You have to understand that sore throat can be caused by many things, not just allergy. The pain in the throat is a serious complication and in most cases it is caused by some sort of an infection, bacterial or viral infection. The pollen allergy will also affect your eyes as well and your breathing.
Cuba is the most expensive destination for travelers in Latin America. You are absolutely correct to point out that our program in Cuba is more expensive than our other programs in Latin America. This reflects the fact that Cuba is one of the most expensive destination for travelers in Latin America.
Havana is by no means a great shopping city (although it is the best in Cuba). Given the reality of the Cuban economy, all shops selling any goods above and beyond the basic necessities are by default geared entirely toward tourists, a small community of foreign diplomats and workers, and an even smaller community of Cubans earning enough hard currency to afford such luxuries.