The Foreign Service on Screen: Por Mis Pistoles

Cantinflas is a beloved character in Mexican culture. Born Mario Moreno, this Mexican comic actor created Cantinflas as a fast-talking man of the people who could glib his way into or out of any situation. In his heyday he was known as the 'Charlie Chaplin of Mexico.'

In one of his more memorable scenes, the lovable Cantinflas has to cross the border into the US. Oh, how little things have changed:

Excursion Tour: Antigua, Guatemala

As marvelous as Mexico is, it's not the only place to visit.

A mere 2 1/2 hour flight away is Antigua, the relentlessly charming former capital of Guatemala.  Formerly known as Santiago, it was destroyed by a series of earthquakes and the government decided to move about an hour down the road and construct what is now Guatemala City.

Now, Antigua is a UNESCO heritage site and a beautifully restored colonial jewel of a city.  It has fine restaurants, cobblestoned streets, churches, plazas, and a scenic overlook on a hill called Cerro de la Cruz:

Highly recommended.

Can it be....?

If only.

To Yell with Mexico

 Despite a common misconception, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. That would be September 16, anniversary of 'The Cry of Dolores', the announcement of the Mexican independence revolution against Spain.

The Cry ('El Grito') was delivered in the town of Dolores, Guanajuato, by a Catholic priest named Miguel Hidalgo de Costilla. Although, no historian is exactly sure what Hidalgo said as no records were kept.

To commemorate this historic event, at around 11PM the night before Mexicans gather in their local plazas and yell patriotic things. Viva Mexico! Viva la Republica! Viva independencia! are popular.  There are fireworks and a fair amount of drinking, like all good national festivals,

Guide to Guadalajara: La Catedral

 The Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady - or, more simply the Guadalajara Cathedral - is the symbol and centerpiece of the city. It is depicted on innumerable postcards, paintings, tourist advertisements, and even appears in outline on the city's taxicabs.

Built in the Spanish Renaissance style, the cathedral has existed in various forms since 1541. The larger structure was completed in 1618 but was heavily damaged by an earthquake in the early 19th century. Famed architect Manuel Gomez Ibarra was hired for the rebuilding and created the cathedral as we know it today.

The basilica easily dominates the skyline of the Centro Historico, acting as a convenient nexus or landmark for the surrounding historic buildings. The interior is highly ornate and the surrounding courtyards are a pleasant place to contemplate life and the Eternal.

Do your best to dodge the priests spraying passers-by with holy water on your way in.

Guide to Guadalajara: San Juan de Dios

What city would be complete without its bustling marketplace?

This, the largest indoor market in the Americas, comprises three stories selling practically anything you could need - food, clothing, art, souvenirs, pets, household goods, all in dizzying profusion.

It put me ever so slightly in mind of Ben Thanh market in Vietnam, although more obviously geared toward an American tourist market, although still with plenty of locals to keep it authentic.

Beware, however - bargaining is expected, and an unwary gringo with limited Spanish may find himself taken for a ride.

Tequila vs. Mescal

 Both are national spirits of Mexico. Both are made from the agave plant. Technically speaking, tequila is a kind of mescal. BUT:

Tequila

Only made from the blue agave plant.

Can only be called 'tequila' if it comes from Jalisco, or a few designated zones in other Mexican states.

Is cooked in an oven. Tends to taste smoother and less distinctive.

Mescal

Can be made from any kind of agave.
 
 Cooked in below-ground pits. This gives mescal it's smokey flavor.

Will occasionally have a 'worm' (actually a butterfly larva) in the bottle. This is mainly a marketing gimmick and does not improve the taste.


I prefer mescal myself. It has a richer taste and is more distinctive.