Traveling Back in Time

My Tropical backyard was a set for a film

Set at Sheyla's backyard for film Clipped (monitor screenshot)

Filming Clipped

I have been working on the film industry for over ten years now, and many times used my backyard to film my Spanish TV show and other productions but never thought that I'd have been contacted to film a few scenes about Cuba. A friend of mine who is a set designer asked if I had a Cuban flag and if I knew of a house in Nashville that looked like it was a Cuban house. I said to her that I did have a Cuban flag and that the only house I knew that looked like a Cuban house was mine. ;-) 

She came over about three weeks ago and fell in love with my backyard, took a few pictures and called me back the next day saying that the director and a few crew members wanted to come over and take a look because it would be perfect for what they were looking for. They came over and took a few more photos and asked a few more questions about setting up for filming a few scenes and I couldn't be more happy about it. The scenes take place during the 1960s in Cuba and the scenes were about assassination attempts against Fidel Castro. 

The set designer (Duncan Ragsdale) found all these pieces of furniture from theaters and I was so surprised to see them because you can find many of these kinds of furniture in Cuba today. Of course, being an actress I had to ask if I could make a cameo in one of the scenes and the director (Allinson Hughes Stroud) very happily agreed. What I didn't know until the day of the filming that I was going to play a CIA agent and Fidel Castro's lover who is trying to poison him with a Mojito. I couldn't help myself but to laugh very loud!

From L-R: Director Allison Hughes Stroud explaining what she wanted me to do on this scene. The camera set up for my scene, Kyle (playing Fidel Castro) and me. Stills from the film Clipped

My Mojito making skills came very handy and it doesn't hurt that I have been working as an actress for a long time. Allison, the director, was very kind, sweet and easy to work with. What surprised me the most about this was how much does Kyle looks like Fidel Castro when he was 35 years old and he was perfect for the role. I will keep you posted when the movie comes out. 

​In other news

Our agency is a proud member of ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents), the world's largest association of travel professionals. ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public. ASTA is recognized around the world as a symbol of professionalism and integrity. It's a sign of membership in ASTA, the professional affiliation most often endorsed by the media when recommending how to find a reliable travel agent. 

This coming August 20th is the national convention of ASTA and we'll be participating. We got a lot to learn about what's in store for traveling to Cuba and information about it will be offered at the convention. I can't wait to share the news with you all. Stay tuned!

Cruises to Cuba

Did you know that there are more than a dozen cruises programmed to dock in Cuba from now to December? Very surprising the number but Cuba is a hot destination right now and everyone wants to join the fun, learn about our culture, and see the Caribbean jewell before it changes too much. Although, it would be hard to see that much change into a more contemporary look since the Havana historian Eusebio Leal is on a mission to preserve our architecture and history. Old Havana is old but new because most of its buildings have been restored. Many people purchase their cruises to Cuba at the very last minute without an itinerary of what to do when they arrive in Havana. If you are one of those people, we are here to help. We offer Old Havana day tours, click here to check it out. Our bilingual tour guide will be waiting for you at Plaza de Armas, right across from the port.

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Maricely Valdes, our new Sales Rep.

Our Team is Growing

Business can't grow without talented people in their team, and we are not an exception. Meet Maricely Valdes a native of Los Palacios, Pinar del Rio, Cuba. She has been in the United States since 1989 and resident of Nashville for 12 years. She is a single mom of a 12 year old son, a Dr. of Pharmacy with a passion for travel, and sharing our culture with others. She has joined us as a Sales Rep. Please follow her @maricelyvaldes in Instagram.

On another note

We love traveling with Southwest and the fact that they are always looking for ways to improve your flying experience. Now they have partnered with Lyft to help you get to your destination safely and with one single touch on your Southwest app. How cool is that! Keep an eye out on your app for the update and integration. Don't have the lyft app and need a discount? Use this link to download it and enjoy your ride.​

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Cuban girls at La Catedral de la Habana

Three Tours Left

This year have gone by really fast. Well, at least that seams like to me because I'm always on the go ;-) Anyway, I'm trying to keep you up to date on our tours so you sign up before they are all booked up. We have the last three tours for the year coming up: A Woman's Journey in Cuba, Multi-City Tour, and the Tri-City Tour. Get your friends, your family or your neighbor to join you in one of this in a lifetime tour to the jewel of the Caribbean.  Want to plan a trip for 2019? Check out our different types of tours and get ahead of the game by booking early. December through May are the best months to visit the island but keep in mind that it's high season and the Casas get booked fast. So, don't delay and book yours TODAY! Cuba Tours

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