Tortas ahogadas get their name from the fact that they are submerged in a sauce that is made of dried chile peppers or tomatoes. But before this step, the sandwich starts with bolillo bread, an oval sourdough variation on a French baguette, with a crunchy crust and a delightfully soft interior. This bread is essential, as its composition allows it to be entirely drenched in sauce without becoming soggy or dissolving entirely.

The most common filling for a torta ahogada is fried pork which has been sliced into bite-sized pieces. Depending on the region, other fillings may include chicken, cheese, or beans. Then they are served with avocados, chiles, radishes, and fried onion rings. The sauce that drowns the torta ahogada can be either spicy or mild; the spicy version is made with arbol chilies, which are ground to a fine powder and mixed with vinegar, garlic, and oregano. The milder stuff is made of a combination of tomatoes and chiles. If you’re unsure about the sauce, order your sandwich ‘media ahogada’, or ‘half drowned’; the server will only dip half of your meal into sauce. But for the authentic thing, go for the fully submerged ‘bien ahogada’.

Residents of Guadalajara will tell you that the most traditional place to eat tortas ahogadas is in the Estadio Jalisco, the local soccer stadium; they’re usually eaten with bare hands, despite all the sauce, so expect to have a messy, delicious meal while you take in a game. This meal is beloved by both locals and tourists in the region alike, and no visit to Jalisco, Mexico is complete without trying one. If you’re in a resort like Oasis Palm Beach Cancun and are planning a trip over to the state, be sure to get your hands dirty with this delicious sandwich.

The Xolo, as it’s known, is native to Mexico, having existed there for more then 3,000 years. Its lack of hair may have been an evolutionary advantage in the tropical region, and the indigenous peoples of Central America kept them as companion dogs. Xolos were considered to be sacred by the Aztecs, Toltecs, and Maya peoples.

The Xolo ranges in size from 10 to 50 pounds, and has a sleek body, large bat-like ears, an elongated neck and almond-shaped eyes. While most Xolos are hairless, the trait is a dominant one, and the expression of the recessive hair gene results in some of the dogs being born with short, flat coats. They are known for their calm temperament as adults, but have very noisy, high-energy puppies. All hair and skin colors are possible, and the dogs are often spotted or crested.

The temperament of the Xolo is described as “primitive”, in that they have not been modified by selective breeding as much as other dog breeds elsewhere in the world. They are highly intelligent, have a lot of energy and curiosity, and strong hunting and social instincts. They make great companion dogs, but require a lot of exercise and play in order to thrive. They can be guard dogs and will not back down from a fight if necessary. Due to the lack of selective breeding, the Xolos have fairly good health and can be long-lived if cared for properly.

For instance, one of the most amazing places one may travel to in The United Kingdom is Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway, also known as Clochán an Aifir. These beautifully fractured stepping stones into the sea are actually a multitude of interconnected basalt columns that are resultant of a volcanic eruption. Black basalt and shimmering sea beneath offer a romance that is eternal and completely free for those couples looking for a budget minded getaway.

Aside from the obvious beauty of The Causeway, there is a lovely little Irish myth to go along with it! The myth tells of an Irish warrior who fell asleep on the way to Scotland, and when he woke he found a Scottish giant on the horizon. The warrior’s wife covered him with a blanket disguising him as a baby. The giant could only imagine the size of such a big baby’s father and headed back to Scotland breaking up the coast along the way!

With so much beauty, charm, and with the help of a budget minded hotel such as cheap hotels from Travelodge, a romantic getaway is well within the grasp most couples, and Giants Causeway is a beautiful place to begin.