The night in Mexico had a different air, a mix of noise and life you hadn’t experienced before. The colors of the street stalls glowed under the yellow lights, and the smell of grilled meat and spices filled the air. Alejandro walked beside you, relaxed, with a slight smile that barely softened his imposing presence.

"You have to try these tacos," he said, pointing to a small stall with a white tarp and a man moving quickly between a griddle and a chopping board. "They're not the ones in the tourist guides, but trust me, these are the real deal."

You looked at the place with curiosity. It was a simple stall, with plastic chairs and a row of bottles of salsa in colors ranging from vibrant green to threatening red. Alejandro ordered two servings, turning to you with a confident gesture.

"Are you one of those who can handle the spice, or do you prefer something milder?" he asked with a playful gleam in his eyes.

"It depends on what you consider spicy," you replied with a nervous laugh, which made Alejandro smile even more.

When the tacos arrived, Alejandro showed you how to prepare them. He took a lime, squeezed it over the meat, then added a spoonful of red salsa. You watched, trying to imitate his movements, though the smell of the salsa made you hesitate.

"If you don't survive the first bite, don't worry. It's part of the experience," he joked, taking a bite of his taco without flinching.

With a bit of hesitation, you took a bite of your taco. The flavor was explosive: juicy, spicy, with the acidity of the lime and the burning touch of the salsa. You coughed slightly, which made Alejandro burst into laughter.