The Best of Mexicanist Newsletter This Week 5/2024

Welcome to the Best of Mexicanist newsletter—where the Mexico unfolds. Dive into Cancun's adventures, Cabo's drone rescue, Puerto Vallarta's parties, and Tulum's glitzy drama. From Mazatlan's whale wonders to Acapulco's shadowy rebound, we've got it all. Plus, explore the mysteries of medieval women, indulge in Chiapas flavors, and decode cancer with systems biology.

Tourist Walks to Cancun Flight After Losing Wallet

Cancun's got it all: money mules caught, tourist treks to the airport sans wallet, navy ninjas trained, neighborhoods get makeovers, the airport expands, sleepy señor mistaken for a corpse, & Socca Cup kicks off.

Cabo Hikers' Mishap Ends with Drone-Powered Rescue

Cabo's week: lost hikers found, justice served to bad guy, anchoring big bucks, AND Los Cabos is Mexico's safest city! Get your permits, avoid drug drama, and don't lose yourself (or your yacht)… unless you're into dramatic rescues.

Puerto Vallarta's Charros, Bears, and Crocs, Oh My!

From the charro rodeo and Bearadise festival to the Madonnari art extravaganza, this city is a vibrant canvas. But watch out for unexpected crocodile neighbors—Puerto Vallarta, where every day is a lively fiesta.

Tourists Tussle and a Plane Plunges in Playa del Carmen

Mayhem in paradise! Tourists in a traffic light mishap, a crafts seller's feud turns deadly, a baby mysteriously abandoned, a plane takes nosedive, and restaurants ready to sizzle in 2024. Just another manic Monday in Playa del Carmen.

Tulum's Glittering Beaches and Gritty Underbelly

Tulum's beaches sparkle with Platinum awards, but the political drama heats up as the mayoral candidate's son-in-law gets shot and kidnapped. Meanwhile, the Mayor seeks re-election, and gunfire paints Veleta red. Can paradise handle the glitz, grit, and gunsmoke?

Whale of a Time in Mazatlan with a New Museum (MUNBA)

Mazatlán's got whales, wobbly wheels, and an epic eclipse. Whale museum to open with ocean giants, drivers strike over tiny fares, traffic's a tangle, but the carnival's hot and April's eclipse promises celestial magic.

Can Tourism Outrun the Shadow of Crime in Acapulco?

Acapulco's tourism rebounds (Dorada zone sizzles), but organized crime casts a shadow. Extortion and shutdowns plague businesses. The mayor fights back, tackling violence and aiming for a happy ending.

How Medieval Women Ruled the Home and Defied the Law

Medieval women faced divine contradictions as theologians juggled equality sermons with male supremacy. St. Paul preached parity, yet St. Augustine and pals insisted on women's servitude. A script where Sundays promised equality, but weekdays brought earthly subordination.

A Chiapas Feast for the Senses (and Faint of Heart)

Spice up your Chiapas trip with fiery flavors, unconventional eats, and crunchy “nucú ant” adventures. This southern Mexican state offers ancient tastes like smoky mole and frothy pozol, alongside modern delights like Chinese stir-fries and melt-in-your-mouth ham.

How Systems Biology is Cracking the Cancer Code

Explore cellular intricacies through systems biology. Osbaldo Resendis-Antonio's team integrates diverse biological data to understand metabolic alterations in diseases like cancer. Their predictive models offer insights into tumor heterogeneity, paving the way for personalized treatments.

El Tapatío, Mexico's Iconic Train Dreams of a Comeback

Mexico's iconic El Tapatío train might chug back soon! Private companies eye reviving classic routes, with El Tapatío connecting Mexico City and Guadalajara in Pullman luxury. President AMLO champions rail revival, but feasibility studies and construction could delay the grand return.

Cracking the Primate Cloning Puzzle, But at What Cost?

Primate cloning puzzle nears solution, but human copies remain unethical. Shanghai scientists crack the imprinting code, but efficiency low. The cloning debate rages on, with experts urging caution and focus on ethical genomic medicine.

Why Your Wee Wine Collection Loves a Solo Fridge (and You Will Too!)

Tiny wine collection? Ditch the fancy fridge. Single temp suits most whites and future-legends reds. Just pick a cool, dark, vibration-free unit with swagger (it'll become your “wines to drink” hero later). Passive cellars work too, but resale value suffers.

Mexico's Festivals Blend Ancient Rituals with Modern Revelry

Mayan fiestas await: dancing pigs, talking crosses, and enough tequila to fuel tomb raiding. Izamal's streets blaze yellow, Cancun's carnival gets wild, and Chichen Itza parties like Indiana Jones.

How Humble Quercetin Might Patch Up Our Wounds

Mother Nature's healing bounty, like quercetin, holds immense potential for wound care. But ethically sourcing, ensuring fair access, and rigorous scientific research are crucial to avoid environmental harm, exploitation, and inequality.

A Totally Unsanitary Tour of Charcuterie's Past

Charcuterie: from Roman pork-fests to gourmet art. History, new flavors (goodbye dog!), lighter and healthier. Dive into France's meaty wonders and become a charcuterie master (skip the monkey).

The “Bloody Bullfighter” Recipe for Champions (and Clowns)

Ditch the boring Bloody Mary! Spice things up with the “Bloody Bullfighter”: a sassy, fiery cocktail with celery salt rim, stuffed olives, jalapeño kick, and enough vodka to make a matador blush. Olé!

Your Pocket Guide to Hiring a Mariachi in Guadalajara

Guadalajara's mariachi serenades are love's fiery soundtrack. From classic ranchero to salsa spice, trumpet your affection with 5-piece bands to 10-man fiestas. Prices range from spicy to sweet, but the memories are guaranteed to be hotter than habaneros.

How to Ditch the Gluten Drama and Find Your Food Zen

Gluten: friend or foe? Unveiling the truth behind celiac, sensitivity, and the gluten-free hype. Learn to listen to your body, embrace whole grains, and savor food, gluten or no gluten. Life's too short for hangry battles over protein molecules.

Why Mexico's Gender-Biased Stats Need a Makeover

Mexico's “head of household” stat is sexist and outdated, hiding women's contributions and skewing policies. Let's ditch it and count all family roles, not just the sombrero-wearing ones.

How UNAM Became a Breeding Ground for Presidents, Poets, and Pixies

Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico, born in 1551, shaped by imperial whims, survived closures, morphed into National University. A saga of conquest, commitment, and bureaucratic flair unfolds over 471 years.

A Tabasco Food Guide for the Adventurous Eater

Tabasco's fervent cuisine goes beyond the sauce. Dive into the Mayan-Spanish mix with chirmol stew, sweet macal fruit, and ardent pejelagarto fish. Broths simmer with plantain and chaya, while meaty treats like armadillo and venison tempt the adventurous.

Thank you and stay tuned for a weekly dose of Mexico's latest stories, tastiest bites, and captivating traditions. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or an armchair explorer, let the Best of Mexicanist be your passport to the heart and soul of Mexico.