It's been known as the Panama hat, the Monticristi and the Sombrero de paja toquilla — the fashionable, sophisticated, yet laid-back headwear has been a signature piece for many people around the globe and in Hollywood — from Latina A-listers, Jessica Alba and Cameron Diaz to actor and director Brad Pitt.
South American nations are usually favored to put up strong performances on their home continent. Brazil, Argentina and Chile are sure to live up to expectations on some level, but some question whether the same can be said about Ecuador. The nation had a solid World Cup qualifying campaign and has a rather fair group to contend with. However, is the nation capable of a deep run in this tournament?
While the United States and Cuba have a complicated past and an unpredictable future, it seems like there is some 'progress' with records indicating that Cubans are taking advantage of a travel reform that went into effect last year around this time.
The New York Times compiled their annual list of 52 Places for jetsetters to visit for the optimum amount of beauty, experience and exploration; and Latin American counties appeared throughout the list for 2014. Ecuador, Brazil, Belize, Uruguay, and the Dominican Republic were named some of the premier destination spots in the world, though Cape Town, South Africa topped the list.
Throughout Latin America, gift-giving etiquette differs, varying depending on customs, cultures, traditions and climates. Presenting an item to someone without expectation or payment; or exchanging with the expectation of reciprocity isn't specific to the holiday season or Latin Americans, but the mutual exchange of money, goods, gifts and kindness is something that is shared in the Latin American community, and it speaks to the tradition of Spanish culture and nonverbal communication.
The embassy has been home to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who has been on the run from Western governments ever since he first broke the WikiLeaks cables.
