sábado, 10 de agosto de 2024

NOSTALGIA CON SABOR A HELADO

 Ahora que llega agosto y aprieta el caloret, es temporada de helados. ¿Qué mejor que tomar mientras se ven las Perseidas de noche o mientras te secas junto a la piscina? Hoy en día el Magnum Euphoria está en el ajo, con su maridaje de frambuesa, limón y chocolate blanco... pero en los noventa hubo sabores y formas de helado, en particular de Frigo, que muchos millennials recordamos.

Nunca llegué a probar el Frigurón pero me decían que sabía a piña tropical, como el Sugus azul. ¿Quién de vosotros ha probado o visto al menos una piña azul? Este helado llegó de Italia en los ochenta a nuestro país de Sagitario y se fue tan rápido como llegó, a mediados de los noventa, cuando yo hacía preescolar.

Los Solero Shots sí que los recuerdo de todo corazón. Un tarro de plástico que contiene diminutos balines de calippo (por lo general, de lima-limón), y que se toman a chorro como si se bebieran, eso quita la sed y el sofoco que alucinas. Era, en mi opinión, el helado más refrescante de todos.

El Taco Winner se merece un Nobel de los Helados, si es que tal premio existiera. Era un taco de barquillo que estaba lleno de helado de crema con dulce de leche y recubierto de chocolate con cacahuetes. Muy original la publicidad también: un chico en el parque, comiendo un Taco Winner, se transforma en oso polar. Por suerte, esto no sucedía a los consumidores en la vida real.

Procedentes de Australia, los 7 Pecados de Magnum llenaron kioscos y heladerías de Europa el verano de 2003. Antes de ello, Streets (la empresa hermana australiana de Frigo) había soltado una línea de Magnum con temática psicodélica (años sesenta/setenta) con sabores como Cherry Guevara, John Lemmon y, obviamente, un sabor dedicado al alunizaje. La promoción de los 7 Pecados, lanzada en Australia en 2002 (su invierno es nuestro verano) y en Europa el año siguiente, encontró mucha polémica por parte de la Iglesia Católica pero también marcó la juventud de los millennials europeos. El Magnum Soberbia, número uno en Australia, era una versallesca mezcla de champán y perlitas de plata en la cobertura. El Envidia, de pistacho, verde tenía que ser. El Venganza (la ira era algo demasiado suave como para hacer de pecado), de cobertura de chocolate negro luto, relleno de coulis de frutos rojos como la sangre. El Gula, de tres chocolates, era la pesadilla de cualquier persona ortoréxica. Pero el más delicioso en mi opinión era el Lujuria, con cobertura de chocolate rosa con sabor a fresa. Ya eso me parecía innovador y exquisito (ignoraba entonces que las fresas son afrodisiacas), y yo de niña sabía lo que eran seis de los siete pecados y cada vez que les preguntaba a los mayores "¿qué es la lujuria?" me decían "Sandra, eres demasiado joven..." La primera vez que fuimos al kiosco de la esquina (lavandería en la actualidad) para comprarlo, cuando la kiosquera dijo "Vale, un Lujuria..." la abuela materna muy beata que me acompañaba puso el grito en el cielo. Pude tomarme el Magnum Lujuria pero seguía con la mosca detrás de la oreja. Y esta era la misma abuela que había también puesto el grito en el cielo cuando fuimos al Museo y vi el gran cuadro del Prendimiento donde Judas Iscariote parecía besar a Cristo en la boca y pregunté "¿pero, Judas Iscariote era gay?" (Series de anime de chicas mágicas como Sailor Moon o Cardcaptor Sakura me habían acostumbrado a las sexualidades alternativas de pequeña).

viernes, 9 de agosto de 2024

DOT BY DOT, THE STORY'S PLOT...

 



In the heart of a quaint village nestled between rolling hills and whispering forests, there lived a little cat named Luna. Her fur, a soft tapestry of grey and white, glistened like moonlight against the cobblestone streets. Luna was no ordinary cat; she was a curious explorer, a gentle comforter, and a silent observer of the village’s many tales.

Dot by dot, the story’s plot, Luna's life in mystery caught. Luna’s favorite spot was the attic of an old, ivy-covered cottage at the village's edge. From her high perch, she watched the ebb and flow of village life – the bustling market, the laughter of children, the daily routines that wove the fabric of this close-knit community. Her green eyes, sparkling with curiosity, missed nothing. She was a silent guardian, a fluffy sentinel of secrets and dreams. Dot by dot, the story’s plot, Luna's eyes saw quite a lot. One crisp autumn day, as golden leaves fluttered to the ground, Luna noticed a new family moving into the cottage next door. Among them was a little girl named Clara, who wore a perpetual expression of wistful sadness. Clara had recently moved to the village after her parents' separation, and the transition had left her feeling lonely and out of place. Dot by dot, the story’s plot, Luna sensed the sadness brought. Luna, with her innate sense of empathy, felt drawn to Clara. One evening, as Clara sat on her new porch, eyes filled with tears, Luna approached her. She rubbed her soft fur against Clara's legs, purring softly. Clara, surprised but comforted, gently picked Luna up and held her close. In that moment, a bond was formed, a connection that neither of them fully understood but both deeply needed. Dot by dot, the story’s plot, Luna comfort Clara sought. Each day after school, Clara would search for Luna. They explored the village together, Luna leading the way with her graceful strides, Clara following with newfound curiosity. They discovered hidden nooks, secret gardens, and sunny spots perfect for daydreaming. Through Luna’s companionship, Clara began to see the village in a new light, her sadness slowly replaced by wonder and joy. Dot by dot, the story’s plot, Clara’s heart with joy was caught. One rainy afternoon, as Clara and Luna sat by the attic window watching the raindrops race down the glass, Clara confided in Luna her deepest fears and dreams. Luna, with her wise green eyes, seemed to understand. She nuzzled Clara, offering silent support. Clara felt heard and understood in a way she hadn’t before, her words a soothing balm to her troubled heart. Dot by dot, the story’s plot, Luna heard what Clara thought. As months passed, Clara’s confidence grew. She made friends at school, became involved in the village's activities, and even started writing stories inspired by her adventures with Luna. Her favorite tale was about a little cat who brought light into a lonely girl's life, a story that mirrored her own journey. Dot by dot, the story’s plot, Clara’s tales with magic brought. Luna, ever the observer, watched with pride as Clara blossomed. She knew her role in the village was special, not just as a companion to Clara, but as a gentle presence that touched many lives. The villagers often saw Luna as a symbol of hope and comfort, her soft purrs and gentle nudges a reminder of the simple joys in life. Dot by dot, the story’s plot, Luna’s presence dearly sought. The tale of Luna and Clara spread through the village, inspiring others to see the magic in everyday moments and the healing power of companionship. It reminded everyone that even the smallest creature could make a significant impact on someone's life. In the heart of the village, where stories intertwined like the branches of ancient trees, Luna’s legacy lived on. Dot by dot, the story’s plot, their legacy shall be forgot not. In the end, Luna continued her gentle patrols through the village, a small but mighty guardian of hearts and dreams. Her story, intertwined with Clara’s, was a testament to the enduring bond between humans and animals. It reminded all who heard it that in the grand tapestry of life, each thread, each note, each dot, plays a vital part in the story we weave. Dot by dot, the story’s plot, Luna’s love will never be forgot.