Dalida and Michael
Founders of Cubanisms (USA, 2016) and La Langue Musicale (France, 2024)
EXCELLENTTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My husband surprised me with a trip to Paris for our 25th wedding anniversary. He contacted Dalida Pupo Barrios and asked her to put together a two week itinerary with 10 nights in Paris and four nights in Reims (the Champagne area). Dalida furnished him with a wonderful and very detailed ten page typed itinerary outlining hotels, arranged transportation, lunch and dinner recommendations, as well as tickets for our tours of the sights. She personally contacted the three different hotels and relayed our needs in French as we do not speak the language. Our highlight at the end of our trip was a late lunch at Jules Verne on the second level of the Eiffel Tower. Her attention to detail was absolutely amazing. I would highly recommend her services to anyone wishing a fabulous trip to France.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently returned from a week in Paris, and I was able to fully enjoy this vast and complex city thanks to Dalida and Cubanisms, her travel cultural project. I was able to relax and make the most of my short visit to the world's most cosmopolitan city. Navigating into the city from the airport can be daunting, and without the driver she arranged, I would have wasted time and energy trying to figure out transportation into Paris. Most importantly, Dalida had selected a boutique hotel (built in 1638) for my stay, which was charming. The staff was wonderful and the location allowed me to walk everywhere. The art galleries, cafes and scenic overlooks along the Seine provided perfect opportunities for people watching, one of my favorite past times. I comfortably walked to the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame cathedral and the ticket Dalida arranged for me to tour the Louvre was greatly appreciated. In the evenings, I enjoyed fabulous French cuisine in intimate restaurants, all of which were pre-selected from Dalida's curated list. Using the Metro allowed me to get around like a true Parisian, and I received clear instructions on navigating the underground rail system without missed stops of getting confused. My visit was a wonderful whirlwind of French culture, all thanks to Dalida and Cubanisms. Matt Mayes in FloridaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cubanisms is truly a cultural project and worth hiring if you are interested in visiting and exploring all that the country has to offer--- The island's natural beauty (not yet spoiled by over development), it's famed music, salsa, organic meals at private/family owned restaurants, and most of all the warm-hearted and welcoming people. Dalida, who is a native of Cuban now living in Paris with her jazz musician husband, is a consummate travel professional and will take care of your every need. Through her many years of experience, she has developed connections to private professional drivers, private restaurant owners and a host of other professionals. She will organize everything from accommodations, tours, VIP entry to jazz events, meals at the best restaurants, etc. Moreover, through a personalized approach (eg, dinners and dance parties hosted by her close friends) she provides something entirely unique to the experience, which you won't find with other tour operators. Further, if you are discouraged from a Cuba trip because of the bad press about resources, that is understandable-- I almost didn't go because of the barrage a negative news. Keep in mind, there are two sides to these reports. Yes, Cuba is resource deprived, wi-fi is intermittent, and there aren't chain retail stores on every corner to satisfy your every need and desire. (Think of buying coconut water to drink from the shell at a local stand, instead of bottled water! Yum!!) Too, there is indeed much need for repair of infrastructure outside of Old Havana (Note: Old Havana has been impeccably restored, btw!). However, this, in a way, is the beauty of the Cuba's inner soul. People have struggled and have over time learned to make do with much less. Food isn't wasted. There are no traffic jams (few people own cars). You don't see kids and adults walking around with EarPods and eyeballs glued to a screen. There is no violent crime, nor rampant homelessness. There is no upper-middle class or ultra rich tech- or finance-elite living luxuriously well, while the 95% of the population struggles. So, yes, relative to a rich nation, they are all very, very much struggling economically. But they are *all* doing so together, and doing so while not having lost their collective souls to overconsumption and a barrage of media addictions. Truly, it was a refreshing trip to the past, back to a simpler time. As you consider this trip also keep in mind that tourism is an important source of income for the country. It goes a long way to supporting Cuban families. (Dalida also accepts donations for school children.) I'm glad I went and you will be too! Just be sure to pack a different set of expectations, lots of patience and an open heart to accept the outpouring of kindness and love from those you meet.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dalida is an excellent guide. I feel we got to experience the authentic Cuba. We were immersed in its history and culture and pride. It was eye opening. Dalida was our complete partner, always available and ready to assist. What she arranged for us (excursions, tours, home parties, nature environments) was just what I hoped for on the trip. I fully recommend Cubanisms to all travelers (as opposed to “tourists”) heading to the island.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot say enough good things about Dalida and Cubanisms! For our 2 week Cuba trip, we chose a "solo trip" type, meaning Dalida helped us with our itinerary, trip prep, and anything like car service from the airport, but we were on our own to roam and explore whatever, whenever, always feeling comfort in knowing she and her friends were a message away if needed. We rented one of her apartments in Central Habana, and the family that "manages" them for her not only kept them clean and comfortable, but were helpful with everything from SIM cards, money exchanging, tour guiding, history telling, and just made us feel like true friends even sharing a couple meals with us! They even offered us the use of their own apartment just outside of the central neighborhood for our salsa and flamenco lessons. Being from Cuba, Dalida had contacts all over that were available and ready to make our visit everything we wanted! We were fortunate to be able to join a 3-day portion of her "guided tour" that happened to occur during the same time period, and enjoyed not having to think about the when, where, and how of all the logistics, tours, museums, meals, etc. "Guided" or "solo", I highly recommend going through Cubanisms if you are thinking about going to Cuba!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. For me, our trip was a leaning experience. Our itinerary included a dive into culture, architecture, history, dance, beaches, the countryside, food, coffee, rum, and LOTS of music. I had so many questions about Cuba and found the people we met were very open to talking to us about their ideas and experiences. Dalida planned the trip with careful attention to detail from start to finish, including well chosen accommodations and expert pacing. Plus, she has a dynamite personality! I found Cubanisms to be a trustworthy niche small group travel organization and I highly recommend it!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. it was grandTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you’re thinking of visiting Cuba, highly recommend booking through Cubanisms. Dálida crafted a personalized itinerary during the Plaza Jazz Festival that allowed us to truly experience this gorgeous, diamond-in-the-rough place. Accommodations were clean & comfortable. The food was fresh & delicious. The people are so kind & generous—even to a non-Spanish speaking gringa like me! Dálida gives you a true perspective of the country as someone who has lived through many key moments in history. I have travelled all over the world, & Cuba truly stole my heart as one of my favorite trips. ❤️Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I found Cubanisms to be very helpful in their services and it helped making my first time in visiting Havana a smooth process. They helped walk me through on what I would need to have ready in going to Havana as well as what I would need while visiting. Dalida was always available to help and patient as well. If you are going to Cuba and need help in your accommodations I highly recommend Cubanisms.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My partner and I had the pleasure of visiting Cuba in January 2024, thanks to the incredible planning by Dálida. She crafted our itinerary and introduced us to local Cubans who enriched our experience. We had the chance to play Cuban music and learn Cuban dance styles like rumba and casino from local teachers. After the lessons, they encouraged us to practice our moves at iconic gatherings like the historic Patio Areito EGREM and El Callejón de Hamel. Though we felt a bit out of place as foreigners, the community welcomed us warmly. Dálida’s thoughtful planning and connections truly made our trip unforgettable.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
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