus – Mario – was fantastic. He shared the history and culture of Cuba and the Cuban people – it was wonderful.

When we visited the Art School we were hosted by "Oz" (Osmeivy Ortega) a former student and now teacher.  After our tour, he and I talked a bit.  I gave him a gift of photograph notecards that I make and sell is the US ... he insisted on giving me a gift of one of his prints.  I recognized it as a head that reflected a map of Havana.  He was pleased that I knew what he wanted to convey; I was touched that he wanted to give me a gift.  "The universal language of the Arts" touched us both.

Copperbridge puts their heart and soul into everything they do. I've made so many new friends and have been exposed to new opportunities by simply being in their orbit.