A pen for writing in Mexico, the basic tool for taking notes and signing important documents. It has the bad habit of disappearing when you need it most and showing up where you least expect.

The energy or feeling a place, person, or situation gives off — more expressive than just saying 'vibras.' When a place has good vibes you feel comfortable, happy, and never want to leave.

A rope or cord in Mexico and Central America, used for tying, pulling, or hanging things around the farm, house, or anywhere you need to secure something. The word comes from Nahuatl 'mecatl' and is deeply embedded in everyday rural and domestic vocabulary.

A small Mexican street food snack, the kind of craving-worthy bite you grab from a stand on the sidewalk. Tacos, gorditas, sopes, quesadillas, and tamales are all antojitos. The word comes from "antojo" (craving), and these are exactly that: irresistible little dishes that call your name every time you walk past a street stall.