Tropico to the Top

Most of the Peliculas de Espanol I watch are gratis from the Sacramento Public Library: an extensive collection from many countries including Peru, Colombia, Mexico and Spain. After watching a preview for Tropico de Sangre I was intrigued in both the story line and the film acting of Dominican-Puerto Rican Michelle Rodriguez, who played Ana Lucia Cortez on the television show LOST (I watched the entire series - 121 episodes - on DVD).

Tropico de Sangre is based on the true story of Minerva Mirabal and her sisters Patria, Maté and Dedé, siblings in an upper-class, well-cultured family in Salcedo, Dominicana Republica. The country was in turmoil for years under the brutal dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo, who ruled the with an iron fist until his assassination in 1961.

The film, set in the 1950’s, presents the story of how Minerva, Patria and Maté dared to stand up against the dictator, with historical nods to the era including Trujillo’s gang “The 42” and SIM, the secret police led by tormentor Johnny Abbes. Minerva Mirabal is played by Michelle Rodriguez, with support from Luchy Estevez as Patria and Sharlene Taulé as Maté; Dedé Maribal plays herself in the present-day scenes.

Although the plot is slow to start, once it is in full swing with rebellion and dictatorship, Tropico de Sangre holds you firmly in its path of visuals: the stylish clothes of upper class Dominicans, a creepy portrayal of Trujillo (played by Juan Fernandéz, with ashy-grey skin at times) and sadly, the violent prison beatings, all relevant to the events that occurred. The film ends with several paragraphs including notes that Mirabal’s sister Dede maintains a museum today in memory of her sisters.

With my interest piqued from Tropico de Sangre, and the bravery of the Minerva sisters who risked their lives during Trujillo’s reign, the lush and historic Dominican Republic has definitely moved closer to the top of my Places to Visit list.

De Magica Llame Denio’s (The Magic Called Denio's)

Sacramento has been my home since 2007 and after 4 years, my friends could not believe I’d never been to Denio’s Farmer’s Market and Swap Meet. “Nunca?! Aye, Chica, eso es loca!” So on that prompt, I set aside a sabado to see what it was all about. Arriving around 11:00 am, the parking lot was nearly full and people were entering the gates in manageable droves. My first mission: food.

Giddy Up! Skeleton rides demon pony at Denio's

The Denio’s snack bars offer hot dogs, corn dogs and baseball-stadium nachos, but I was craving Mexican food (big surprise there). The first Jimboy’s Tacos resides just outside the gates to Denio’s: a nostalgic shack offering beef tacos (only) for (only) $1.70. With no variety and yo no come carne, the nearby Maron’s Mexican Restaurant served up a delicious chili relleno and icy Victoria cerveza: the perfect precursor to get my Denio’s Shop ON.

YUM Maron's knows how to cook Mexican perfectamente

It’s true what they say, Denio's has Something for Everyone, and it’s hard to know where to begin or how to end. I had a short list with me to which I tried to stick, but found myself instead constantly distracted by the randomness of items.

You KNOW you want to wear these to the club: Jar Boot's Aye, Hoy y Siempre

The Farmer’s Market section offered foods of all kinds, from dried beans and nuts weighed by the pound to exotic flowers, cacti and caged birds. I bought big, flat, green nopales and giggled like a kid over the tiny fruit. So cute!

Aw don't cry Baby Banana, he is here to take care of you now

The Short List:
Mexican flag bikini
Big tacky cocktail rings
Silver “Tito” name necklace
Virgen de Guadalupe blanket
Bienvenidos door mat

Sadly, I only found the cocktail rings but happily they were $1.00 each. Maravilloso! I was surprised no vendors had name necklaces: an abundance of dollar signs and crosses, but no “Tito” para mi. El sigh. I was told it’s too soon for bikinis but there would probably be a Corona one offered soon, to which I answered proudly, “Gracias, pero yo tengo una bikini de Corona.” Yep.

Many of my wonderful friends represented in one booth - ¡Hijole!

I saw one Virgen blanket made of highly-flammable poly-velour, it was fly,colorful and super tacky (in other words, perfect) but at $45, the Thriftana in me pressed on, in search of a Bienvenidos door mat... to be found… no where. (Pero, sí por uno momento, I contemplated the Chivas car mats...)

Chico con el pistole - yep, Denio's sells (fake) guns to kids. Bang!

My favorite part of shopping was the Mexican candy. Offered by the Fiesta y Pinata vendors, whose crepe-paper masterpieces swayed in the breeze overhead, I selected piece after piece of imported dulce, including Carlos V chocolates, several varieties of tamarind, assorted sweet-with-hot-chili-and-salt confections and chewy guava-mango bars. Eight dollars later, I was muy feliz.

mmm filling up the basket for the big sugar-induced haul home

As the afternoon progressed, a snack of coconut paleta and chilly Modelo helped, but I was disappointed no one at Denio’s offered Michoacana paletas and the Modelo was a can for $3.75. Regardless, it was fun to enjoy a frozen treat AND open beer while rummaging through brightly-colored bras and pajama sets (4 for $10, can’t beat it).

So confusing! Where do I start? And that's just the corn dogs

Around 3:15 pm you start noticing everyone closing up, packing their trailers and sweeping up around their stalls – closing time is at 3:30 sharp. Walking back to the parking lot, I found a brochure on how to Pray the Rosary and took it as a sign – “Ay Dios, gracias por el lugar de magica llame Denio’s”

Talk Taco to Me

Gracias to all our Presidentes Buenos for Monday, February 20th - a day off from work for many to celebrate each of you and your notable leadership. For me, it was a dos taquerias hoy, starting with uno taco vegetariano at Beto's Tacos (2234 El Camino Avenue) in Natomas and a delicious jamaica agua fresca.

Note the Peru handbag, added for extra flair. mmm tacos

Mi amiga AB Hot Dog loves the mysteriosa blanca sauce from the gratis salsa bar. When lined up with the other salsas available, it makes a great bandera de Mexico. Me, I stick with the jalapeno pimientos y zanahorias, to make my belly cry tears of spicy joy later.

¡Viva Mexico! Donde estan los tortilla chips?

Later (si, el mismo dia) I enjoyed savory vegetal sopas, paired nicely with a chilled Negro Modelo draft at my local gem, Azul Mexican Food and Tequila Bar in Midtown.

Civiche, chips, sopas y cervezas. mmm Gracias Azul

Despite the deliciousness, I felt a little like I was cheating on mi favorita, Taqueria La Fiesta, but I will be there on Sunday, February 26th for the best micheladas in town when Real Madrid plays Barcelona.

Micheladas! Summer 2011 at Taqueria La Fiesta. La camiseta cuesta extra

All this talk about tacos makes me want to chow down again. But first, I feel compelled to mention the SNL video/skit that always makes me laugh until my sides ache, TACO TOWN! The mere sight of Andy Samberg sends me into short hysterical breaths.

"Pizza! Now that's what I call a taco!"

2nd Saturday Salsa Sweat

2nd Saturday is my favorite time to go out in Sacramento so when AB Hot Dog called about an early show at Java Lounge, I answered quickly, "Si, vamos!" The line up of punk rock bands, four on the bill for a $5 bill, stirred up a small crowd sporting studded jackets, plaid pants and multi-colored hair, reminiscent of shows in the late 80's/early 90's: refreshing and nostalgic all at once.

Huge smile, favorite t-shirt at a November 2011 City of Vain show

Sacramento's Riot Radio and Bad Ending- entertaining, scream-it-out-loud punk bands with catchy lyrics and cool names - opened the show, followed by late-arriving Los Headaches from Mexico City D.F., MX and finally, City of Vain (Sacramento). Los Headaches, crossing the border to promote their CD Boredom City, are fast-acting, sweat-slinging hombres snarling out songs en ingles; the guitarist, true to punk form, vomited during the last song. I fetched their 13-song CD, boasting hits like "Still Don't Know Why U're Mine" and "I Surely Don't Care About You," for a mere $10 before they vanished into the noche. ¡Que bueno!

¿Los Headaches o Los Heartaches? ¡No se!

City of Vain dominated the early evening, playing a string of powerful songs rift with clever lyrics. The band - made up of Steve Ross (vocals), Drew Boyce (guitar), Mario Maynor (bass guitar), AJ Wilhelm (drums), Newell Dunn (guitar) and Minh Quan (keyboards, who played onstage the night before with The Slackers) - work smoothly, like a well-oiled, alt-punk machine. Judging by the crowd singing/shouting along to the lyrics at Java Lounge, CoV obviously has a loyal fan base and will be playing again soon.

City of Vain opens their set with "City of Vain"

The early evening wrapped up with a stop at Taqueria La Fiesta on Alhambra near K Street. AB Hot Dog and I enjoyed tasty tacos while futbol played on the tele and toasted the best Micheladas in town to City of (Los Headaches) Vain, a resounding salsa-sweat induced salut: "Oi-le!"

MMM Muy sabroso, taco vegetariano sin crema con un Michelada frio

Peliculas de Peru

Ahhh February. While the chill of a California winter lingers and the thrill of Barcelona’s futbol winning streak leaves me with love hangover for Spain, my recent attention has turned south… all the way to Peru.

Eyewitness Travel - picturesque, informative books. Great Winter reading

Upon discovering several DVD’s produced or with stories set in Peru at the Sacramento Public library, I indulged in a mini movie marathon weekend, which left me with a head full of subtitles and a yearning to know more about this colorful, culturally-rich country.

Muy guapo calor, Jason Day, one of the raisons de hermoso to watch Máncora

Máncora is a delicious film by Peruvian director Ricardo de Montreuil, about a distantly-related stepbrother and sister reunited by tragedy. This film, set in Lima and Mancora, has lust, partying and spirit quests with hallucinogenic Ayahuasca, infidelity, road trip scenery through beautiful Peruvian coast, and a nice plot twist at the end. After the first scene I realized I had seen it a year ago, but watched it again, and it was just as good the second time. (My friend Oscar in Lima disagreed, instant messaging me: “Chica this film is bad.” Hm… las “chick flicks” de Peru? es Posible!)

Manolo Cardona y Bárbara Mori hablan secretos en La Mujer de Mi Hermano

La Mujer de Mi Hermano, also by Ricardo de Montreuil, is a film about a modern couple of 10 years experiencing intimacy issues and their rebellious artist brother (in-law) who intervenes with unapologetic machismo to stirs things up. The film moves quickly past the title, focusing on steamy love scenes with Uruguay-born, Mexican actress Barbra Mori and Colombian actor Manolo Cardona, but sadly it is not enough sustenance, and the plot twist left me feeling squirmy about so-called “normal life.”

Cinematographie Bueno: Magaly Solier collapses on la cama in Altiplano

Altiplano features the beautiful, native Peruvian actress Magaly Solier in a strong character role as Saturina and her beloved, Ignacio (played by rugged, statuesque Edgar Quispe) who live in an Andean village contaminated by mercury poison from a nearby mine. A plot within a plot depicts a former war photographer and her physician husband caught up in the riot that ensues. The photographer/physician couple did not intrigue me half as much as the stunning, raven-haired villagers of this striking film.

Fausta la flora: Magaly Solier is heartbreaking and beautiful

La Teta Asustada (The Milk of Sorrow) also features Magaly Solier, this time in a heartbreaking role as Fausta, a demure loner who grieves for her dead mother and believes she has a rare disease contracted from her months within the womb. Fausta oddly creates her own method of birth control and the subplot of the film includes a jaded view of a spoiled, city-based pianist for whom she works. The comical wedding scenes set in desert plains are sandy, colorful bittersweet treats for the viewer.

While a trip to Peru may be months away, immersion into the culture via film is a dreamy, satisfying way to get a head start on the expectations of travel. Books are great for reference and information, but there's something magical about watching life played out in action, films that intrigue the viewer to the point of indulgence and escape...

Sabado: Barça vs. Villarreal - ¡Voot Hoo!

Yesterday's Barça vs. Villarreal game was a whirlwind of fast plays, furious runs and several switch out hits that kept fans seat side-clutching right up until the final minute. Villarreal, affectionately known as “El Submarino Amarillo," played a great game at Camp Nou, but in the end proved no match for Alcantara, Fabregras, Sanchez, and current favorite, Player of the Year Messi. Thiago Alcantara received the ball from Fabregas just past midfield, and scored a goal in the lower-right corner of the box. Cesc Fabregras brought business back to the field doubling the lead inside the box after a through ball from Lionel Messi.

Arms up in victory...otra vez! Photo courtesy of TotalBarca.com

Mid-game, the dynamic Chilean Alexis Sanchez added a third goal and was also yellow carded for quitarse la camiseta. Photos of the cuerpo caliente that Sanchez packs under his jersey proved the card (for most fans mujeres) to be Well. Worth. It.

One yellow card for conduct... coming up. (con suspiros enormes)

I enjoyed watching the game with a tasty taco vegetariano and piña agua fresca at Taqueria Garibaldi on Howe Avenue near Arden Way. The friendly staff and other customers indulged my wide-eyed fascination of plays long after I finished my loncha. Gracias, amigos! :)

Comida delicioso y mas emocionantes desportes

My sabado wrapped up with a fantastic fiesta celebrating the 33rd cumpleaño di mi amiga buena, Amy Cluck a.k.a. Amyistheparty.

Just a peek at the adorableness in Amy's apartment. See more here

Sitting around a beautiful, vintage-modern Midtown apartment talking about crafts, cocktails and computer apps may not sound exciting to many people, but I was in great company - including Lauren Brandy of Two Shoes Studio and Lorrain Garcia of Rain's Embellishments. With tasty appetizers, cream-covered cupcakes and a delicious concoction called Vootbeer, the creative, inspiring conversation went on for hours, showing that the proof is in the candy dish: Amy really is the party.

Voo hoo for Vootbeer! Tasty cherry-topped treat

Goooooal de mi Corazón

Buena sonrisa en el dia bonita de Camp Nou, Barcelona Spain

As noted in an earlier post, my December visit to Spain was a culturally-enriching, amazing experience. In addition to being immersed in all things Catalan, enamored by the stylish people and charmed by the art and architecture, I was intrigued and entertained by the extreme love of futbol (Americans call it soccer). The players, the gear, the grass - futbol is everywhere: billboards, magazine covers, even candy wrappers boast information referring to "the game." It is an intoxicating fever that stirs energy and emotion. Sure, I have been to a few San Jose Quakes games in California, but futbol españa is a madness like I've never seen.

1966 Trofeu Gamper inside the Museu at Camp Nou, Barcelona Spain

My first day in Barcelona, I headed straight to Camp Nou and spent 2 hours wandering through the museu and touring the stadium. I saw incredible copas, vintage gear, retired jerseys and historic photos. I sampled Barça potato chips and listened to hundreds of fans, ages 2 to 92, sing the beloved victory song on a huge screen. Souvenirs of red, blue and yellow weighed down mi bolsa, and I learned to correctly spell Messi, Fabregras and Busquets before the end of the day. At last, I understood why their slogan is "Mas Que un Club," More Than a Club. ¡Claro que si!

Evening sunset on the massive Santiago Bernabéu stadium, Madrid Spain

After Barcelona I headed to Madrid, a city with an equally-impressive futbol team, aptly named Real Madrid. The stadium - Santiago Bernabéu - is just as impressive as Camp Nou, and the Adidas-sponsored campaign, "Real Madrid is All In" universally applies to the players, the game, the gear and the lifestyle. I ogled posters of Iker Casillas, Cristano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos, sweaty and smiling large as life. I savored and embraced the experience, wrapping my neck in a cozy "Hala Madrid" bufanda and leaving the tienda with large bags of crown-embossed swag (Real Madrid's regal logo).

Real Madrid is ALL IN. Poster from Santiago Bernabéu stadium, Madrid Spain

Fast-forward to now, a mere month later: I have futbol apps on my phone, schedules printed in my datebook and sporty chaquetas I never want to take off. Yesterday, the match - and my heart - ¡destrozado por el deporte! (torn by the sport) - the curse of rival teams. Streaming the game (I don't own a TV), I found myself jumping back and forth during plays. Lionel Messi, with the moves like Jagger (perhaps even better) proved why he was voted Player of the Year for the third year in a row.

Cheeky smile and velvet suit, who's Messi now, folks?!

Ronaldo and Ramos openly expressed frustration and, everywhere, emotions were high. In the end, the Barça-favored score made it obvious this will be a season of excitement. As for me, I am thrilled to learn more about futbol: the game, the rules, the fanatic rituals. But first the question I need an answer for is - "who's your team!?"

Perhaps only (the) team will tell (me).

Viure i somiar a Espanya*

(*Living and Dreaming in Spain)

Ever since I attended art college and studied the vibrant, inspirational art of Antonio Gaudi, I have wanted to visit Spain. Culturally-enriched, historically-embedded and just beautiful, with great food, vibrant people and the distinct sounds of Castillian words and Flamenco guitar, Spain is a feast for all of the senses.

Hey! This isn't Mexico! El Chapulín Colorado in Madrid

Several years after college and two years after I started studying Spanish, I made my dream come true, visiting Barcelona and Madrid in December with a loose itinerary and a few solid goals: Antonio Gaudí's Parc Güell and Sagrada Familia, Picasso's Guernica at Reina Sofia, and both stadiums: Futbol Club Barcelona and Real Madrid. (Solid goooooals, indeed!)

Making a dream come true on the famous bench in Parc Güell, Barcelona

Parc Güell is incredible, with colorful, curving mosaics that seem to go on forever around an open park. Nestled on a grassy hill with a beautiful view of Barcelona, the Parc draws hundreds of people who seem to lose all angst when they see the curvy gingerbread roofs of the tiny buildings and are greeted by the tile-covered gecko at the entrance. I loved it so much I visited twice, the second day meeting an Italian guitarist performing for a small audience, earning his keep in Euros tossed into his case. Liberating!

Mi novio nuevo de Italiano en Parc Güell "thank you, baby!"

Sagrada Familia is a monumental, breathtaking effigy, as incredible inside as it is out. Outside, strong stone men hold up the foundation and huge doors bear carved names and scripture. Inside, color dances from light through stained glass windows and Gaudí's lifelong dream towers above the visitor. Although there are final plan drawings viewable in the basement, one may wonder if it will ever stop being built, or if Barcelona would love to see it go on forever.

Up and up and up... Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

In both Barcelona and Madrid, I took the METRO everywhere, which was a huge plus. Not only is it fast, efficient and very inexpensive (get the unlimited 3-day Tourista pass for €13), but you get to see how the locals live, where they shop (El Corte Ingles - one place I learned from a bag!) and what everyday life is like in the cities: my favorite part of traveling anywhere.

SOL: The center of Spain, marker point zero. Great shopping, too!

Reina Sofia, a huge art gallery housed in an old hospital, is home to Pablo Picasso's famous piece, Guernica, a black-and-white mural created in response to the bombing of Guernica in the Basque Country. Having only seen this painting in books, I was moved by the beauty and awe of seeing it in person, as I believe was true of most of the viewers. The room was very quiet and people stayed for a long time, taking it all in. No photography is allowed, so "you have to see it in person to understand", as one art history teacher used to say to me. So true!

Beautiful day for a museum visit in Madrid

No visit to Spain would be complete without a visit to a futbol stadium, or in my case, the top two in the country: Camp Nou, home to Futbol Club Barcelona and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid Club de Fútbol. The museum at Camp Nou is incredible; I enjoyed hours of viewing historical items, including trophies from 1910, the Gamper cup, Copa Macaya, trading cards, shoes and sweaters.

"More than a Club" Gorgeous greens at Club Nou, Barcelona

Also included with the museum ticket is a full tour of the stadium (inside, outside, behind the stands), a visit to the locker room, press box and tiny players' chapel. The fantastic gift shop offers just about everything in red and blue at reasonable prices.

Massive, monumental Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid

Rivaling FCB as usual, Santiago Bernabéu was just as spectacular, a regal stadium with massive 2-story gift shop, novelty interactive games and merchandise for fans of any age and size (onesies and mini-goalkeeper shirts!). I found myself perusing for hours before finally deciding on regalos para mi amigos. The only question now is which team to pull for - I love both places and my heart is torn: Real Madrid players are mas chulo, but Barça has más rápido mueve. What's a girl to do?!

Noche de luces: Christmas Eve on La Rambla in Barcelona

Since returning, people have asked which city I prefer, and honestly I adore them both. While Barcelona is curvier and more artsy, and Madrid is metropolitan and fast-paced, both provide endless opportunities for sightseeing, museum-going, historical monument-spotting, dining, dancing and just enjoying life, mingling among Catalonians who clearly love where they live.

Madridlanos know how to have fun! gràcies als meus nous amics

Check out my reviews under my TripAdvisor profile, Chula_Cabrita: earning "contributor badges" while having fun writing about hotels, restaurants, sights and more. Making my dreams come true + guiding others on their way to theirs = win/win.