Miscellaneous Photos

This woman appeared very poor, despite her colorful dress, and was asking for something. Beggars do not typically ask for money; they ask for a "pen" by making a writing motion on their hand. Then you can choose to give them a pen or other object, which they would be able to sell, or you can choose to give them some money, or extra toiletries from the hotels. Or you can choose to ignore them. 

Mango tree at hotel in Santiago de Cuba. Mango trees were plentiful throughout this region.  

When mangoes were first imported to the American colonies in the 17th century, they had to be pickled due to lack of refrigeration. Other fruits were also pickled and came to be called "mangoes", especially bell peppers, and by the 18th century, the word "mango" became a verb meaning "to pickle".  [Source: Wikipedia]

Who Knew?  

Mango peel and sap contain urushiol, the chemical in poison ivy and poison sumac that can cause urushiol-induced contact dermatitis in susceptible people. Cross-reactions between mango contact allergens and urushiol have been observed. Those with a history of poison ivy or poison oak contact dermatitis may be most at risk for such an allergic reaction. Urushiol is also present in mango leaves and stems. During mango's primary ripening season, it is the most common source of plant dermatitis in Hawaii. [Source: Wikipedia]

Tour guide stops bus for liquor store run. Objective:  Ron/Rum.

Las Divas, a group of five a cappella singers, harmonized beautifully during a tour of Casa Velazquez, functioning as a museum showing colonial decor.

Not sure what to say about this guy who was stationed outside an apartment building we visited to find the studio of the artist, Mr. Aguilar, and his son. Long hair guy speaks English and told me he has friends in the U.S. Our tour guide says this elaborate headpiece is REALLY HIS UNCUT HAIR.