Emperor Maximillian I
Executed in Mexico in 1867

Segunda intervención francesa en México or the Franco-Mexican War resulted from Mexican refusal to pay their debts to France and other European powers. The US was engaged in the War of Northern Aggression/Civil War when the invasion took place and had problems of its own, so stayed out of it.

Emperor Napoleon III of France instigated the invasion, justifying military intervention by claiming a broad foreign policy of commitment to free trade.  The invasion fleet reached Veracruz in December 1861 following the  Treaty of London where Britain, France and Spain combined their efforts to receive payments from Mexico.
France annexed Mexico and brought an archduke from the Royal House of Austria, Maximilian Ferdinand, or Maximilian I, mending fences with Austria. During the First Battle of Puebla, a force of Mexicans, outnumbering the French by 4 to 1 defeated a French field force on May 5, 1862 (Cinco de Mayo). In 1863, the French won the Second Battle of Puebla, and subsequently captured Mexico City.
Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day. Mexico celebrates Independence Day on the 16th of September, commemorating the beginning of the war of Independence from Spain (September 16, 1810)

However that should not stop you from celebrating May 5th.  I am celebrating myself by eating some really good Michoacan style food the day before – because it’s one of those hole-in-the-wall places that turns out great food and will be packed on Cinco de Mayo, celebrated big in California, not so big in Mexico.

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30 COMMENTS

  1. Is that a chili relleno on that plate? Or more likely an enchilada.

    Neither of which is common fare in Mexico. The murderers and rapists down there usually eat corn tortillas, straight up, none of that fancy gringo chow, no way Jose.

  2. Haha. I love the last picture.

    Glad you had an enjoyable dinner. We do that a lot any more. Do something the day before (or after) so we don't have to chance being surrounded by as many idiots, ha!

    Be safe and have a blessed weekend.

  3. Thanks for the short history, interesting. I always forget that France invaded Mexico. Maybe Montes won't be too packed for a quick blast of Mex breakfast.

  4. It's steak tampiquena (a skirt steak with a cheese enchilada on top) and it's quite authentic. Also quite good. Eduardo's (hole-in-the-wall-joint) isn't precisely authentic with some of their food, but I've had the same meal in Morelia (Michoacan).

  5. If I was there in Hillsboro, I'd go to Montes today. How can you not? There is some sort of rule about Mexican food on May 5th. Or you can save yourself for Karens at lunch?

  7. youtu.be/JzpJBGB2JOU – another take on how to prepare Carne a la Tampiqueña from a Tex Mex perspective.

  10. There is a trend in America today to glory in male emasculation. I know that you didn't do that with your warrior son, and you live in a place where responsibility, accountability and hard work is appreciated.

    A lot of progressive people are offended by Trump because he speaks plainly….which smacks of micro-aggression. They run to their 'safe space' when something seems contrary to what the Marxist professor told them.

  11. You had me at Segunda intervención francesa en México. The photo of the food and the little boy really killed it. Lol.

  13. My favorite parts of Mexico are the "family centric" society – you can go to the fanciest restaurants in Mexico City and people bring their children; the food, which is delicious; and the joy of living that you find there.

  14. Genuine immigration to the US from Mexico is dropping off as the economy in Mexico increases. Central and South America still pose immigration issues to Mexico and the US…and there is the drug issue. We do need the wall. However in 10 years, I think that the US/Mexico immigration situation will be much the same as US/Canada.

  18. I love Mexico and Mexicans for that reason. It's a shitshow in many ways, but like Russia, it's a shitshow with a base foundation of glorious, loving and faithful, though poor, people. The elites are more of a mixed bag, but there's good people there, as well. I really have to read your book about Mexico when I get the chance.

  20. Ah, so you plan to make a "Run for the Border" today? Good choice.
    youtu.be/M8sZ1DWsAHE

    It's "kosher Mexican food" as a friend of mine once put it, but I like Taco Bell.

  21. There is a stark divide in Mexico between the white/european people (elites) and the native people (indians). Skin color is a BIG deal within Mexican families – far more of an issue than in the US. I always found that interesting, because Americans haul the "prejudice" cross around with them.

  23. I knew about the racial divide within the hispanic community, but I was surprised about it being alive and well in the black community as well. The paper bag test…

  24. Well I had two strawberry Margaritas and beef burritos with some kind of baked bean thing. Forgot my poncho and sombrero but feasted with well with hands only. Things got messy.

  25. When you return to England and start feasting with your hands, and make burritos for supper, people will begin to talk (behind your back at first). Maybe if you wear a sombrero and serape (poncho), you can explain yourself to them? Nottingham will never be the same.

  26. In Oaxaca, do as the Oaxacans do, chaparillias. My spelling may be a bit off.

    Also, the huevos rancheros at la estacion de ferrocarille in Mexico City goes well with Modelo Negra.

  27. LL,

    For a good ride, take the train from Las Mochis to the Copper Canyon, stay over a couple days for a horse ride and a trail hike. In the hotel overlooking the canyon or the castle in town. I recommend the castle for the fresh tortillas at breakfast and the margaritas from scratch in the evening. Muy Bueno

  28. I've been to Los Mochis many times for work but never knew about the train ride. My focus was on cartel issues back then. As to Negra Modelo, it goes well with everything

  29. For those who don't know, Los Mochis, a town located near the ocean in northern Sinaloa, is CARTEL CENTRAL. However the food is really good. The narcos stop at the street stands. If the food is good, they pay extra, if it poisons them, they kill the cook. So anyone selling food like that is doing an outstanding job.

  30. The difference between "high yellow", Ethiopian, and kaffir (very black) African is significant and presents a stark divide in the US Afro-American community.

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