I Believe Greek Cats Have Mexican Blood in Them

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Athens, June 21, 2013
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Chora, Amorgos, June 26, 2013

I have been spending the last few days in Greece, and every time I see a cat -or a group of cats- they will be invariably taking a nap, which makes me suspect these felines might be of Mexican origin somehow.

I have also been way too busy enjoying the Greek summer while lazily sipping an ouzo, so I have not had the time to dig deeper into the subject. But rest assure I will investigate and will do my best to get to the bottom of it… After my siesta, that is.

Photos: Laura Martínez. Greece, 2013

Mexican Men Know How to Lure Women…. [into the Fridge]

Pétalos

Say what you will about Tecate, but the beer maker knows a thing or two about Mexican men and their tricky ways to get women do what they want (namely to get them cold beers from the fridge.)

I don’t know you, but I found the following spot truly amusing.*

 

*NOTE: For those enraged Latinas ready to start screaming and/or propose a boycott against Tecate or something, please contact the company directly or its ad agency in Mexico, not this blogger. Thank you for your cooperation.

Kate del Castillo Pitches Fragrance not Called Kate del Castillo

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First came Paulina, then Shakira, Banderas, JLo and even José José. Now, my paisana, Kate del Castillo, is the latest celebrity to join the club of Latino celebrities pitching a fragrance.

But unlike previous launches, Kate’s fragrance is not called ‘Kate del Castillo.’ It is a fragrance launched by Avon called Flor Violeta, “a floral fragrance with hints of apples, violets and musk,” that Del Castillo describes as “freshhh and joeeful” in an impossibly cute Mexican accent.

Watch her do her thing here:

 

 

It’s National Paella Day! [and I Have No Idea Why]

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I just woke up to the news that March 27 is National Paella Day in the U.S., yet another reminder of the weirdness of living in a country obsessed with bizarre celebrations and holidays.

But, as they say, when in Rome, do as the Romans do, and so hereby I’m paying tribute to Spain’s national dish by sharing one of my favorite ads featuring a “paella de pollo.”

NOTE: I am sorry, but this piece can only be appreciated by those who master the Spanish language. Enjoy! 

Benito Juárez, in Very Good Company

I decided to make an impromptu visit to my family in Mexico City this week. My first outting this morning was to the neighborhood “papelería.” My 9-year-old nephew needed a Pritt and to bind his homework. I bought a Tin Larín, a mazapán and a Slinky.

Who needs Staples and Office Depot when you can have a good ol’ papelería?

I can assure you they’ll satisfy all your stationary needs –and more.

Benedict XVI to Surrender Ring; Keep Mexican Shoes

Papos

UPDATE: Thanks to my followers I learned Benedict will not necessarily wear his Mexican shoes on his last day (Feb. 28) but will “definitely” keep them upon his retirement.

The Vatican today announced Benedict XVI will lose the Swiss Guard, the papal ring and his iconic red shoes when he retires Feb. 28. He will, however, hang on to his Mexican brown leather shoes… which this blog will refer to as #Papos.

Happy retirement… and Keep on walkin’

¡Ajúa!