Danny Valdez described the comforts of a visit to Cuba

Danny Valdez, a political aide to New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, was part of a delegation from the Democratic Socialists of America International Committee that visited Cuba from October 22 to 26, 2023. During the trip, the group met Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel.

A travel diary written by Valdez and originally published in November 2023 described modern accommodations, access to food and water, and meals at exclusive restaurants in Havana. The text also noted the contrast he observed between those comforts and living conditions outside the facilities.

The places mentioned include the Grand Aston Havana hotel and La Torre restaurant in the Focsa building. The DSA-organized visit also included Ashik Siddique, a national co-chair of the organization.