The Mañana Principle- Mañana means tomorrow, right? Wrong! In Indian space-time, mañana can mean almost anytime … next week, next month … possibly never. However, it can be a most useful word once you disassociate yourself from American ideas of punctuality. Mañana is a polite way of never saying “no” without having to say ‘yes”. When will the lawn be […]
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Here’s a key phrase to memorize before heading to Mexico. “Es muy picante?” Whenever a waiter answers this question with, “Sí señora,” I’m forewarned. In the first bite, my mouth will erupt with the combustible spices and chiles on which Mexicans flourish. “To us, food has to be spicy to be good,” says Lula Bertran, Mexico’s leading […]
Continue ReadingHURDLE THE LANGUAGE BARRIER – by learning Latin American hand and voice signals. These vary from one culture to another. The following are distinctly LATINO: THE WAGGING FINGER – is the way to say no, definitely and finally. No one questions this dignified and simple way of saying “NO”. Just move the index finger of either […]
Continue ReadingPANADERIAS – (Mexican Bakeries): Smells of fresh bread and pastries filter the air, dissolving resolves of the staunchest weight-watchers. Ah! What a sweet lesson in history! Although the greenest gringo is well acquainted with the French roll (known as bolillo), Mexican cookies are an enigma. So, the following is a guide for cookie bandidos ( bandits) of […]
Continue ReadingMexican music has its roots in the Indian flute, huehuetl (drum) and conch shell. The Spaniards brought their musicians with them as the Indian music proved inadequate for bullfights. Bullfighting and bullfight music originates in Pharanoic Egypt and was introduced into Spain by the Moors. Mexico’s first bullfight took place in Mexico City in 1526 (to honor […]
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