Yo ho ho

So one day we decided to be red-blooded American tourists and check out the Bacardi factory. Here we are on the ferry across the bay: The Bacardi compound is a gorgeous plantation worthy of its venerable history, but also completely tourist-ified. The symbol of the company, somewhat randomly, is a bat, which according to the founder (Don Facundo Bacardi Masso) symbolizes pride, family and prosperity-- but that's the first I've heard of it!
The reception area had a three-part mural depicting the history of rum production. This panel illustrates the Spanish discovery of Puerto Rico, and the arrival of the Bacardi patriarch.

We watched a video about rum production, saw the distillation process, and learned how to make a few beloved rum drinks (mojito, cuba libre, daiquiri) from a very smooth-talkin 'bartender:


And then, of course, we enjoyed the obligatory free drinks and made the obligatory gift-shop purchases!