About Your Host:
Aysha Griffin
Aysha Griffin is a writer, business and author coach and world traveler who loves bringing together curious and creative people to explore new territory and connect in new ways. Born in Miami and raised in New York, she spent most of her adult life in the American West and is a resident of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico since 2011.
She first visited Cuba in March 2013 in search of pristine beaches, which she found in abundance, while falling in love with the Cuban people and their rich culture, created amid such mysteriously complex adversity. Little did she know that while innocently donating books to the Union of Writers and Artists (UNEAC), a conversation would change the direction of her life: she was invited to return professionally.
After three months in Cuba as a guest of the Cuban Book Institute in late 2013, she was asked repeatedly by North American friends to organize a tour to Cuba specifically for writers. After much planning and coordination, the first-ever literary-based people-to-people delegation took place in Cuba October 7 to 14, 2015. Seven U.S. writers had the unique opportunity to meet and share with accomplished Cuban authors and experience this fascinating country through the personal worlds and works of contemporary writers and their historical inspirations, like José Martí, Alejo Carpentier and Dulce Maria Loynaz. In addition to facilitated (and translated) conversations of all things literary, they visited sites of literary significance in La Habana, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara, Matanzas, and Trinidad, gained insight into the history and culture of Cuba and were enriched and inspired by genuine Cuban hospitality and profound connections with colleagues. Subsequently, several published articles and a pending book were produced by the American writers. (See comments below).
Meanwhile, Aysha returned to Cuba several more times, deepened relationships with two adopted families and many artistic, musical and literary friends, and became a godmother to an Afro-Cubano baby boy, a responsibility she takes very seriously.
Aysha Griffin is a writer, business and author coach and world traveler who loves bringing together curious and creative people to explore new territory and connect in new ways. Born in Miami and raised in New York, she spent most of her adult life in the American West and is a resident of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico since 2011.
She first visited Cuba in March 2013 in search of pristine beaches, which she found in abundance, while falling in love with the Cuban people and their rich culture, created amid such mysteriously complex adversity. Little did she know that while innocently donating books to the Union of Writers and Artists (UNEAC), a conversation would change the direction of her life: she was invited to return professionally.
After three months in Cuba as a guest of the Cuban Book Institute in late 2013, she was asked repeatedly by North American friends to organize a tour to Cuba specifically for writers. After much planning and coordination, the first-ever literary-based people-to-people delegation took place in Cuba October 7 to 14, 2015. Seven U.S. writers had the unique opportunity to meet and share with accomplished Cuban authors and experience this fascinating country through the personal worlds and works of contemporary writers and their historical inspirations, like José Martí, Alejo Carpentier and Dulce Maria Loynaz. In addition to facilitated (and translated) conversations of all things literary, they visited sites of literary significance in La Habana, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara, Matanzas, and Trinidad, gained insight into the history and culture of Cuba and were enriched and inspired by genuine Cuban hospitality and profound connections with colleagues. Subsequently, several published articles and a pending book were produced by the American writers. (See comments below).
Meanwhile, Aysha returned to Cuba several more times, deepened relationships with two adopted families and many artistic, musical and literary friends, and became a godmother to an Afro-Cubano baby boy, a responsibility she takes very seriously.
Comments from Writers' Journey to Cuba, October 2014
Aysha, Thank you for doing such a great job in organizing the Literary Tour to Cuba! I loved most of it, but the highlight was definitely meeting one-on-one with the Cuban writers. That was incredibly moving, as we had so much to share and to learn from each other. Cuba was a political eye opener for me and the people were a joy and inspiration that I’ll never forget. I also enjoyed documenting the trip with sketches.
– Jan Baross, writer/artist janbaross.com
I loved meeting the writers. They were so interested in us and so eager to share their work with us. The dinner at Susana's family’s home was very special and dinner at the Los Naranjos was a fabulous experience. I'm grateful to Jan for letting me know about the trip, and to you and Susana for making it happen.
– Bonnie Comfort, psychologist and author of best-selling novel, “Denial"
I liked the whole thing, but especially meeting all the writers and poets, swimming in the Caribbean and staying at the casa particular, which was such a positive experience with our host, and much better than any hotel. I realize that scheduling in Cuba is a problem, but I think it all worked well. Cuba is a step back in time and I learned a lot.
– Ericka Hoffman, writer
It was an amazing experience! I loved the writers, dining at Susana’s house with her family, exploring Old Havana, and meeting Conner Gorry (owner of Cuba Libro) was inspiring. I’m very grateful to you.
– Liz Scott, psychologist, writer
Aysha, Thank you so much. I know you put a lot of heart and soul into this. For me, the best parts were the people-to-people interactions. Meeting this group – sitting, talking and sharing with those who care about similar things – and, of course the Cuban writers. I had the most amazing conversations which made me aware that we all have the same feelings, life, craziness, and their patience with my crappy Spanish was remarkable. Of course, Susana [Haug] was invaluable – brilliant and fun. How fortunate we were to find anyone like her to share with such passion and heart! I am grateful for the privilege of meeting these people and wonder, how do I sustain a wonderful experience like this?
– Barbara Wysocki, travel writer
Aysha, Thank you for doing such a great job in organizing the Literary Tour to Cuba! I loved most of it, but the highlight was definitely meeting one-on-one with the Cuban writers. That was incredibly moving, as we had so much to share and to learn from each other. Cuba was a political eye opener for me and the people were a joy and inspiration that I’ll never forget. I also enjoyed documenting the trip with sketches.
– Jan Baross, writer/artist janbaross.com
I loved meeting the writers. They were so interested in us and so eager to share their work with us. The dinner at Susana's family’s home was very special and dinner at the Los Naranjos was a fabulous experience. I'm grateful to Jan for letting me know about the trip, and to you and Susana for making it happen.
– Bonnie Comfort, psychologist and author of best-selling novel, “Denial"
I liked the whole thing, but especially meeting all the writers and poets, swimming in the Caribbean and staying at the casa particular, which was such a positive experience with our host, and much better than any hotel. I realize that scheduling in Cuba is a problem, but I think it all worked well. Cuba is a step back in time and I learned a lot.
– Ericka Hoffman, writer
It was an amazing experience! I loved the writers, dining at Susana’s house with her family, exploring Old Havana, and meeting Conner Gorry (owner of Cuba Libro) was inspiring. I’m very grateful to you.
– Liz Scott, psychologist, writer
Aysha, Thank you so much. I know you put a lot of heart and soul into this. For me, the best parts were the people-to-people interactions. Meeting this group – sitting, talking and sharing with those who care about similar things – and, of course the Cuban writers. I had the most amazing conversations which made me aware that we all have the same feelings, life, craziness, and their patience with my crappy Spanish was remarkable. Of course, Susana [Haug] was invaluable – brilliant and fun. How fortunate we were to find anyone like her to share with such passion and heart! I am grateful for the privilege of meeting these people and wonder, how do I sustain a wonderful experience like this?
– Barbara Wysocki, travel writer