TBA members and guests traveled to Havana, Cuba, Feb. 6-10 for an international CLE experience. The TBA contingent stayed at the Hotel Grand Aston La Habana in the Vedado neighborhood along the Malecón, Cuba’s infamous sea wall. Seven hours of CLE included an introduction to the Cuban legal system, U.S.-Cuba relations, fundamentals of civil and criminal law, and more specialized topics like human rights, anti-money laundering and economic reform. Highlights in addition to the educational programs included a walking tour through Old Havana. On the tour, the group enjoyed a private performance by a renowned Cuban flamenco troupe, then wound their way through the Cuban streets beginning at the Plaza de San Francisco and concluding at Plaza de la Catedral. Travelers went on excursions outside of Havana, with one group going to the town of Cojimar to visit Ernest Hemingway’s house, while the other group traveled to the eco-community of Las Terrazas in Sierra del Rosario. On the last full day in Havana, travelers were able to choose their own adventure, taking either a tour of Cuba’s classic American cars or visiting the Museum of Cuban Art. The trip ended with a farewell dinner at the tour guide's house. One traveler said of the program, “This trip was amazing; I learned so much about the Cuban people and society. The CLEs were engaging and interesting. Everyone was awesome." Interested in learning more about TBA's next CLE abroad destination? Complete this form to receive updates.

TBA travelers at Cuba’s famous La Guarida restaurant

Lunch at Las Terrazas

Performance at Galleria Nelson Dominguez by dance group Flamenco Spell

Left: Interior of Catedral de San Cristóbal
Right: Plaza de la Catedral de San Cristóbal

Performance at Galleria Nelson Dominguez by dance group Flamenco Spell

Left: from left, TBA Past Presidents Charles Swanson, Bill Haltom (standing), John Tarpley, current TBA President Ed Lanquist Jr.

CLE session with Cuban attorneys and scholars

Photos by Brooke Leeton and Ashley Strittmatter