Saturday, February 27, 2016
El Hotel de los Secretos #24, 2/26/16 Friday: We Have A Triple Cliffhanger, People! And Maybe A Couple of Deaths For Monday!
At a glance
-- Because of Cristina’s reappearance and Diego’s serenata, Isabel and Julio may have broken up. We’re still looking into it.
-- Felipe tries but fails to avoid the duel. Teresa enlists Alfredo’s help but Sofía forbids her husband from participating in the duel.
-- Lupe wants Ángela to help him write a cookbook for the President's advisor, Don Javier Góngora, and hopes this would propel him to national stardom if his recipes are chosen to adorn the banquets of the country’s centennial celebrations.
-- Sofía fires the Doc and refuses to let him examine her swollen belly. She may be having a hysterical pregnancy and she may be losing her marbles. We’re still looking into it.
-- Because of Cristina’s reappearance and Diego’s serenata, Isabel and Julio may have broken up. We’re still looking into it.
-- Felipe tries but fails to avoid the duel. Teresa enlists Alfredo’s help but Sofía forbids her husband from participating in the duel.
-- Lupe wants Ángela to help him write a cookbook for the President's advisor, Don Javier Góngora, and hopes this would propel him to national stardom if his recipes are chosen to adorn the banquets of the country’s centennial celebrations.
-- Sofía fires the Doc and refuses to let him examine her swollen belly. She may be having a hysterical pregnancy and she may be losing her marbles. We’re still looking into it.
-- Belén is Porfirian Mexico’s most expensive date. She spends all of Andrés’s savings during their day-trip to the capital, then she yells at the poor schmuck and insults him on the train journey back.
-- Jacinto is going to become Diego's new Idiot Goon. Garrido, the original Idiot Goon, does not know yet.
-- Poor Violeta is going to go back to the cantina but the valiant Doc vows to help her get out of there.
-- Diego is trying to trap Andrés through future loans.
-- Cristina sneaks into the Gran Hotel and retrieves the letter. She is stopped by Teresa on her way out. Teresa explicitly demands that Cristina return the letter to her. Isabel is hidden from view but she hears everything.
-- Mercedes and Eugenia fight over Felipe then decide to join forces to save him from being killed by their father in a duel. They try to escape the room where their father locked them by jumping out the window. Eugenia may have pushed her sister to a certain death. We are still looking into it.
-- A scream, most likely coming from a Mercedes plummeting to her death, provided a providential interruption to the duel. Felipe was not killed by the general. Drat!
-- Poor Violeta is going to go back to the cantina but the valiant Doc vows to help her get out of there.
-- Diego is trying to trap Andrés through future loans.
-- Cristina sneaks into the Gran Hotel and retrieves the letter. She is stopped by Teresa on her way out. Teresa explicitly demands that Cristina return the letter to her. Isabel is hidden from view but she hears everything.
-- Mercedes and Eugenia fight over Felipe then decide to join forces to save him from being killed by their father in a duel. They try to escape the room where their father locked them by jumping out the window. Eugenia may have pushed her sister to a certain death. We are still looking into it.
-- A scream, most likely coming from a Mercedes plummeting to her death, provided a providential interruption to the duel. Felipe was not killed by the general. Drat!
A closer look
We pick up right where we left off. Diego brought musicians to serenade Isabel and disturb the peaceful slumber of the Gran Manicomio’s distinguished guests. The mustached vulture is standing right outside Isabel’s window. He’s hugging a bouquet of red roses and doing his best Puss-in-Boots impression. Matilde pleads with Isabel to acknowledge Diego’s serenata, if only for him to save face. Diego starts yelling: “Isabel! I know you’re there! I didn’t come to ask you for anything, not even for your forgiveness. I’m only here to let you know that I will keep fighting for you until the day where blood stops pumping through my veins! Ever since I first laid eyes on you, everything I have done was to ensure that nothing ever hurts you. Maybe, one distant day, you will realize that this man that you rejected (rechazar) for being stubborn (necio), coarse (tosco) and impulsive (arrebatado) has been the man that loved you the most... Because he has never shied away from doing whatever it takes in order to take care of you, Isabel!” (Terrible, just terrible speech. Dude, I’m embarrassed for you. You lost me at 'Hola'). Julio is still in Isabel’s room; he’s witnessing this masquerade and he is not a happy camper. He figures this is why his girlfriend of 48 hours has been avoiding him. Claro! Isabel has gone off him because she realized that he is not an adequate suitor for her. Isabel insists that she had no idea Diego was coming and that Diego has nothing to do with their situation. Julio believes that the letter and the Cristina problem are just pretexts for Isabel to cut bait. She must be thinking that Julio is not suitable for her (convenir); so it’s not really all these excuses that she is inventing, it’s gotta be him. “You know what?”, replies Isabel, “It IS you!” She blames Julio for demanding of her what he himself is unable to provide. The fact of the matter is, Julio has been asking Isabel to sacrifice what matters the most to her and now that she wants him to stand by her, he says that he can’t endanger (exponer) his sister! “Now that it’s your turn (te toca a ti) to put yourself at risk, you turn your back on me (me das la espalda)! THAT is what is ‘not suitable’ for me!”. Julio is still on his high horse: “And this situation is suitable for you? Making up (hacer las paces) with a criminal just for your family’s peace of mind? Acting as if nothing happened?”. Isabel replies dismissively: “Tell yourself whatever tale you like. You want me to be the baddie? I can be the baddie!”. “I don’t want you to be anything!”, retorts Julio. “Therefore, you should run out of here once and for all (de una buena vez) and stop making life difficult for me!”, says Isabel. Julio accepts Isabel’s nice invitation to get the heck out of her room and out of her life. He’s not going to mess up her perfect life anymore! Cue dramatic exit. (I’m not entirely sure but I think our flaky lovebirds just broke up. Again. Or is this a continuation of yesterday’s break-up? These two are such divas... I can’t! :D)
Felipe is doing his usual acrobatic stunt on the hotel’s façade to try to get into the bedroom of his scorned fiancée. He bangs on Mercy’s window but she won’t let him in. A few hours later, Felipe is knocking at his Mamá’s door. She’s still in her jammies and her face says it all: “Now what? What stupidity have you committed to come ruin my day at the crack of dawn?” He tells her his latest blunder. Teresa is outraged but Felipe is unfazed; it’s not like he forced the Ballesteros girls to sleep with him. If only Mamá could see how willing these two gals were to jump into the sack. Mamá is repulsed and astonished in equal measure. She is discovering new uncharted territories in the vast wildness of her son’s idiocy: “You boinked two sisters who happen to be the daughters of a military man? How can you be this stupid?”. Felipe figures a little trip will make the old general forget all about the duel. Teresa can’t allow Felipe to besmirch the family honor any further, his father must be turning in his grave! Felipe doesn't think that his mother would prefer a dead son to a dishonored son. He’s wrong in his assessment. Mamá just washed her hands of him. This is Felipe’s doing. The doo-doo will ineluctably hit the fan. Deal with it. All Mamá can do for him is pray. She’ll pray for him.
Below stairs, Lupe asks Ángela for a favor as he clumsily riffles through a bundle of banknotes. “And what kind of favor gets paid with money?” (Ay, Ángela! You wish! No need to play coy with us; we know that you’re dying for some Lupe loving!). It turns out Lupe wants Ángela to look into how books get made. Is Lupe going to write a book? More or less, replies Lupe, and this is where he’ll be needing her help. Ángela is perplexed: “No more detours (she actually said vericuetos, meaning ‘bumpy winding paths’). Just cut to the chase! (al grano)”. Lupe agrees: “I’ll get right to the point (al punto), morena”. Ángela protests the pet name and the familiarity with which Lupe is addressing her: “Don’t call me ‘morena’!” (Aren’t these two the sweetest? I for one find myself more interested in their love story than in Isabel and Julio’s highschool romance). Basically, Lupe wants his morena to procure him some cookbooks and help him read them. He would like to emulate these books and compose his own recipe collection. He hopes to give his cookbook to Don Javier Góngora as an inspiration for the banquets that will be organized during the country’s centennial festivities. Maybe even the President himself will see Lupe’s cookbook and summon him to the capital! What a great opportunity that would be for someone who’s never left his village! Lupe can barely hide his excitement at the prospect and he relies on Ángela’s discretion because he doesn’t want his son to have more motives to feel ashamed of him. His poor Jacinto is excessively mocked as it is (ya es demasiada la carrilla que le cargan). Lupe does not want his son to be teased because he has a dumb and ignorant father.
Below stairs, Lupe asks Ángela for a favor as he clumsily riffles through a bundle of banknotes. “And what kind of favor gets paid with money?” (Ay, Ángela! You wish! No need to play coy with us; we know that you’re dying for some Lupe loving!). It turns out Lupe wants Ángela to look into how books get made. Is Lupe going to write a book? More or less, replies Lupe, and this is where he’ll be needing her help. Ángela is perplexed: “No more detours (she actually said vericuetos, meaning ‘bumpy winding paths’). Just cut to the chase! (al grano)”. Lupe agrees: “I’ll get right to the point (al punto), morena”. Ángela protests the pet name and the familiarity with which Lupe is addressing her: “Don’t call me ‘morena’!” (Aren’t these two the sweetest? I for one find myself more interested in their love story than in Isabel and Julio’s highschool romance). Basically, Lupe wants his morena to procure him some cookbooks and help him read them. He would like to emulate these books and compose his own recipe collection. He hopes to give his cookbook to Don Javier Góngora as an inspiration for the banquets that will be organized during the country’s centennial festivities. Maybe even the President himself will see Lupe’s cookbook and summon him to the capital! What a great opportunity that would be for someone who’s never left his village! Lupe can barely hide his excitement at the prospect and he relies on Ángela’s discretion because he doesn’t want his son to have more motives to feel ashamed of him. His poor Jacinto is excessively mocked as it is (ya es demasiada la carrilla que le cargan). Lupe does not want his son to be teased because he has a dumb and ignorant father.
In the dining room, Sofía is sitting with Dr. Vicario. She doesn’t want him to examine her because she claims that her baby is alive. Our wise Doc is playing along: “I don’t doubt it. That’s the more reason for me to examine you. This is merely a routine check.” Sofía’s crazed eyes start darting every which way: “You know what? My baby and I won’t be needing your services anymore, Doctor. My husband, who is the new director of the hotel, will be notifying you regarding our new decisions very soon. If you’ll excuse me, I have to leave.” (I believe she is planning on chucking the Doc out of the hotel. That’s what I gleaned from her cryptic talk of “new decisions”).
Belén is fleecing Andrés in the nation’s capital. She’s spending the poor schmuck’s money like nobody’s business: a shoeshine, a gourmet lunch at a fancy restaurant, a screening of motion pictures at the movie theater, a shopping spree at the Mexican Harrods’. Belén is having a grand old time while Andrés is squirming and having tiny heart attacks every time he’s presented with a bill.
Over in Mercy’s room, Eugenia lovingly wakes her older sister with the help of a glass of cold water poured down the bosom. The Ballesteros Sisters start fighting over what happened the previous night. Eugenia accuses her dear sis of playing dirty (jugar sucio): the two of them had made a bet (apuesta) and there was no need for Mercedes to involve their father in the competition. Mercedes contends that her sister engaging in "Babylonian love" with her fiancé is what qualifies as "playing dirty". Besides, all is fair in love and war. Eugenia can’t believe that her sister is willing to sacrifice her only chance at marriage by condemning Felipe to certain death. Mercy doesn’t give a flying fudge; she’s ready to lose the Felipe battle in order to win her war against her younger sister.
In the director’s office, Teresa accepts that she has been a rhymes-with-witch to Alfredo but she needs his help. She pleads with him to be Felipe’s duel representative or "second" (padrino de duelo). Alfredo wonders if there is any way for them to dissuade the general from going ahead with this duel. Teresa says that the general backed down (desistir) once when she agreed to make Felipe marry Mercedes but the situation at present cannot be remedied. A duel is inevitable. Teresa is desperate. Alfredo accepts to help Felipe just as Teresa attempts to kneel in front of him and beg some more. Sofía overhears the conversation and barges into the office without even knocking. She says that she doesn’t feel the need to knock before entering her husband’s office. Teresa leaves to let them speak privately. “How are you this morning, my precious one?”, asks Alfredo. Whoosh! Sofía slaps Alfredo so hard, she’s lifted off the floor! (Holy cachetada, Batman! I felt it from here. Ouch!). “I forbid it! Do you hear? You are not going to sacrifice your life in order to save that useless irresponsible Felipe!” (I don’t agree with the delivery but the woman has a point). Alfredo tells her that this is her brother and that her Mamá begged him to help Felipe; he can’t possibly refuse! Sofía does not give a damn (me importa un comino) about Alfredo’s sense of honor! She has her priorities straight and she will not allow that her - imaginary - baby be born an orphan.
The Ballesteros Sisters' bickering turned into a screaming match. They are calling each other some choice names: “You are crazy!”, says Eugenia. “You are a slut (golfa)!”, yells Mercedes. “You are an anchorite (anacoreta)!”, replies Eugenia. “You don’t even know what that means!”, says Mercy. They are causing such a brouhaha that it can be heard all over that floor. Sure enough, the general is walking in the corridor and recognizes the banshee screams. After all, these are his baby banshees and a father always knows. He summons Natalia and demands that she give him the master key. Natalia is intimidated but she politely declines. The general asks the insubordinate señorita to state her name and rank. “Natalia. Chambermaid (mucama).” Therefore, as general, he has seniority and as such, his orders must be obeyed. Master key! Now! He locks the door from outside, effectively imprisoning his baby banshees inside Mercy’s room, and he leaves with a self-satisfied smile.
Outside, Jacinto is standing by the car, wearing his chauffeur uniform and his customary sour face. Diego wants to go for a ride. In the car, he reminds Jacinto that he is mixed-race (mestizo), the son of an indigenous peasant (indio) and of a woman that was capable of abandoning her own child. Where does Jacinto see himself in 10 years? According to Diego, Jacinto would never amount to much. At best, he could aspire to a life of menial jobs like driving his bosses around or running errands for the hotel kitchen. He’ll probably be saddled with 4 or 5 kids conceived legitimately or illegitimately with some servant and it’s quite likely that he’ll turn into one of the drunks that frequent the local cantina. Why not? This is what happens to people of Jacinto’s social class and racial background. This is how society perceives people like Jacinto and things will not change, unless... Jacinto does not like the gloomy picture that Diego has just painted and he is determined to defy his "destiny" by serving Diego. Jacinto knows that Diego is good to those who serve him loyally. The mustached vulture zeroes in on his prey: he has a proposal to secure Jacinto a better future. Since Garrido is "a bastard dog, stupid and without imagination", Diego would like Jacinto to become his new Idiot Goon. Jacinto readily accepts: “What do you need me to do, Don Diego?”. Diego instructs him to spy on Isabel and that’ll be all for now; if things work out well, then they’ll see what comes next. Jacinto is as obedient as a puppet.
Isabel is having breakfast in bed with a side of tears and self-pity. Matilde tries to cheer her up. Now that Isabel has no amorous entanglements, she can dedicate more time to medicine. Exams are looming and neither girl has opened a book to start the revision. Besides, important discoveries were made by people who suffered a lot (Yawn. I don’t care.) In a later scene, Julio is about to throw a pebble at Isabel’s window, in broad daylight mind you, but he changes his mind and walks away in a huff. (Again. Yawn. I don’t care. Do something interesting or be gone!).
Jezaloo, they're still at it! Eugenia recognizes that she has always been jealous of Mercy’s spirit, heart and fiery eyes. She also confesses to Mercedes that Felipe was her first and maybe that’s why she feels compelled to save him from her father’s murderous wrath. Gasp! Eugenia has just announced that she was a virgin! (Well, half a virgin, really. Judging from the panoply of third base skills that she displayed to this Patio). Eugenia continues pleading with Mercedes to do something in order to save Felipe’s life. She swears that she won’t look at Felipe again if Mercedes agrees to help spare his life (Bla-bla-bla... This circular repetitive argument is boring me senseless. I say pay us all a favor and let Mother Nature do its work. The world is full of Felipes and there’s plenty more drunken fish in the sea for you two numpties to fight over!). Mercedes gives in to Eugenia’s pleas. The sisters try to leave the bedroom to fly to Felipe’s rescue. Mercedes is even willing to go outside dressed in her nightgown, but whaddya know, the door is locked. They scream and then scream some more. (You’re boring me. Be gone.)
Alfredo goes to see Felipe to tell him that he is unwilling to take the eventual responsibility of fighting as a duel “second” for him (apparently the “seconds” were sometimes expected to confront each other during a duel). Alfredo cited all the reasons that Sofía drummed into him during their conversation in the office. However, he is happy to teach Felipe how to shoot.
Dr. Vicario is complimenting Teresa on her beauty but Teresa does not feel beautiful. She has her hands full with her screw-up children and their problems. The Doc wants to know what he can do to alleviate her troubles. She asks him to stand by her. At that precise moment, the acclaimed French designer the hotel was expecting arrives to the Gran Manicomio (Dayum! He is a BIG fella! How tall is this guy?). Nena Limantour and Teresa welcome him effusively.
Cristina sneaks into the hotel, totally undetected, in broad daylight no less. She checks the secret cache under her old bed and finds it empty.
On the train journey back from the capital, Belén is unpacking her purchases, oohing and aahing at her exquisite taste. She then gets mad at Andrés because he dares to preach caution as to her out-of-control spending. After all, babies have other needs beyond wearing French silk, I don’t know, like food for example. Besides, the baby will grow out of these expensive outfits in a couple of months; then what? How are they going to buy the baby new clothes? Belén is not one to let stupid things like logic and common sense get in the way of her insatiable demands. She starts berating Andrés: All she did was buy some clothes for HIS hijo and a few measly knick-knacks for her! She then calls Andrés a broke motherfella and storms out! (Vaya descaro! The nerve of this heifer!)
Alfredo improvised a little target practice in the garden. Felipe tries to learn to shoot but fails miserably. Actually, he doesn't even try. His nonchalant attitude vis-à-vis the impending danger is disconcerting Alfredo. Maybe Felipe deserves to die.
Alfredo improvised a little target practice in the garden. Felipe tries to learn to shoot but fails miserably. Actually, he doesn't even try. His nonchalant attitude vis-à-vis the impending danger is disconcerting Alfredo. Maybe Felipe deserves to die.
Cristina is now wearing a maid’s uniform and we see her scrummaging through Julio’s burlap sack. Bingo! She found the key she was looking for! Julio surprises her in his room and is worried that someone might see her. Julio realizes that his sister is back for the letter. Does she not trust him? Cristina is afraid that Julio might give the letter to Isabel and Cristina needs that letter for money and for revenge. Besides, the letter is cursed and she doesn’t want someone else’s life to be endangered because of it (Yeah right!). She’s playing her brother like a fiddle and she asks him to take her home. He wants to know more about the key and tells her that he tried to open so many doors with that key. She replies that the key has no importance, really. It just happens to be the key that Don Rómulo gave her to open his drawer (I think she’s lying. She’s done nothing but lie since she reemerged). Julio thinks that Cristina must leave the hotel now. “But how?”, she asks, “the entry is full of people!” (I don't know. How did you manage to get in undetected?). Julio tells her not to worry. He’ll steal a fancy dress and she can leave by the main hotel entrance (That makes perfect sense... Not!).
Looks like Violeta is going back to the cantina. Poor kid! The Doc vows to get her out of there and help her start a new life. She is not alone. He’ll be there for her. “You have my word of honor!” (How great is our Doc? If he is revealed to be a baddie, I will be heartbroken!)
Andrés is back at the hotel and he's rehearsing his speech to Alfredo, no doubt to ask for another loan. He bumps into Diego who tells him that Alfredo is not there. Then he reminds him that taking a loan during this period of high inflation was not a smart idea. If Andrés wants another advance on his wages then Alfredo is not the person to talk to. Payroll is an exclusive duty of the deputy director, i.e. Diego. The mustached vulture has zeroed in on prey n°2.
Andrés is back at the hotel and he's rehearsing his speech to Alfredo, no doubt to ask for another loan. He bumps into Diego who tells him that Alfredo is not there. Then he reminds him that taking a loan during this period of high inflation was not a smart idea. If Andrés wants another advance on his wages then Alfredo is not the person to talk to. Payroll is an exclusive duty of the deputy director, i.e. Diego. The mustached vulture has zeroed in on prey n°2.
After meandering the hotel halls completely unnoticed, Cristina sneaks into a room (is it Teresa’s bedroom?) and goes straight for the letter’s hideout. It seems like the letter was dissimulated in plain view. She nearly bumps into Teresa on her way out. Teresa and Nena Limantour are still cooing and fussing over the French designer as they show him the hotel premises. “Voulez-vous voir le Grand Salon, Monsieur Paulet? Would you like to see the Big Parlor?” (Depends. Can he fit through the door?)
To close this chapter of pre-duel negotiations and preparations, Teresa goes looking for Alfredo and is greeted by a seething Sofía who accuses her mother of being cold-blooded and of treating Alfredo like cannon fodder (carne de cañón). Teresa finds out that Sofía has dissuaded her husband from being Felipe’s “second” at the duel. Indeed, Sofía learnt from her mother how to protect her own. Teresa is devastated. Alfredo can fend for himself, he would’ve known how to shoot at the old blind general, but Felipe? Felipe is a child who is incapable of doing anything for himself. As far as Teresa is concerned, Sofía has just sentenced her own brother to death by denying him Alfredo’s support!
We have an exhilarating juxtaposition of short scenes at the end of this episode. Julio comes back to his room with the stolen gown but Cristina has vanished. Teresa goes looking for the general in his room but noone answers the door. Ángela sees Cristina in the hotel corridors and runs to alert Teresa. Julio begs Isabel to help him find Cristina; his sister is in the hotel and he fears for her life. He can’t bear to lose his sister again. The duel is about to start. Alfredo presents the quarreling parties with their pistols. They pick a firearm each and the general stares defiantly at Felipe who is summoning every atom of willpower he has to refrain from peeing himself. Cristina is carrying a basket and trying to sneak out of the hotel by the delivery door. The Ballesteros Banshees are hanging onto the windowsill of Mercy’s room and standing on the cornice of the hotel's façade. This appears to them like an ideal way of escaping the room where they were imprisoned. It also seems to them like an ideal time to resume the bickering and name-calling: “Whore (zorra)! Harlot (meretriz)!”, yells Mercy. Eugenia wishes her sister would just die to yield the way for her to be with Felipe. Just as Cristina opens the gate, Teresa calls out to her: “Cristina! Did you really think you would leave without paying me a visit?”. The dueling parties are back-to-back and they start to slowly walk away from each other as Alfredo counts each step out loud. The countdown from 20 begins. Back outside Mercy’s window, Eugenia has lost her damn mind: “I hate you Mercedes! Die!” Mercy loses her balance and falls off the ledge. She is hanging on to Eugenia’s arm for dear life (Is it me or does this scene defy the laws of physics? Either that or the Ballesteros Banshees have freakish upper body strength! Anyhoo...). “Don’t get close!”, warns Cristina. Teresa sniggers: “You look good for someone who’s been dead all this time! I want that letter, Cristina! I’ve had it with your damn games!”. Isabel is witnessing this exchange, hidden from view. Alfredo is still counting down each step. Felipe is a red sweaty trembling mess. Alfredo’s countdown is ending... Tres. Dos. Uno. The duel is interrupted by Mercy’s chilling scream: Aaaaaaaaaaaaah! (This. Is. Spartaaaaaa! Looks like Eugenia eliminated Sargent Mercedes.)
A quote from the capítulo
“No te puedes salir a media partida, Felipe. La cancha no se abandona cuando los puntos se empiezan a contar en contra. Así no es la vida. Qué trágico que lo estás aprendiendo tan tarde.”*
*Teresa urges her flighty good-for-nothing lad to man up and start facing the consequences of his actions: “You can’t leave in the middle of the game, Felipe. One doesn’t abandon the field once the points start stacking up against one. This is not how life is. How tragic that you’re learning it so late.”
Your viewing vocabulario
(these definitions are context-specific, unless otherwise indicated)
Rechazar = to reject, to turn down.
Necio(a) = (In Mexican Spanish) stubborn, pigheaded. "Necio" can also mean: foolish, dumb or irritating, depending on the context and on the country.
Tosco(a) = coarse, boorish, ill-mannered.
Arrebatado(a) = impulsive, impetuous.
Convenir = to befit, to agree with, to be suitable to.
Exponer = to expose, to put at risk.
Te toca a ti = it is your turn.
Dar la espalda a alguien = turn one’s back on someone, refuse to give someone help.
Hacer las paces con alguien = to make up with someone, to bury the hatchet.
De una buena vez = once and for all.
Vericueto = a narrow, winding and rough path. It doesn’t have a direct translation but the plural form “los vericuetos” is used in a variety of contexts to mean “the ins and outs”, “the winding paths”, “the intricacies”, “the nooks and crannies” or “the byways” of something.
Al grano = Al punto = get to the point, cut to the chase, stop beating around the bush.
Cargar carrilla = also “echar carrilla” or “dar carrilla”, meaning to badger, to pester, to mock, to make fun of someone. My understanding is that it can go from amicable harmless teasing between friends all the way to something akin to bullying. It all depends on the context.
Jugar sucio = to play dirty.
Apuesta = a bet, a wager.
Padrino de duelo = a duel representative or a duel second.
Desistir = to back down, to withdraw, to give up.
Me importa un comino = literally “It matters a cumin (seed) to me”. Basically, it means “I couldn’t care less”. In Spanish, there are many variants of this expression, the mild inoffensive versions are: “Me importa un pepino (a cucumber)”, “Me importa un bledo (an amaranth)”, and my personal favorite, “Me importa un cacahuate (a peanut)”. Just like with English, there is a panoply of ways in Spanish to express just how much one does not care, some can be pretty crude and vulgar but the aforementioned expressions are safe to use, as far as I know.
Golfa = Zorra = slut, whore, floozy, hooker, etc.
Anacoreta = anchorite, religious hermit.
Mucama = chambermaid.
Mestizo(a) = a mixed race individual.
Indio(a) = a national of the Republic of India. An individual of Native American indigenous descent. The term “indio” also has a pejorative connotation in Mexico and other countries of Central America when it is used to mean "a peasant", "a yokel" or "an uneducated person". I don’t have enough knowledge of Spanish to capture all the subtleties of this word. However, I am not comfortable using it because, since I was a child, I was taught to avoid the term “Indians” when referring to the indigenous peoples and native inhabitants of the Americas. Then a few years ago, an Aussie friend of mine told me that the terms “Indigenous”, “Indigenous Australians” and “Aborigines” were very frowned upon in his country, if not considered outright offensive. The right terms are “Aboriginal" and "Aboriginal people”. This example goes to show that the same term can carry different connotations, depending on the country. It would be interesting if the native Spanish speakers among our Patio Pals can come forward and share their impressions on the word “Indio” with the rest of the group.
Carne de cañón = cannon fodder.
Meretriz = harlot.
Thank you for the pleasure of your company. Please join us again for the next capítulo. We’ll be saving you a seat!
Labels: hotel
Comments:
Hi, I am Marla. I was reading yesterday your recap Nandicta and you are a wonderful comedy writer. I was cracking in laughs.
I think that the perfect punishment for Belen would be that she loses her baby. Not that the baby is guilty of her awful attitude but it would be better for him to be in heaven than to grow with a mother like Belen or with a crazy woman like Sofia and all her spoiled family.
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Hello Patio Pals! Apologies for the delay. We've had a rainstorm since last night and internet was sporadic at best. It took forever for the episode to load and I couldn't do my second viewing so I tried doing the recap from memory. Once the internet connection was reestablished and I regained access to the episode, I had to go back and do an extensive rewrite. Anyhoo, sorry to those who were waiting for their recap.I'll add the vocabulary tomorrow.
It's nearly 22:30 hours here and I must raid the fridge and fix me some dinner. Enjoy the recap, amigos and talk amongst yourselves. I'll catch you all mañana! Night night :)
It's nearly 22:30 hours here and I must raid the fridge and fix me some dinner. Enjoy the recap, amigos and talk amongst yourselves. I'll catch you all mañana! Night night :)
Hehehehe! Love your comment, Cathyx! Literal cliffhanger, indeed. I even gasped! Many of us here suspected that Eugenia was bad news. But come on! :)
No problems Nandicta, we have all weekend. You did a masterful job with this. Even though I watched it, your recap still had me on the edge of my seat. Very well done.
I thought the same about Eugenia's upper body strength to hang on to Mercedes like that. It would be difficult for a man, sheesh. Maybe a well timed cart of hay or clothing will be passing under her to catch her as she drops. I will assume the scream will stop the General from continuing the duel.
I'm glad that Isabel heard Teresa ask for the letter. Now she will be back on team Julio.
I'm also not surprised at the Diego-Jacinto union. And poor Andres. He needs to wake up to what he's agreed to marry.
I thought the same about Eugenia's upper body strength to hang on to Mercedes like that. It would be difficult for a man, sheesh. Maybe a well timed cart of hay or clothing will be passing under her to catch her as she drops. I will assume the scream will stop the General from continuing the duel.
I'm glad that Isabel heard Teresa ask for the letter. Now she will be back on team Julio.
I'm also not surprised at the Diego-Jacinto union. And poor Andres. He needs to wake up to what he's agreed to marry.
Thanks Nandicta!! What a cliffhanger, and on a Friday, of course!
I'm still a little confused about what Violeta knew about the baby plan. Did she know that Sofia wanted to raise it as her own? I don't remember them specifically talking about it when they met.
Why did Angela go running to Teresa about seeing Cristina? Does she know about the letter/what's in it?
I'm still a little confused about what Violeta knew about the baby plan. Did she know that Sofia wanted to raise it as her own? I don't remember them specifically talking about it when they met.
Why did Angela go running to Teresa about seeing Cristina? Does she know about the letter/what's in it?
Permalink posted by 
: Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 7:10:00 PM EST
: Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 7:10:00 PM EST
Nandicta, oooh this is so good and took me forever to get through. That's a good thing cause I wanted to reread the juicy stuff. Lupe and Angela forever.
"He figures this is why his girlfriend of 48 hours has been avoiding him"
"Isabel is having breakfast in bed with a side of tears and self-pity"
I loved Isabel rightfully pointing out she had taken all the risk (and she had much more to lose)and Julio, willing to risk his freedom for Cristina, has risked nothing for Isabel. The fantasy crush was honorable, flesh and bone ignoble.
That pained look on Ángela's face, proud of Lupe yet aware his success could take him far away from the hotel and her. The facade cracks.
Teresa has no problem making her daughter a widow to save her worthless son. I understand why she begged Alfonso but it still made me mad.
I like to watch Belen in operation just not on dim witted Andres.
"He figures this is why his girlfriend of 48 hours has been avoiding him"
"Isabel is having breakfast in bed with a side of tears and self-pity"
I loved Isabel rightfully pointing out she had taken all the risk (and she had much more to lose)and Julio, willing to risk his freedom for Cristina, has risked nothing for Isabel. The fantasy crush was honorable, flesh and bone ignoble.
That pained look on Ángela's face, proud of Lupe yet aware his success could take him far away from the hotel and her. The facade cracks.
Teresa has no problem making her daughter a widow to save her worthless son. I understand why she begged Alfonso but it still made me mad.
I like to watch Belen in operation just not on dim witted Andres.
Wow Nandicta, great recap, great episode
I really hate Belen, pobre Andres spending all his money & the bitch wont even give him a bite. Poor sap, give him a gold knife to use on Belen
I really hate Belen, pobre Andres spending all his money & the bitch wont even give him a bite. Poor sap, give him a gold knife to use on Belen
I'm guessing that Violeta didn't know about the plan to give up the baby because she's really morning the loss, calling it 'my baby'. If she was ok about giving it up, I don't think she would react quite this strongly.
Nandicta, this was excellent!
I know you find them annoying but the general and his daughters are just too much. Loved this one: Sure enough, the general is walking in the corridor and recognizes the banshee screams. After all these are his baby banshees and a father always knows. Poor man has more problems with his daughters than Arturo on PyP. However, the general probably cares about them because he has no sons.
Belen needs a pre-anvil yesterday. What she did to Andres was cruel and way beyond selfish. When the baby is born and given to Sofia she will kick him to the curb and Angela will let her have it. I hope someone steals any dinero Belen collects from Teresa if Andres can't get back what Belen scammed him out of.
I think that Lupe is illiterate, which he is embarrassed about. It must have taken tremendous courage on his part to admit this to Angela.
I know you find them annoying but the general and his daughters are just too much. Loved this one: Sure enough, the general is walking in the corridor and recognizes the banshee screams. After all these are his baby banshees and a father always knows. Poor man has more problems with his daughters than Arturo on PyP. However, the general probably cares about them because he has no sons.
Belen needs a pre-anvil yesterday. What she did to Andres was cruel and way beyond selfish. When the baby is born and given to Sofia she will kick him to the curb and Angela will let her have it. I hope someone steals any dinero Belen collects from Teresa if Andres can't get back what Belen scammed him out of.
I think that Lupe is illiterate, which he is embarrassed about. It must have taken tremendous courage on his part to admit this to Angela.
Just delightful Nandicta, and chock-full of funny asides and vocabulario. Entertaining and instructive. How perfect.
Loved your sigh of "These two are such divas" regarding Julio and Isabella. And totally agree that Lupe and Angela are far more interesting. Was taken with them from the very first episode.
And agree also that Eugenia being able to hang onto her hefty sister (or anyone dangling like that) does indeed defy the law of physics. But Ballesteros Banshees is a great name for these screechy sisters.
The scenes with Belen binging on finery and food and dissing Andres were very painful to watch. But I find the actress' face fascinating. She's what the French ccall "une jolie laide".
Glad I am freed from the Muchacha debacle and can enjoy this telenovela with you all. Hope it continues to be as interesting, aside from the endless I love you/love you not's of the main couple.
Loved your sigh of "These two are such divas" regarding Julio and Isabella. And totally agree that Lupe and Angela are far more interesting. Was taken with them from the very first episode.
And agree also that Eugenia being able to hang onto her hefty sister (or anyone dangling like that) does indeed defy the law of physics. But Ballesteros Banshees is a great name for these screechy sisters.
The scenes with Belen binging on finery and food and dissing Andres were very painful to watch. But I find the actress' face fascinating. She's what the French ccall "une jolie laide".
Glad I am freed from the Muchacha debacle and can enjoy this telenovela with you all. Hope it continues to be as interesting, aside from the endless I love you/love you not's of the main couple.
-- Cathyx: Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the recap. I liked your idea of an opportune cart of hay or laundry cushioning Mercy's fall. If I had my pick, I'd rather it were Eugenia the one falling. She is unbearable! Jacinto is becoming more and more insufferable with every episode, though I hope he gets saved for Lupe's and Violeta's sakes. Wouldn't it be ironic if the young lady Jacinto perceived as "sullied" and despised for her origins, ends up redeeming him and purifying his soul of all the sins he's likely to commit as Diego's goon?
-- J: You're welcome! The episode was a tad slow in parts but boy did it end with a bang! If memory does not fail me, I think there was "failure to communicate" between Sofía and Violeta. I seem to recall Sofía mentioning that Violeta's child will be taken care of or that he will get a better life or something to this effect. Violeta may have interpreted these words as an indication that an honest job and an honorable life away from her uncle's cantina meant a secure future for her baby. The way she spoke to Andrés about her hopes and aspirations for her unborn child comforted my initial impression. I would gladly go back and watch that scene and report back with the exact exchange between Sofía and Violeta but my internet is just awful now. I promise to get back to you on this as soon as I can.
I too was surpised by Ángela raising the alarm as soon as she saw Cristina. She must know something. At the very least, she must suspect that Cristina stole something very valuable from the hotel and/or from Teresa.
-- Tofie: You are too kind! Many thanks! "That pained look on Ángela's face, proud of Lupe yet aware his success could take him far away from the hotel and her. The facade cracks." You put it beautifully. So much was conveyed in her expression without having to utter a single word. These two are definitely my favorite lovebirds in this TN. Great chemistry!
I used to find Belén's feistiness amusing but since the stunt she pulled on Violeta and her shenanigans in the capital, I would love for someone to help her down a cliff and pronto!
-- J: You're welcome! The episode was a tad slow in parts but boy did it end with a bang! If memory does not fail me, I think there was "failure to communicate" between Sofía and Violeta. I seem to recall Sofía mentioning that Violeta's child will be taken care of or that he will get a better life or something to this effect. Violeta may have interpreted these words as an indication that an honest job and an honorable life away from her uncle's cantina meant a secure future for her baby. The way she spoke to Andrés about her hopes and aspirations for her unborn child comforted my initial impression. I would gladly go back and watch that scene and report back with the exact exchange between Sofía and Violeta but my internet is just awful now. I promise to get back to you on this as soon as I can.
I too was surpised by Ángela raising the alarm as soon as she saw Cristina. She must know something. At the very least, she must suspect that Cristina stole something very valuable from the hotel and/or from Teresa.
-- Tofie: You are too kind! Many thanks! "That pained look on Ángela's face, proud of Lupe yet aware his success could take him far away from the hotel and her. The facade cracks." You put it beautifully. So much was conveyed in her expression without having to utter a single word. These two are definitely my favorite lovebirds in this TN. Great chemistry!
I used to find Belén's feistiness amusing but since the stunt she pulled on Violeta and her shenanigans in the capital, I would love for someone to help her down a cliff and pronto!
-- Variopinta: Gracias! This was a humdinger but man did Belén get on my nerves in this episode! I loved your suggestion: "pobre Andres spending all his money & the bitch wont even give him a bite. Poor sap, give him a gold knife to use on Belen" Paging Gold Knife Murderer. Paging Gold Knife Murderer.
-- UA: Thank you, dear. I actually like the general. I was OK with Mercedes and could tolerate Eugenia up to a point but in this episode, the two girls had three or four relatively long scenes where they were saying the same things over and over. There was too much screeching and the acting was average. I felt a few of their lines were just phoned in. At one point, there was even a blooperish slip by Mercedes... Oh well, I shouldn't speak ill of the dead!
I chuckled at your comparison of General Ballesteros with PyP's Arturo Montenegro, especially when I imagined him having a duel with David for boinking his two daughters! Then I pictured Chimp Boy and Miguel having a duel over Consuelo, with Auggie acting as padrino de duelo and I completely lost it! Oh, the hilarity!
And you're right, Belen needs a pre-anvil yesterday. I really hope Karma gives us a little taste soon.
-- JudyB: Welcome to El Patio De Los Secretos! So that's why I felt a warm glow of sunshine and positivity! JudyB is here! So glad you joined us and delighted to know that you're enjoying the show, the recaps and the comments. If only we could lure a few more of our PyP Pals to this corner of Caray Caray, sería perfecto! You're right, Belén may be considered a jolie laide, a pretty ugly girl, though I think her inner ugliness is what is reflected in her otherwise lovely features. I personally find the actress very pretty and I believe she is doing a good job but Belén is seriously grating on my nervios!
-- UA: Thank you, dear. I actually like the general. I was OK with Mercedes and could tolerate Eugenia up to a point but in this episode, the two girls had three or four relatively long scenes where they were saying the same things over and over. There was too much screeching and the acting was average. I felt a few of their lines were just phoned in. At one point, there was even a blooperish slip by Mercedes... Oh well, I shouldn't speak ill of the dead!
I chuckled at your comparison of General Ballesteros with PyP's Arturo Montenegro, especially when I imagined him having a duel with David for boinking his two daughters! Then I pictured Chimp Boy and Miguel having a duel over Consuelo, with Auggie acting as padrino de duelo and I completely lost it! Oh, the hilarity!
And you're right, Belen needs a pre-anvil yesterday. I really hope Karma gives us a little taste soon.
-- JudyB: Welcome to El Patio De Los Secretos! So that's why I felt a warm glow of sunshine and positivity! JudyB is here! So glad you joined us and delighted to know that you're enjoying the show, the recaps and the comments. If only we could lure a few more of our PyP Pals to this corner of Caray Caray, sería perfecto! You're right, Belén may be considered a jolie laide, a pretty ugly girl, though I think her inner ugliness is what is reflected in her otherwise lovely features. I personally find the actress very pretty and I believe she is doing a good job but Belén is seriously grating on my nervios!
The episode quote and the vocabulary have been compiled and added at the end of the recap for easy copying and pasting into your phrase books. Enjoy!
Have a wonderful Sunday, everyone! I'm traveling in a couple of hours and I'm not sure I'll have internet access, so thanks in advance for stopping by and for keeping the conversation rolling. Hasta luego!
Have a wonderful Sunday, everyone! I'm traveling in a couple of hours and I'm not sure I'll have internet access, so thanks in advance for stopping by and for keeping the conversation rolling. Hasta luego!
Nandicta- You did an absolutely marvelous job with this recap. Bravo!
Wow. Three cliffhangers! Monday will certainly start off with a bang, or a splat (in Merce's case). After listening to the exchange between her mother and Cris, with Isa finally believe there is a kernel of truth to what Cris told her?
Of course Angela would alert Teresa. Cris was accused of jewel theft and supposedly fired, according to Teresa and Diego.
And just like that, Jacinto goes from lackey to henchie. For Lupe's sake, I hope he doesn't do anything too terrible. That would break his father's heart. He would never cook again. Loved Lupe asking Angela's help to make his cook book a reality, and admitting to being illiterate. Yes, her eyes reflected how much she will miss him if he heads off to the capital.
Speaking of the capital, it hurt me each time Andres had to cough up more pesos for Belen's fantasy day of spending like there's no tomorrow, or baby, bills, or debt. She's going to drive this man to ruin, and then dump him.
Wow. Three cliffhangers! Monday will certainly start off with a bang, or a splat (in Merce's case). After listening to the exchange between her mother and Cris, with Isa finally believe there is a kernel of truth to what Cris told her?
Of course Angela would alert Teresa. Cris was accused of jewel theft and supposedly fired, according to Teresa and Diego.
And just like that, Jacinto goes from lackey to henchie. For Lupe's sake, I hope he doesn't do anything too terrible. That would break his father's heart. He would never cook again. Loved Lupe asking Angela's help to make his cook book a reality, and admitting to being illiterate. Yes, her eyes reflected how much she will miss him if he heads off to the capital.
Speaking of the capital, it hurt me each time Andres had to cough up more pesos for Belen's fantasy day of spending like there's no tomorrow, or baby, bills, or debt. She's going to drive this man to ruin, and then dump him.
And she never even offered Andres one bite to eat from her many expensive meal orders. I think at this point, it's just his pride, and not wanting to admit his mother was right, that's keeping Andres from dumping her. And yes, I'm sure he's also thinking of that baby (that she intends to sell), and the commitment/vow he made to be a father to him/her.
Not a defense of what Belen is doing but Andres is a grown man and am sure he knows the word NO. He took this opportunity to have a one way relationship with a woman that probably never gave him the time of day, been warned by his mother and after the trip to the city no ambiguity the cost of admission. There are plenty of fine, nice young men that are not fools.
I totally forgot about the "jewelry theft"! Ok, that makes more sense now.
Permalink posted by : Sunday, February 28, 2016 at 10:39:00 AM EST
: Sunday, February 28, 2016 at 10:39:00 AM EST
Nandicta, love the vocab & side issues
Indian or Indio comes about because Columbus didn't know where the hell he was, he thought he had found a route to India. The preferred term, at least in the US is native American.
Indian or Indio comes about because Columbus didn't know where the hell he was, he thought he had found a route to India. The preferred term, at least in the US is native American.
Nandicta--When you return to your recap, you will find many more comments lauding your talents as an observer and a scribe. As has been said before, 1000 words are worth more than 1 picture (just ask any dedicated newspaper reporter)!!!
I was surprised, too, that Cristina had hidden the letter in plain sight. It seemed like it was inside a bench, similar to a piano bench that you can lift the lid and there is storage under it. Boudoir benches (upholstered) were the same, but that would have seemed a very dangerous place to hide it. It was probably Teresa's AND Romulo's bedroom. To me, it's very odd she hadn't retrieved the letter early on (between the time Romulo died and when she was dismissed) and hidden it somewhere outside the walls of the hotel (like the grotto she nearly drowned in) or even the cubbyhole in her bedroom.
Also, it was interesting to note that when Cris opened the drawer of her old dressing table, there was a notebook with her name on it. I was under the impression all her things had been removed. When Julio first got access to her room, everything was gone--he only found the secret hiding place behind the baseboard by accident (under the bed). She certainly did panic when she saw the cubbyhole empty.
I'm so glad Isabel, Patron Saint of the Perpetually Messy Hair, overheard her mother's conversation with Cristina.
Indio--Whenever we hear the term used in a telenovela, it is always derogatory, whether the person being so addressed has native roots or not (in El Tal, for instance, Antonio was always calling Pedro, "Indio.")
Generally, darker skinned characters are involved. Mestizos also has a long history of being negatively applied, and officially sanctioned definition of mixed blood. Laws became institutionalized, notably in the New World (as in La Pola) for persons of mixed blood to have few legal rights.
It seems we had a discussion a long time ago on another telenovela, far, far away, where we noted that the servants in these shows are darker skinned, dressed in simpler clothing, use a lot of colloquialisms, and if they are out in the country have their hair braided and wear traditional garb, while the duenos, or wealthy patrones have more European Caucasian facial features.
One exception I'm watching right now is Quien es Quien where Eugenio Siller, one of the palest young actors around, is playing both a man who comes from wealth and one whose origins are humble. The humble twin's mother is Laura Flores, who does her best using humble, barrio-correct language, but is very fair.
I was surprised, too, that Cristina had hidden the letter in plain sight. It seemed like it was inside a bench, similar to a piano bench that you can lift the lid and there is storage under it. Boudoir benches (upholstered) were the same, but that would have seemed a very dangerous place to hide it. It was probably Teresa's AND Romulo's bedroom. To me, it's very odd she hadn't retrieved the letter early on (between the time Romulo died and when she was dismissed) and hidden it somewhere outside the walls of the hotel (like the grotto she nearly drowned in) or even the cubbyhole in her bedroom.
Also, it was interesting to note that when Cris opened the drawer of her old dressing table, there was a notebook with her name on it. I was under the impression all her things had been removed. When Julio first got access to her room, everything was gone--he only found the secret hiding place behind the baseboard by accident (under the bed). She certainly did panic when she saw the cubbyhole empty.
I'm so glad Isabel, Patron Saint of the Perpetually Messy Hair, overheard her mother's conversation with Cristina.
Indio--Whenever we hear the term used in a telenovela, it is always derogatory, whether the person being so addressed has native roots or not (in El Tal, for instance, Antonio was always calling Pedro, "Indio.")
Generally, darker skinned characters are involved. Mestizos also has a long history of being negatively applied, and officially sanctioned definition of mixed blood. Laws became institutionalized, notably in the New World (as in La Pola) for persons of mixed blood to have few legal rights.
It seems we had a discussion a long time ago on another telenovela, far, far away, where we noted that the servants in these shows are darker skinned, dressed in simpler clothing, use a lot of colloquialisms, and if they are out in the country have their hair braided and wear traditional garb, while the duenos, or wealthy patrones have more European Caucasian facial features.
One exception I'm watching right now is Quien es Quien where Eugenio Siller, one of the palest young actors around, is playing both a man who comes from wealth and one whose origins are humble. The humble twin's mother is Laura Flores, who does her best using humble, barrio-correct language, but is very fair.
thanks, Nandicta...I stopped watching this novela after the first week , but ài may start to record it again if you guys think that it is worth watching. My pobrecito Andres. Belen is taking advantage of him. Is she giving him anything in return or just leading him on?
Permalink posted by : Sunday, February 28, 2016 at 2:18:00 PM EST
: Sunday, February 28, 2016 at 2:18:00 PM EST
Anita, it wasn't a notebook with Cristina's name on it in the desk drawer, it was her name carved into the bottom of the drawer.
cathyx--Thanks for the correction. It did look a little scratchy. I guess she was pleased that something of her essence was left behind.
Susanlynn--I'm surprised you haven't been watching this. You, who adore novelas de epoca. But then there aren't any pirates in this one. There IS a doctor, but not quite the same caliber as Manuel Fuentes Guerra.
Susanlynn--I'm surprised you haven't been watching this. You, who adore novelas de epoca. But then there aren't any pirates in this one. There IS a doctor, but not quite the same caliber as Manuel Fuentes Guerra.
Hi, I am Marla. I was reading yesterday your recap Nandicta and you are a wonderful comedy writer. I was cracking in laughs.
I think that the perfect punishment for Belen would be that she loses her baby. Not that the baby is guilty of her awful attitude but it would be better for him to be in heaven than to grow with a mother like Belen or with a crazy woman like Sofia and all her spoiled family.
Permalink posted by : Sunday, February 28, 2016 at 6:33:00 PM EST
: Sunday, February 28, 2016 at 6:33:00 PM EST
Anita...I get up five days a week at 5.20 , so I have to vet to bed by 10.00. I have been too lazy to record the show. Between battling sinus infections and colds since December, I have just been focusing on getting to bed right after PyP. Maybe I will try to record this show if you think that it is worth it. I do like some of the actors..especially sweet Andres.
Permalink posted by : Sunday, February 28, 2016 at 6:44:00 PM EST
: Sunday, February 28, 2016 at 6:44:00 PM EST
Welcome Marla. I agree with you about Belen, but in most cases, even in the real world, those who least deserve it are the most fertile. Maybe after she gives birth, something tragic will happen to Belen.
Susanlynn
I rate this novela very high, definitely tape it or just take a nap for an hour during PyP. Our telenovio FC can't even save that.
I rate this novela very high, definitely tape it or just take a nap for an hour during PyP. Our telenovio FC can't even save that.
What an extraordinary recap Nandicta. The time you took, summary, detail, vocabulary lesson...I was away this weekend and just now on Sunday evening have a chance to read this wondrous piece. Wonderful way to end a weekend.
Ironically, I was at a baby shower for a woman having twins...so imagine all the cuteness of gifts times two. (And brought back wonderful memories as I welcomed her to the mother of twins club.) I actually thought of Belen at one point sitting with some folks and talk Christening outfits. Was I mistaken or did Belen actually blow a wad on a christening outfit? Not several days prior ( well in this TN time line) she freaked out with Andres spending money on a surprise outfit. So made me wonder--is she planning a con on Teresa and plans to keep the baby? And I wonder in her warped little mind if she thinks she will eventually rope in Diego.Seems she is buying for a lifestyle she has yet to possess. I don't take all that blowing the wad as just having a holiday.
As for Andres sitting silently, that's what happens when a young man has a rather overpowering mother who comments and orders his every move. I love Angela, but she has raised him to the perfect young man who basically is the perfect servant. Stay quiet and take abuse from those better than you...and I think he sees Belen as smarter and better than him.
I don't know if Felippe or the General are entirely safe yet. That scream may have gotten their attention, but the guns are at the ready...so in their surprise, does one shoot?
Now, the sister fighting was getting on my nerves, but did not see that maybe one---or both--might bite the dust. And falling from a window ledge yet? Inventive, I give the writers that. That's one anvil I don't think I've ever seen.
Did we ever get the background on Jacinto's mother? Or are we, along with Diego, just assuming she was a local girl of the lower class? In either case, that kid is an idiot.
Just someone read the contents of that stupid letter already! And I wouldn't mind Cristina leaving town.
Daisynjay
Ironically, I was at a baby shower for a woman having twins...so imagine all the cuteness of gifts times two. (And brought back wonderful memories as I welcomed her to the mother of twins club.) I actually thought of Belen at one point sitting with some folks and talk Christening outfits. Was I mistaken or did Belen actually blow a wad on a christening outfit? Not several days prior ( well in this TN time line) she freaked out with Andres spending money on a surprise outfit. So made me wonder--is she planning a con on Teresa and plans to keep the baby? And I wonder in her warped little mind if she thinks she will eventually rope in Diego.Seems she is buying for a lifestyle she has yet to possess. I don't take all that blowing the wad as just having a holiday.
As for Andres sitting silently, that's what happens when a young man has a rather overpowering mother who comments and orders his every move. I love Angela, but she has raised him to the perfect young man who basically is the perfect servant. Stay quiet and take abuse from those better than you...and I think he sees Belen as smarter and better than him.
I don't know if Felippe or the General are entirely safe yet. That scream may have gotten their attention, but the guns are at the ready...so in their surprise, does one shoot?
Now, the sister fighting was getting on my nerves, but did not see that maybe one---or both--might bite the dust. And falling from a window ledge yet? Inventive, I give the writers that. That's one anvil I don't think I've ever seen.
Did we ever get the background on Jacinto's mother? Or are we, along with Diego, just assuming she was a local girl of the lower class? In either case, that kid is an idiot.
Just someone read the contents of that stupid letter already! And I wouldn't mind Cristina leaving town.
Daisynjay
Permalink posted by : Sunday, February 28, 2016 at 7:29:00 PM EST
: Sunday, February 28, 2016 at 7:29:00 PM EST
Thank you Nandicita both for the recap itself, and for the outstanding vocabulary notes.
To all the recappers, thank you very much. I've been mostly away from Telenovelas, and you have all made the return a happy one.
I have found that my ancient not-so-smart phone no longer plays well with the blog login system, and since I mostly follow the blog that way, I'm often frustrated that I can't leave thanks or comments "on the fly." But while the Caray community is spared my blatherings by my refusal to update until it actually dies, the recappers are denied the praise and thanks they deserve.
Hotel is delightful. I'm sure there are substantial additional costs for a period novela (that famous flowered robe I heard so much about making the rounds of many contemporary shows - but never noticed personally - would surely stand out) but I hope it turns out to be worth Univision and Televisa's investment.
For one thing, so many of the novelas set in "modern" times seem to retain plot elements and conventions that are now difficult to accept, or even take seriously. I'm not sure how prevalent dueling was in the Porfiriato, but at least arranged marriages, strange or unjust conditions for inheritance, and the rest don't detract from the story. Indeed, many of the same elements that would require serious beanie tightening in a contemporary setting are highlights here.
It's not that I want all my novels (and novelas) to be stuck in a Jane Austen-esque rut with heroines fighting against a misogynistic social structure, but if you going to go there with the plot elements, go all the way and let me enjoy the manners, the costumes and so forth.
Again, thanks so much to all the recappers, and Nandicita in particular for the vocabulary and usage notes. Between Luis Couturier and the vocab, it's like going back to Destinos but with a more involving story.
Chris in Fla
To all the recappers, thank you very much. I've been mostly away from Telenovelas, and you have all made the return a happy one.
I have found that my ancient not-so-smart phone no longer plays well with the blog login system, and since I mostly follow the blog that way, I'm often frustrated that I can't leave thanks or comments "on the fly." But while the Caray community is spared my blatherings by my refusal to update until it actually dies, the recappers are denied the praise and thanks they deserve.
Hotel is delightful. I'm sure there are substantial additional costs for a period novela (that famous flowered robe I heard so much about making the rounds of many contemporary shows - but never noticed personally - would surely stand out) but I hope it turns out to be worth Univision and Televisa's investment.
For one thing, so many of the novelas set in "modern" times seem to retain plot elements and conventions that are now difficult to accept, or even take seriously. I'm not sure how prevalent dueling was in the Porfiriato, but at least arranged marriages, strange or unjust conditions for inheritance, and the rest don't detract from the story. Indeed, many of the same elements that would require serious beanie tightening in a contemporary setting are highlights here.
It's not that I want all my novels (and novelas) to be stuck in a Jane Austen-esque rut with heroines fighting against a misogynistic social structure, but if you going to go there with the plot elements, go all the way and let me enjoy the manners, the costumes and so forth.
Again, thanks so much to all the recappers, and Nandicita in particular for the vocabulary and usage notes. Between Luis Couturier and the vocab, it's like going back to Destinos but with a more involving story.
Chris in Fla
Permalink posted by : Sunday, February 28, 2016 at 8:20:00 PM EST
: Sunday, February 28, 2016 at 8:20:00 PM EST
Variopinta..Thanks for the recommendation. I will record the show and watch the next day. I agree that PyP is getting frustrating, but I must hang in to see how the crazy ends. FC looks great.
Permalink posted by : Sunday, February 28, 2016 at 9:39:00 PM EST
: Sunday, February 28, 2016 at 9:39:00 PM EST
Just finished the recap. Haven't time to read the comments now. Academy Awards about to start. Just wanted to thank Anita for Thursday's episode‘s recap and then Nandicta for Friday's. They were great.
Just a few things I wanted to comment on. I figured if Julio had pulled out the harmonica Isa would have come to him. I'm surprised he thought only of throwing a rock. I was hoping that Felipe wouldn't shoot before the coundown was finished
because that is beyond dishonorable and the designers name is Poulet? Isn't that French for chicken?
Just a few things I wanted to comment on. I figured if Julio had pulled out the harmonica Isa would have come to him. I'm surprised he thought only of throwing a rock. I was hoping that Felipe wouldn't shoot before the coundown was finished
because that is beyond dishonorable and the designers name is Poulet? Isn't that French for chicken?
Thought my comment had already been posted. Was going to read some comments during commercial break and noticed it hadn't. Got Chris Rock paused. Back to the show.
I didn't see this episode in its entirety (I was flipping channels) so I missed Belén's interactions with the ''service'' on her way back.
When she first complained and after that asked for a cup of ''arroz con leche bien servido'', she addressed the boy as ''zacapoaxtla''. She meant to insult him in front of Andrés. highlighting the fact that he was from a lower class. I wonder if she is from the actual city of Puebla or some of the surroundings.
Puebla, capital of the state of the same name, is not far from México city. My guess is that Isabel is studying in México, where the university is (probably, being the capital of the country and thus bigger than Puebla de los Angeles), and she took a train to some place they call San Bernardino o something, don't remember. I don't know if his trip that Belén/Andrés took was all the way to México, or just Puebla. God what do I care if all this is made up and that Hotel don't even exists!! But anyway...
The thing is that there is other ways to insult that are worse than just call someone like the place he was born. This is just like if some gringo said, look how THIS MEXICAN mowed my lawn, like he did it with his teeth! Indio is now, thanks to the PC police, indígena.
When she first complained and after that asked for a cup of ''arroz con leche bien servido'', she addressed the boy as ''zacapoaxtla''. She meant to insult him in front of Andrés. highlighting the fact that he was from a lower class. I wonder if she is from the actual city of Puebla or some of the surroundings.
Puebla, capital of the state of the same name, is not far from México city. My guess is that Isabel is studying in México, where the university is (probably, being the capital of the country and thus bigger than Puebla de los Angeles), and she took a train to some place they call San Bernardino o something, don't remember. I don't know if his trip that Belén/Andrés took was all the way to México, or just Puebla. God what do I care if all this is made up and that Hotel don't even exists!! But anyway...
The thing is that there is other ways to insult that are worse than just call someone like the place he was born. This is just like if some gringo said, look how THIS MEXICAN mowed my lawn, like he did it with his teeth! Indio is now, thanks to the PC police, indígena.
Permalink posted by : Monday, February 29, 2016 at 9:08:00 AM EST
: Monday, February 29, 2016 at 9:08:00 AM EST
Sorry, what I meant was, the words are not at all insulting, is the way people say them.
Close friends of Alejandro González Iñárritu still cal him by his nickname ''el negro'' because in México that word doesn't mean the same as here, and over there is the way many people call their loved ones. We had a snack called ''negrito'' that was some kind of eclaire covered in chocolate, that now became just NITO. What? Do you think the snack complained of racism? Why did they changed its name? Because some people are finding innocent words offensive even for things. What's is going to happen to the ''little black dress''?
Close friends of Alejandro González Iñárritu still cal him by his nickname ''el negro'' because in México that word doesn't mean the same as here, and over there is the way many people call their loved ones. We had a snack called ''negrito'' that was some kind of eclaire covered in chocolate, that now became just NITO. What? Do you think the snack complained of racism? Why did they changed its name? Because some people are finding innocent words offensive even for things. What's is going to happen to the ''little black dress''?
Permalink posted by : Monday, February 29, 2016 at 9:17:00 AM EST
: Monday, February 29, 2016 at 9:17:00 AM EST
I don't think so, maybe 'bolillo'' (white bread) is. In México gringo is anything that comes from north of the border, being a person, food, fabric, a car or wine. Bolillo is just for people.
Permalink posted by : Monday, February 29, 2016 at 9:24:00 AM EST
: Monday, February 29, 2016 at 9:24:00 AM EST
Pablo--Thank you for the insights on how familiar words for things are getting changed to be PC. We have our own problems with trying to be PC and not end up being ridiculous.
I remember Don Aquiles in Refugio using the term Chilango to refer to people who live in Mexico City. He was using it as a derogatory term. Is this still applicable or is it only telenovela nonsense?
Pablo, the train trips still have me mystified. Where is everyone going to or coming from. Thanks for trying to clarify it. We know it took Isabel and Julio a long train ride, hours - meal included to reach San Cristobal. (In the first recap we hear him getting a third-class ticket to Puebla, but maybe he was getting a ticket for the last train FROM Puebla). That still doesn't answer how Belen and Andres got to go and come and still get in all the activities they did (since we followed them around) and still make it a day trip. I could have sworn I heard Belen tell Andres they were going to Mexico City. HELP!
Susanlynn--If you record Hotel, you can cut the viewing down to about 40 min. (without the commercials). Do you have OnDemand or such service? Back episodes should be still available and it would be worth while, even if it's just to watch the characters move through the sets. I keep forgetting most of the world is not retired, so if it doesn't work out for you, we sadly understand.
Daisynjay--I think you described Andres' situation perfectly. How on earth is he going to get out from under, not only Belen, but Angela as well.
And yes, Belen blew Andres' wad on baby clothes and everything else that whole day. The earlier incident was so sad because Andres' surprise were some hand-knit, one-of-a-kind baby things done by a local artisan for the baby and Belen turned up her nose at them as being too low class. I can't remember if she used his spending money on them as an excuse for rejecting them, but he was devastated.
Wish we could see into Belen's head. You bring up an interesting point. She may decide to keep the baby and hope to use it to snag Diego. She knows she can't snag him without the baby--he's made that clear.
I remember Don Aquiles in Refugio using the term Chilango to refer to people who live in Mexico City. He was using it as a derogatory term. Is this still applicable or is it only telenovela nonsense?
Pablo, the train trips still have me mystified. Where is everyone going to or coming from. Thanks for trying to clarify it. We know it took Isabel and Julio a long train ride, hours - meal included to reach San Cristobal. (In the first recap we hear him getting a third-class ticket to Puebla, but maybe he was getting a ticket for the last train FROM Puebla). That still doesn't answer how Belen and Andres got to go and come and still get in all the activities they did (since we followed them around) and still make it a day trip. I could have sworn I heard Belen tell Andres they were going to Mexico City. HELP!
Susanlynn--If you record Hotel, you can cut the viewing down to about 40 min. (without the commercials). Do you have OnDemand or such service? Back episodes should be still available and it would be worth while, even if it's just to watch the characters move through the sets. I keep forgetting most of the world is not retired, so if it doesn't work out for you, we sadly understand.
Daisynjay--I think you described Andres' situation perfectly. How on earth is he going to get out from under, not only Belen, but Angela as well.
And yes, Belen blew Andres' wad on baby clothes and everything else that whole day. The earlier incident was so sad because Andres' surprise were some hand-knit, one-of-a-kind baby things done by a local artisan for the baby and Belen turned up her nose at them as being too low class. I can't remember if she used his spending money on them as an excuse for rejecting them, but he was devastated.
Wish we could see into Belen's head. You bring up an interesting point. She may decide to keep the baby and hope to use it to snag Diego. She knows she can't snag him without the baby--he's made that clear.
Nandicta, thanks so much. I always enjoy your thorough recaps, and the vocabulary is helpful. The commentary is fun, too. I liked "(Terrible, just terrible speech. Dude, I’m embarrassed for you. You lost me at 'Hola')." So agree. Eggo is repulsive, and that speech was bad. On the other hand, I don't want Isabel getting back with him, so the more repulsive and unconvincing his speeches, the better. Too bad Julio was in a snitty mood...he should have been laughing at that pathetic attempt at pitching woo! And certainly not taking Diego too seriously as competition.
Belen is the worst. I, too, wish we could see into her mind. What's her game? Spending all Andres's money in one day isn't a good strategy if she intends to stay with him even for the medium term. Does she lack any ability or interest in thinking ahead, and just takes what she wants at the moment? I was surprised she bought baby things instead of only things for herself. Is she actually intending to keep the baby, maybe dress it up like it's posh as a strategy for snaring Diego? Is it just a cover to keep Andres thinking she's interested in having a family together? Is it only a power play to see what she can get a man to do for her? Does she only intend to wring him dry, then move on to the next and try the same thing again?
I was so angry at her when she ordered all that fancy food and didn't even offer Andres a taste, while he went without for lack of money. And then after all that, she was so rude to him on the train. But if he breaks up with her, he'll have to admit that EVERYONE was right. And anyway, he's been well trained to be servile and not stand up for himself.
Felipe, the General, Mercedes, and Eugenia can all die, and I'd just be happy because then we could move on to a different side plot.
Angela should teach Lupe to read. That would be some nice quality time for them to spend together. And probably he SHOULD move away, and she should go with him. Angela seems to have a rather toxic link to this hotel. She and Teresa have an uneasy alliance, at best, and she's got her son beaten down and trained to expect nothing, not even the wages he's fairly owed, and to never ask for more. Surely there's a hotel in the big city that could use an expert housekeeping manager.
Belen is the worst. I, too, wish we could see into her mind. What's her game? Spending all Andres's money in one day isn't a good strategy if she intends to stay with him even for the medium term. Does she lack any ability or interest in thinking ahead, and just takes what she wants at the moment? I was surprised she bought baby things instead of only things for herself. Is she actually intending to keep the baby, maybe dress it up like it's posh as a strategy for snaring Diego? Is it just a cover to keep Andres thinking she's interested in having a family together? Is it only a power play to see what she can get a man to do for her? Does she only intend to wring him dry, then move on to the next and try the same thing again?
I was so angry at her when she ordered all that fancy food and didn't even offer Andres a taste, while he went without for lack of money. And then after all that, she was so rude to him on the train. But if he breaks up with her, he'll have to admit that EVERYONE was right. And anyway, he's been well trained to be servile and not stand up for himself.
Felipe, the General, Mercedes, and Eugenia can all die, and I'd just be happy because then we could move on to a different side plot.
Angela should teach Lupe to read. That would be some nice quality time for them to spend together. And probably he SHOULD move away, and she should go with him. Angela seems to have a rather toxic link to this hotel. She and Teresa have an uneasy alliance, at best, and she's got her son beaten down and trained to expect nothing, not even the wages he's fairly owed, and to never ask for more. Surely there's a hotel in the big city that could use an expert housekeeping manager.
High Points:
Felipe’s slouching at the reception (cracked me up).
Alfie is to head the regional Mexico independence day centennial celebrations.
Alfie is named director of the hotel.
The look on Sofia’s face.
The look on Elisa’s face.
Don R & the letter (the plot thickens).
Doc tells Isa about his daughter and encourages her.
Pascual saved and nursed Cris.
Alfie and Sofia notice her growing belly (very interesting development).
Angela tries to cheer Lupe up.
Isa sees through Cris.
Jacinto saves Violeta from being harassed.
Julio interrupts Mati’s diarrhea of the mouth.
Julio saves Isa from the killer.
Doc tells Jacinto off.
Violeta gives Jacinto what for.
Andres gives Violeta a shoulder to cry on.
Dogberry and associate searching the town.
Doc protective of Isa.
Isa/Julio passionate kiss.
Lucky for them, the only person who sees is doc.
Ayala bests Diego.
Angela bests Benji.
Teresa slaps Diego.
Teresa tells Diego he missed the boat with Isa (phew!)
Angela finds the herbs.
Angela brings Jacinto to Violeta.
Doc lectures Jacinto.
Lupe throws Benji out of his kitchen.
Cris tells where the letter is.
Jacinto is upset about Violeta.
Angela disses Belen.
Ayala butters up Alfie to get access to the cutlery cabinet.
Angela shows a depressed Lupe that no one left anything on their plates.
First Kiss!!!
Lupe gets a compliment from Don J.
Second Kiss!!!
Mercy sets Eugenia up.
Belen fights Diego off.
Angela mothers Violeta.
Alfie saves Andres from an uncomfortable conversation with Diego.
Sofia goes for Diego.
Teresa threatens Alfie and Diego that she’ll fire them both.
Teresa might actually care for Sofia.
Doc helps Isa by giving her space and lets her know he’s there if she needs him.
Isa points out to Julio that she’s making all the sacrifices in their relationship.
Mercy won’t let Felipe into her room.
Lupe asks for Angela’s help in writing a cookbook.
Sofia smacks Alfie and tells him that he isn’t to put himself in danger for the sake of their child.
The general locks the girls in.
Aflie decides to refuse his second’s duty and teach Felipe to shoot.
New character. Mr. Chicken.
Cris finds her hidey hole empty.
Alfie tries to teach Felipe to shoot.
Doc promises to help Violeta.
Isa hears Teresa’s and Cris’ exchange about the letter.
Felipe’s slouching at the reception (cracked me up).
Alfie is to head the regional Mexico independence day centennial celebrations.
Alfie is named director of the hotel.
The look on Sofia’s face.
The look on Elisa’s face.
Don R & the letter (the plot thickens).
Doc tells Isa about his daughter and encourages her.
Pascual saved and nursed Cris.
Alfie and Sofia notice her growing belly (very interesting development).
Angela tries to cheer Lupe up.
Isa sees through Cris.
Jacinto saves Violeta from being harassed.
Julio interrupts Mati’s diarrhea of the mouth.
Julio saves Isa from the killer.
Doc tells Jacinto off.
Violeta gives Jacinto what for.
Andres gives Violeta a shoulder to cry on.
Dogberry and associate searching the town.
Doc protective of Isa.
Isa/Julio passionate kiss.
Lucky for them, the only person who sees is doc.
Ayala bests Diego.
Angela bests Benji.
Teresa slaps Diego.
Teresa tells Diego he missed the boat with Isa (phew!)
Angela finds the herbs.
Angela brings Jacinto to Violeta.
Doc lectures Jacinto.
Lupe throws Benji out of his kitchen.
Cris tells where the letter is.
Jacinto is upset about Violeta.
Angela disses Belen.
Ayala butters up Alfie to get access to the cutlery cabinet.
Angela shows a depressed Lupe that no one left anything on their plates.
First Kiss!!!
Lupe gets a compliment from Don J.
Second Kiss!!!
Mercy sets Eugenia up.
Belen fights Diego off.
Angela mothers Violeta.
Alfie saves Andres from an uncomfortable conversation with Diego.
Sofia goes for Diego.
Teresa threatens Alfie and Diego that she’ll fire them both.
Teresa might actually care for Sofia.
Doc helps Isa by giving her space and lets her know he’s there if she needs him.
Isa points out to Julio that she’s making all the sacrifices in their relationship.
Mercy won’t let Felipe into her room.
Lupe asks for Angela’s help in writing a cookbook.
Sofia smacks Alfie and tells him that he isn’t to put himself in danger for the sake of their child.
The general locks the girls in.
Aflie decides to refuse his second’s duty and teach Felipe to shoot.
New character. Mr. Chicken.
Cris finds her hidey hole empty.
Alfie tries to teach Felipe to shoot.
Doc promises to help Violeta.
Isa hears Teresa’s and Cris’ exchange about the letter.
Low Points:
Cris is a thief.
Isa is probably the worst friend ever.
Cris/Diego in bed. Ewww.
Diego/Cris struggle for the gun and Cris ends up in the water.
Teresa’s little mother/daughter talk with Sofia.
Felipe disses Mercy.
Ayala not happy about Julio not showing up to testify.
Diego is not the killer.
Cris saw the killer (who probably does not realize she can’t identify him/her).
Lupe depressed.
Garrido threatens Andres.
Genaro threatens to kill Violeta.
Cris doesn’t trust Julio.
Teresa humiliates Angela.
Angela humiliates Andres.
Elisa doesn’t to prolong her visit.
Doc does not get a chance to exam Sofia.
Jacinto insults Violeta.
Jacinto insults Lupe
Jacinto is on a roll.
Jacinto needs the backside of my hand.
Belen is affectionate to Andres only after she gets his money.
Meli tells the doc Violeta has to come back to the cantina to sing at night (she and V will be killed, otherwise) or Meli will expose doc.
Isa goes to town alone during a full moon.
Isa apologizes to Diego. And my stomach turns.
Felipe making out with Eugenia.
Mercy sees Felipe making out with Eugenia.
After Eugenia doesn’t put out, Felipe goes to Mercy who gives in.
Belen sees Violeta and Andres hugging.
The killer kills a man, so the woman as victim theory is blown all to hell.
Isa tells Ayala that Diego is innocent because Cris is still alive.
Isa pushes Julio away.
Jacinto not happy he has to drive his pappy.
Eugenia threatens Felipe and he doesn’t mind.
Belen deserves to die.
Violeta starts having horrible cramping.
Jacinto leaves his dad to walk home.
Diego is snotty to Alfie.
Diego threatens Teresa.
Diego assumes he gets Isa back.
Violeta loses the baby.
Diego is on the warpath.
Cris is mad Julio told Isa about the letter.
Cris wants to use the letter for blackmail.
Cris is not a very nice girl.
Isa refuses to believe her mother is bad.
Genaro threatens the doc and insists Violeta return to the brothel.
Felipe/Eugenia.
Ayala catches Isa and Julio snooping in the cutlery cabinet.
Mercy and Eugenia set up a competition for that skinny drunk no goodnik that I, frankly, don’t see what’s all that about him.
Felipe must fight a duel with the General.
Ayala embarrasses Dogberry by slapping his hand.
Diego tries to rape Belen.
Isa gives Julio one day to find the letter before she goes to Ayala.
Doc believes Sofia is having an hysterical pregnancy.
Sofia refuses to be examined (a part of her must know).
Diego badgers Andres to tell him who was missing during the fateful morning meeting.
Diego insults Sofia.
Belen makes Andres spend money on a first class train ticket.
Belen insults the steward on the train.
Isa is having a bad day.
Jacinto is on the road to becoming Diego’s henchman.
Diego serenades Isa (gag!).
Isa/Julio have a big fight.
Angela looks like she fears Lupe may not be around if his cookbook idea succeeds.
Jacinto is to work for Diego.
Jacinto’s first assignment is to spy on Isa.
Teresa turns her back on Felipe.
Lupe doesn’t want Jacinto to be ashamed of his father’s illiteracy.
Sofia again avoids an exam and fires the doc.
Belen is spending money like an Astor.
Eugenia throws cold water on Mercy.
Eugenia now thinks that Felipe is the only man for her (?!) and argues with Mercy.
Teresa begs Alfie for help with Felipe.
General intimidates our Nat.
Diego insults Jacinto.
Isa sulks.
Mercy agrees to save the worthless Felipe.
Belen yells at Andres who’s just spent a king’s ransom on her.
Felipe not taking training seriously.
Cris rummages through her brother’s things and finds the key.
Cris lies to Julio.
Violeta must go back to the cantina.
Andres wants to speak to Alfie about a loan but Diego informs him he’s in charge of payroll.
Cris gets the letter.
Angela tells Teresa that Cris is in the building.
Mercy and Eugenia are arguing on the ledge.
Mercy hanging by a thread.
Eugenia wishes Mercy would just die and looks like she might be ready to make that happen.
The duel is in progress.
Cris is a thief.
Isa is probably the worst friend ever.
Cris/Diego in bed. Ewww.
Diego/Cris struggle for the gun and Cris ends up in the water.
Teresa’s little mother/daughter talk with Sofia.
Felipe disses Mercy.
Ayala not happy about Julio not showing up to testify.
Diego is not the killer.
Cris saw the killer (who probably does not realize she can’t identify him/her).
Lupe depressed.
Garrido threatens Andres.
Genaro threatens to kill Violeta.
Cris doesn’t trust Julio.
Teresa humiliates Angela.
Angela humiliates Andres.
Elisa doesn’t to prolong her visit.
Doc does not get a chance to exam Sofia.
Jacinto insults Violeta.
Jacinto insults Lupe
Jacinto is on a roll.
Jacinto needs the backside of my hand.
Belen is affectionate to Andres only after she gets his money.
Meli tells the doc Violeta has to come back to the cantina to sing at night (she and V will be killed, otherwise) or Meli will expose doc.
Isa goes to town alone during a full moon.
Isa apologizes to Diego. And my stomach turns.
Felipe making out with Eugenia.
Mercy sees Felipe making out with Eugenia.
After Eugenia doesn’t put out, Felipe goes to Mercy who gives in.
Belen sees Violeta and Andres hugging.
The killer kills a man, so the woman as victim theory is blown all to hell.
Isa tells Ayala that Diego is innocent because Cris is still alive.
Isa pushes Julio away.
Jacinto not happy he has to drive his pappy.
Eugenia threatens Felipe and he doesn’t mind.
Belen deserves to die.
Violeta starts having horrible cramping.
Jacinto leaves his dad to walk home.
Diego is snotty to Alfie.
Diego threatens Teresa.
Diego assumes he gets Isa back.
Violeta loses the baby.
Diego is on the warpath.
Cris is mad Julio told Isa about the letter.
Cris wants to use the letter for blackmail.
Cris is not a very nice girl.
Isa refuses to believe her mother is bad.
Genaro threatens the doc and insists Violeta return to the brothel.
Felipe/Eugenia.
Ayala catches Isa and Julio snooping in the cutlery cabinet.
Mercy and Eugenia set up a competition for that skinny drunk no goodnik that I, frankly, don’t see what’s all that about him.
Felipe must fight a duel with the General.
Ayala embarrasses Dogberry by slapping his hand.
Diego tries to rape Belen.
Isa gives Julio one day to find the letter before she goes to Ayala.
Doc believes Sofia is having an hysterical pregnancy.
Sofia refuses to be examined (a part of her must know).
Diego badgers Andres to tell him who was missing during the fateful morning meeting.
Diego insults Sofia.
Belen makes Andres spend money on a first class train ticket.
Belen insults the steward on the train.
Isa is having a bad day.
Jacinto is on the road to becoming Diego’s henchman.
Diego serenades Isa (gag!).
Isa/Julio have a big fight.
Angela looks like she fears Lupe may not be around if his cookbook idea succeeds.
Jacinto is to work for Diego.
Jacinto’s first assignment is to spy on Isa.
Teresa turns her back on Felipe.
Lupe doesn’t want Jacinto to be ashamed of his father’s illiteracy.
Sofia again avoids an exam and fires the doc.
Belen is spending money like an Astor.
Eugenia throws cold water on Mercy.
Eugenia now thinks that Felipe is the only man for her (?!) and argues with Mercy.
Teresa begs Alfie for help with Felipe.
General intimidates our Nat.
Diego insults Jacinto.
Isa sulks.
Mercy agrees to save the worthless Felipe.
Belen yells at Andres who’s just spent a king’s ransom on her.
Felipe not taking training seriously.
Cris rummages through her brother’s things and finds the key.
Cris lies to Julio.
Violeta must go back to the cantina.
Andres wants to speak to Alfie about a loan but Diego informs him he’s in charge of payroll.
Cris gets the letter.
Angela tells Teresa that Cris is in the building.
Mercy and Eugenia are arguing on the ledge.
Mercy hanging by a thread.
Eugenia wishes Mercy would just die and looks like she might be ready to make that happen.
The duel is in progress.
Julia: "he's been well trained to be servile and not stand up for himself."--this is so true.
Angela might be wanting him to not make waves to protect himself from Teresa.
Angela might be wanting him to not make waves to protect himself from Teresa.
Julia: Is it only a power play to see what she can get a man to do for her? Does she only intend to wring him dry, then move on to the next and try the same thing again?
Then perhaps Nina of PyP is her reincarnation. Greedy women like this get off on getting men to spend mucho dinero on them as a game; the thing itself is of much lesser priority. To Nina this was probably the way to prove to herself that she is still desirable, but for Belen there are higher stakes because she isn't even married yet. Better clothes for herself + better baby clothes = maybe catching De Eggo (although we all know that won't happen). It also appeals to her mean streak because she knows that Andres didn't have much beyond that money.
Then perhaps Nina of PyP is her reincarnation. Greedy women like this get off on getting men to spend mucho dinero on them as a game; the thing itself is of much lesser priority. To Nina this was probably the way to prove to herself that she is still desirable, but for Belen there are higher stakes because she isn't even married yet. Better clothes for herself + better baby clothes = maybe catching De Eggo (although we all know that won't happen). It also appeals to her mean streak because she knows that Andres didn't have much beyond that money.
I'm sorry this is last minute, but can anyone sub for me tonight? I'm not feeling well today. I can switch for any night except Thursday. Thanks!
Julie--Sorry you are feeling unwell.
If none of the regulars step in, I can do something--maybe bullets and scene changes. I got up very early this morning and don't think I can pull an all-nighter as I would on a regular recap.
I'll keep an eye on this spot for any late-breaking news. According to a TM post, Vivi has a work event tonight and wouldn't be able to.
If none of the regulars step in, I can do something--maybe bullets and scene changes. I got up very early this morning and don't think I can pull an all-nighter as I would on a regular recap.
I'll keep an eye on this spot for any late-breaking news. According to a TM post, Vivi has a work event tonight and wouldn't be able to.
Nanette-I'm just getting to your HiLo list. Seems to me there were more lows than highs.
'Cmon Isa and Julio, patch it up, Ayala, get going, Jacinto, wake up or let Isa know what Diego is up to, Doc, put on your see-all spectacles and fix things, Merce, maybe it's only a broken leg.
'Cmon Isa and Julio, patch it up, Ayala, get going, Jacinto, wake up or let Isa know what Diego is up to, Doc, put on your see-all spectacles and fix things, Merce, maybe it's only a broken leg.
Hey Patio Pals! Thanks ever so much for all your kind words and your interesting comments. Welcome Marla and Chris!
Would love to stay for a chinwag but I'm babysitting my little nephew and he's a handful. Feel better Julie! I'll sub for you tonight; just concentrate on taking care of whatever is ailing you.
Amigos, I can't guarantee the Monday episode recap will be posted as promptly as Julie accustoms to do but I'll do my best. I'm 5 hours ahead of EST, so I can't watch the episode until the next morning. Will wake up early and do the recap before the wee terror (my adorable but hyperactive nephew) comes banging at my door!
Catch ya guys later!
Would love to stay for a chinwag but I'm babysitting my little nephew and he's a handful. Feel better Julie! I'll sub for you tonight; just concentrate on taking care of whatever is ailing you.
Amigos, I can't guarantee the Monday episode recap will be posted as promptly as Julie accustoms to do but I'll do my best. I'm 5 hours ahead of EST, so I can't watch the episode until the next morning. Will wake up early and do the recap before the wee terror (my adorable but hyperactive nephew) comes banging at my door!
Catch ya guys later!
Belen wants Diego, believed he was her way up and using Teresa and Andres to make her life easy until the child is born. She hopes Diego recognizes the child, they leave together or she will die trying. I see what she is doing as desperation though it hurts Andres, the one person trying to help. She's tired of being poor of a low social class and it makes her feel upwardly mobile though only standing on the back of someone she believes inferior.
Cristina desperately wants to escape too, for the same reasons, but her method different. She's willing to steal, blackmail, lie and justify it all, even risking the relationship with her brother.
Cristina desperately wants to escape too, for the same reasons, but her method different. She's willing to steal, blackmail, lie and justify it all, even risking the relationship with her brother.
Julie: feel better soon.
Anita: that seems to be the usual trend for the lists. Lots of heavy stuff going down with a few moments of brightness to relieve the angst.
Anita: that seems to be the usual trend for the lists. Lots of heavy stuff going down with a few moments of brightness to relieve the angst.
Thank you, Nandicta, both for this fabulous recap of a jam-packed episode, and for subbing for me tonight. Let me know when I can return the favor.
I'm hoping that if Mercedes fell, she took her sister down with her. It's too bad that Felipe isn't standing directly below, because I'd like him to get squished in the bargain as well.
Belen has already been dead to me for some time, and I'm expecting her to come to a horrible end. Sometimes it's fun to hope that a rotten character will somehow turn herself or himself around, but something tells me Belen won't be one of those people. (The gold knife is too good for her, if you ask me. Anyway, we know how she loves gold!)
I'm hoping that if Mercedes fell, she took her sister down with her. It's too bad that Felipe isn't standing directly below, because I'd like him to get squished in the bargain as well.
Belen has already been dead to me for some time, and I'm expecting her to come to a horrible end. Sometimes it's fun to hope that a rotten character will somehow turn herself or himself around, but something tells me Belen won't be one of those people. (The gold knife is too good for her, if you ask me. Anyway, we know how she loves gold!)
I could cover for tonight and have the recap ready before midnight central time.
Tonight I am only watching Superstore, Telenovela and El Hotel DHL.
I guess the long trip would be Mexico-San Cristóbal and the short trip San Cristóbal-Puebla
Chilango is how mexiquenses (people from the DF) call all foreigners that come to stay. Mexican is anybody from the whole country, mexiquense whoever was born in the capital Mexico City and chilango people from Puebla (or any of the other 31 states) that go to work and stay in Mexico.
Tonight I am only watching Superstore, Telenovela and El Hotel DHL.
I guess the long trip would be Mexico-San Cristóbal and the short trip San Cristóbal-Puebla
Chilango is how mexiquenses (people from the DF) call all foreigners that come to stay. Mexican is anybody from the whole country, mexiquense whoever was born in the capital Mexico City and chilango people from Puebla (or any of the other 31 states) that go to work and stay in Mexico.
Permalink posted by : Monday, February 29, 2016 at 6:10:00 PM EST
: Monday, February 29, 2016 at 6:10:00 PM EST
Pablo--you come through for us again. What would we do without you? You are a treasure trove of information. I'm going to go with Belen and Andres going to Puebla.
Note that I think Nandicta is going to do the recap, unless you personally hear from her, hold your pencil hand back.
Someday, I'm sure we would all love to have one of your recaps. Talk to Vivi and see if she'll put you on the "reserve" list if we need another substitute.
Note that I think Nandicta is going to do the recap, unless you personally hear from her, hold your pencil hand back.
Someday, I'm sure we would all love to have one of your recaps. Talk to Vivi and see if she'll put you on the "reserve" list if we need another substitute.
Only Mondays and Thursdays is when I watch the whole thing from beginning to end, so if you are short one of those days, feel free to let me know and I will help you gladly. Keep in touch.
Permalink posted by : Monday, February 29, 2016 at 7:27:00 PM EST
: Monday, February 29, 2016 at 7:27:00 PM EST
-- Pablo: Thanks for offering to do tonight's recap. If your offer still stands, I'd like to take you up on it. You are likely to prepare and post the recap a lot faster than I could and this works better for our group. Please let me know whether you're still interested in subbing for Julie tonight. Thank you.
Thanks. I just found out my shows are not coming tonight, so I was getting ready to watch Scorpion and then Blindspot. I can help you tonight. As soon as I finish I will contact you so you can post it.
Permalink posted by : Monday, February 29, 2016 at 8:50:00 PM EST
: Monday, February 29, 2016 at 8:50:00 PM EST
Thanks! It is done, I just sent it, please see if it needs corrections. I had forgotten how long does it take to write this much in this laptop (I am used to the regular desktop keyboard, but is on repair) and t little keyboard so close to the screen, ugh!
Permalink posted by : Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at 1:42:00 AM EST
: Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at 1:42:00 AM EST
Recap for Episode #25 received and posted on the main page. Muchas gracias!
You are a natural-born recapper, Pablo! I have yet to see the episode but your recap captured the events in such an evocative style, the scenes were playing in my mind as I read. Muy bien hecho!
You are a natural-born recapper, Pablo! I have yet to see the episode but your recap captured the events in such an evocative style, the scenes were playing in my mind as I read. Muy bien hecho!
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