Spain versus Mexico

The things here that remind me of Mexican and Latin American culture are food and music. On the radio they might play Maná and Julieta Venegas, and in restaurants and cafes they might play salsa and tango. The pop music is similar enough to Mexican pop music such as Superestrella 107.1 that I can't tell it's Spanish music unless I hear the "theta" sounds. The music is also less tied to culture while being more modernized. In Mexican music they still use accordions and trumpets but here it's all digital sounds, drums and electric guitar. I asked people what kinds of traditional music exist in Spain and all they could think of was flamenco. In modern music the famous bands and singers are El Canto del Loco, Pereza and David Bisbal, who are unknown in the United States. In all, I believe Mexican and Latin American music has the edge over Spanish music. Food time.

Albóndigas=soft meatballs in a meatball broth. Really good and extremely reminiscent of those Chinese meatballs called "lion's head" (I think I'm doomed to compare everything with Chinese culture). I've seen them in Mexican restaurant menus but never had any. I blame the pricing and size of burritos. Winner inconclusive.

Empanadas= Crusty and ridged crust, like that of samosas or Hot Pockets® (lol) stuffed with tomato sauce, onions and oil. They're okay. The Mexican version is one of those tortilla-type foods, and I'm not sure if they have a similar version. Tie.

Tacos= I found out this word actually means "plug" or "wedge" or "shredded." This usually applies to octopus, for example "tacos de pulpo." Mexico wins.

Tortilla= Omelot with thin slices of onions and potatoes, coming in the shape of a small steering wheel. These are ingenious because they're pure energy and make you feel "breakfasty," without all the vegetable oil and sausages. The dining halls at UCSD do a similar omelot but the potatoes are not well-integrated with the egg because they use hash browns and just throw them in when the omelot's almost ready. The Mexican version is allright, but can't really be eaten by itself. Spain wins.

Chicarrones= Fried pork skins. In Spain they're called tocinos or torreznos, but they leave out the chewy fleshy part and seasoning. Mexico wins.

Orxata= A Valencian (language similar to Catalan) word for a drink that Mexicans spell as Horchata. The Spanish version is light brown, not white, not as sweet, yet lacking in cinnamon flavor. It's more subtle and probably better for your health. Spain wins, though Tamarindo would win against the orxata.