All the financial consultants, lifestyle coaches and pyschotherapists cannot truly assist American and Canadian prospective retirees in their 50s and 60s, unless they’ve been there, done that. Whether you have your sights set on San Miguel de Allende or Oaxaca, Huatulco or Cancun, the best advice on Mexican retirement comes from those of us who have taken the leap… and then only after several years of thorough, thoughtful introspection.

Healthcare, general affordability, language, and “now what do I do,” all seem to top the list of questions those considering becoming ex-patriots in Mexico seem to have. With 13 years as a frequent visitor to Oaxaca, and now a further 13 years as a permanent resident transplanted from the good life as a Toronto litigation lawyer, I have been able to pondered how and why at 53 years old I did what I did. The answers now come easy. So here are my top ten tips which if considered will ensure a fulfilling and enjoyable life wherever in Mexico you select.

1. LEARN THE LANGUAGE: Sure, some of us are linguistically challenged, and such an affliction can certainly put a crimp on our plans. But it’s imperative that you at least try to learn Spanish, and keep at it until you are no longer embarrassed to open your mouth. There are Spanish language schools in pretty well every major center in the country. And, it is easy to find a local who wants to learn or improve his/her English, so that you can arrange to have an “intercambio” once or twice a week, at no cost, to supplement formal grammar classes. Often the intercambio also serves as a jumping point towards making new (local) friends. It’s indeed difficult to not gravitate to establishing friendships with primarily other ex-pats, since that is the path of least resistance. But surely one of the reasons you are selecting Mexico is because of the rich and diverse cultural traditions; the best way to establish them is to start with the language. By beginning relationships with Mexicans, be they white urbanites or natives from tiny villages whose first language is an indigenous tongue, or anything in between, any way you can become welcomed into their world will be an asset in your quest to be included in their rites of passage; celebrating weddings, birthdays, baptisms and 15 años, and crying at funerals.

2. BUY GOVERNMENT HEALTHCARE: In 2017, the annual cost of buying comprehensive federal government health insurance known as IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social), was under 15,000 pesos (well under $1,000 USD) for a couple with at least one partner 60 years of age or older. It covers visits to the doctor when you’re sick, medication, specialist care and consultation, tests and analyses, surgeries and emergency care. Yes there are delays, the level of sterility may not be that to which you are accustomed, and you cannot select your own practitioner. But you can mix and match if you are so inclined, that is by using private doctors, labs and hospitals when it suits you, or going with IMSS. The quality of care is extremely good, not without at times having to ask around – just as you would back home. The point is that Mexico trains many good doctors, and in fact some have had American experience by taking courses, upgrading, etc. in the US. You don’t have to worry about maintaining your Canadian coverage by returning to your home province for X number of days a year, or be concerned about the cost of returning to the US just because you have comprehensive insurance coverage there.

3. VISIT YOUR ULTIMATE FINAL DESTINATION AT LEAST THREE TIMES BEFORE DECIDING: It may seem trite, but don’t simply read about a Mexican destination and make the decision to relocate without having even visited. Some people actually do it that way, believe it or not. My wife and I visited Oaxaca two or three times a year for several years prior to buying our land and building. I suggest at least three visits prior to committing to either buying or renting. Get the vibe of the city. Investigate locations for living, and don’t simply decide you want to live in a particular neighborhood without first having had a short-term rental there. If planning to sign a lease or buy, make sure you have a sense for the type of community, and think about proximity to public transit; parking; noise level: services such as cable, city water, drainage and garbage pickup; type of neighbors; nearby restaurants and entertainment; etc., etc., etc. You might like visiting downtown for a week or two, but you should think about being there permanently, in the midst of constant din, exhaust fumes, street activity which begins before dawn, and all the rest. On the other hand, do you want to be so far away from downtown that you have to think twice about going to the city center for dinner, drinks or a cappuccino?

4. GET A CAR: If you want to live downtown or otherwise close to everything, and are accustomed to taxi and/or public transit, you may not need a car. But you’ll likely want to visit neighboring communities on your own, at your own pace, and won’t want to rely on others to be your chauffeurs. Even if it’s an old clunker, it’s important to be mobile. Of course vehicle rental agencies provide a good option, but one often thinks twice before spending on a car rental, whereas if the auto is already in the driveway or garage, it’s a non-issue. Although insurance may be optional for vehicle owners, buy it, so as to ensure that if you get into an accident you won’t end up in jail for an extended period of time.

5. DRESS APPROPRIATELY: Dress as the locals around you do. If you live in a city in the interior of Mexico such as Puebla or Oaxaca, you’ll notice that men typically do not wear shorts, running shoes or t – shirts except for on some weekends, typically Sundays. You’ll be treated more as a resident and less as a tourist, and presumably that’s what you want, with a view to in due course expanding your social networks to include people who have been born and raised in your new home town and environs.

6. CONSIDER BOTH YOUR CURRENT AND ANTICIPATED ASSETS: When considering if you can afford to retire in Mexico, financial advisors ask about your current assets and liabilities, income, and anticipated costs when living in a new, southern city or beach area. They’ll also ask if you have any dependent children who may be relying on you for their ongoing expenses such as university costs. While some people might think it repugnant, it’s important to also talk about any anticipated inheritance on the horizon. A couple of decades ago three Canadian financial experts were consulted by a newspaper journalist for a story, Mañana Split, about our plan to retire to Oaxaca. They all stated that we could not afford to do it. Our own advisor asked about likely inheritances, ages of our then aging parents, etc., while the other three did not. Our advisor said we could likely afford early retirement, and here we are (although we actually could have done it without inheritances; so the experts who had not known us personally for a long period of time, did in fact get it wrong).

7. PARTICIPATE IN CHARITABLE ENDEAVORS: The fact that you’re even considering retiring to Mexico suggests that you’re willing to think outside of the box, and have interests aside from family, friends and work. Given your personality, then, you’ll find ways to keep yourself busy in your new life, immersing yourself in cultural activities and finding other innovative ways to keep busy; and perhaps even earn a bit of money. One of the most self-fulfilling ways to occupy your time is to become engaged with one or more charities. Virtually every Mexican ex-pat destination has charities which desperately need your time. You have some kind of valuable expertise, whether you realize it or not, that will be appreciated. Not only will you be feeling good about yourself, but you’ll be helping others in a much more direct way than simply donating money to World Wildlife Fund or United Way. Witnessing first-hand how your giving of time and/or money is positively impacting others is remarkable.

8. BE LAWFUL: Don’t simply move to Mexico with your temporary tourist visa and overstay your welcome. Secure a resident visa early on. Don’t work without getting permission from the department of immigration. Confirm with them that you can work at the job you want, and ask the steps you must take such as having the employer write to immigration to let them know / seek permission to hire you. Don’t start a business without a tax number and getting permission from immigration; once you begin, if not sooner, obtain an accountant and learn the law about filing tax returns. Living in Mexico is a privilege and not a right. If you break the law, you can end up in jail, and be thrown out of the country, permanently. There may be some antipathy towards you as a foreigner working in Mexico where there are so many much poorer people than you without work or underpaid. The resentment doesn’t always go away, so the best you can do is follow the law, have all your permits in place, and pay your fair share of tax.

9. BE ON BOARD WITH YOUR PARTNER: Often one partner is passionate about moving to Mexico, and very excited about the move and new lifestyle; while the other is just willing to do it or at least give it a try. That can be dangerous. If both partners do not have the same vision for the future, there may be ongoing conflict between the two of you, with your partner but a mere reluctant participant in the new life. You should aim towards an easy transition with no regrets, best achieved with the two of you ad idem from the outset.

10. HAVE A CUSHION / CONTINGENCY PLAN: Although this article is intended to minimize the risks involved in retiring in Mexico, you’ll still, at least to some extent, inevitably be taking a leap of faith. If you can have a contingency or “what if” plan, all the better. Can you go back if things don’t work out? It’s something to seriously consider before making the decision. It’s the one thing we didn’t really consider before buying those one-way plane tickets, but thankfully all the rest was thoroughly considered and planned out, and there have been no regrets.

Good luck!

If you are in an industry that relies on machinery, maintenance of this equipment is no small task. The machinery relies on refined internal mechanisms, but maintenance can be fairly straight-forward thanks to wire harnesses. The wire harness has brought about a revolution for industries needing a tidy solution to what can be a maddening chaos of cables & wires. When you think about a wire harness, though, Mexico isn’t usually the first place that comes to mind.

Located south of the United States, Mexico has made its impact in the manufacturing world. They’re only second to Canada (our northern neighbor) in energy trade with the U.S., have established regional distinctions within the country based on product manufacturing over the last two decades, and unlike other Latin American countries, Mexico has seen a large rise in their manufacturing sector since 1980.

Manufacturers stateside have benefited from having Mexico as a partner because it has allowed them to expand their geographic reach to customers in need of products. The proximity has been pivotal in allaying customer concerns regarding budget or production dates.

But having an international manufacturing partner can have drawbacks, and if a company isn’t careful to avoid certain pitfalls, the ability to be successful will be negatively impacted.

Here is a basic guide to wire harness manufacturing in Mexico:

Language Barriers – Working with Mexico means a need to communicate in Spanish. Even if the representative operating between the stateside-based manufacturer & its Mexico-based facility can readily communicate, it is imperative that a difference in language doesn’t become a major problem. This is especially important when it comes to industry terminology.

Pre-Approval of Specs & Requesting Samples – It is vital that all specifications are approved at all points in the process just to be sure everyone is on the same page (e.g., weights & measurements in either metric or imperial increments). Also, as often as possible, it is key to obtain production samples in case there is a need to address any issues.

Parent Company in the States – It’s important that a company seeking wire harness builds works with a manufacturer whose parent-company is based in the U.S.. This helps ensure that the builds have been done under the same guidelines & compliance regulations required in the U.S.. Considering the billions of dollars that U.S. companies have invested into the development of Mexico’s manufacturing sectors, this usually isn’t too big an obstacle.

Budget – Manufacturing budgets can sometimes forget to factor in the cost that may come with shipping materials either back to the ordering customer for approval or if there is a need for a final product to go elsewhere. Mexico is close, but poor budget management can still be a cause for delays.

Production Dates – Manufacturers that establish facilities in Mexico do so because there is greater proximity to customers. Two of Mexico’s most prominent regions in this endeavor are the Border Region & Central Mexico (“el bajio”). This actually leads to a quicker turnaround of materials being delivered on-time or even ahead of schedule.

Remember that f you’re working with a well-established harness & assemblies manufacturer based in the United States with a facility based in Mexico, the wire harness that Mexico can produce will be of incredible value, excellent quality, and will meet all of your necessary build requisite standards.

You travel to try out new things and have new experiences, right? So why not stretch your palate a bit too during your travels? Although here in Mexico City you can truly experience the "exotic" in dining, you needn't delve into the bizarre. Take a step a little off your normally beaten path with these suggestions. If you want to try something just a little different while eating out in Mexico City, try these.

Here are two Cevicherias or raw seafood specialty houses:

Mariscos Pipiripau

Palma No. 31

Centro Historico

Hostería Las Palmas

Palma No. 30-A

Centro Historico

Ceviche is raw fish or seafood marinated in lime juice with vegetables and spices that is sort of chemically "cooked" by the acids. Usually served chilled, it's a staple in many Latin countries, especially in seaports. Seafood cocktails and Caldos de Mariscos are featured here. The specialty of the house at Las Palmas is "Vuelve a La Vida", ($ 60 pesos) a combination of fish, octopus, crab, shrimp and oysters that will "bring you back to life" for sure. Other raw, but marinated seafood cocktails served in a sundae glass are priced at about $ 30 pesos for your choice. Another noted specialty is the stuffed crab, served in its shell for $ 35 pesos. It's a unique experience, check it out.

Want to sample sushi?

Would that be Japanese or Mexican sushi? No, just kidding about the Mexican, but you can sample a variety of made-before-your-eyes treats at this duo of restaurants. Later, you can learn how to make your own sushi rolls.

Teriyaki San

Republica de Uruguay No. 71 Local 2

Centro Historico

5510 – 9971, 5510 – 9556

A sort of "fast-food" style Japanese restaurant, their selection is a tad limited, but ready to go and budget-priced. You can choose from some pre-packaged combos that aren't bad for the money. Staff is Mexican though so you lose a little in the translation. The setting is typical "fast-food" stark, although the location is conveniently in the thick of the Republic de Uruguay shopping scene.

Sushi Roll

5 de Mayo No.

Centro Historico Metro: Allende

An authentic Japanese sushi bar where you can match slices of raw or pickled seafood, rice and vegetables being turned into aromatic, colorful tidbits right before your dazzled eyes. Prices range from $ 10 pesos per piece to $ 60 or $ 70 for mixed combination platters. It gets pretty crowded around lunchtime, so come early or late afternoon and evenings for fewer crowds. If you're truly ready for the real thing, and a unique experience at prices you can afford, this is the place I'd recommend.

… Dine on Vegan Vittles?

(… and we're not just talking "rabbit food" here)

Restaurant Vegetariano Filomeno Mata

Filomeno Mata No.

Centro Historico

5521 – 1895

If you haven't tried vegetarian food why not give it a shot here where the selection is ample and tasty with entrees like Aguacate and Tomate Relleno, Papa al Horno con Cebollitas Aztecas and Croquettas de Elote con Puree de Papaya. As an old-fashioned "meat and potatoes" man myself, I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised at the delicious entrees on the menu here. Open Mondays to Saturdays 8am to 8pm, Sundays 9am to 7pm. Soft Pop music plays in the background as you dine thanks to a live keyboards performer mornings and evenings most days. A truly delightful touch.

Two additional vegetarian locations are:

Vegetariano y Dietetico

Madero 56 Altos

Centro Historico

5521 – 6880

Vegetariano Roma

Tuxpan 24

Colonia Roma

5564 – 7930

Los Magueyes

Palma 10-A (between 5 de Mayo and Tacuba)

Centro Historico

5518 – 4073, 5521 – 5191

The waitress placed a platter on the table in front of me. A generous slice of grilled beef lay next to a pool of gravy-colored refried beans. An ample green salad of tomato, lettuce, shredded carrot and cucumber filled one side of the platter, but it was the beef's topping that was the center of attraction. Slender, deep green strips with a slightly pungent aroma lounged mixed with small, bright red whole chilies. A steaming short stack of corn tortillas filled a saucer beside the platter. So this was the "Beefsteak con Nopales". The Maguey is a type of succulent plant. If your Botany is rusty that means it's sort of a kind of cactus. Nopales are a staple here and as you'd expect, a number of dishes such as Nopales Au Grautin, and Costilla con Nopales, feature them. Young, tender ears of the Prickly Pear cactus are harvested, cleaned and shaved of their spines and thorns before being grilled or fried. The good value entrees here are priced from $ 21.50 to $ 42.50 pesos. A number of restaurants and "Taquerias" prepare them in dishes for their distinctive flavor. They can also be juiced and mixed with other fruit and vegetable juices for a flavorful, healthful beverage. Bottoms Up!

Dulceria de Celaya

5 de Mayo No. 39

Centro Historico Metro: Allende

5521 – 1787

If it's sweet Bunky, they've probably got it. (Well, not me, but candied fruits and vegetables, yes.) And if they don't have it, you can order it and they'll get it or make it for you. Boasting that they've been in business for 125 years, baskets, special sweets and candied everything are in this glass-walled little shop. The window displays alone are enough to peak your interest. Try some candied Yucca or pumpkin – fantastic! Products are sold by weight so you can order as little or as much as you're game for. A definite "Must – Stop" on your "Offbeat Mexico City" tour. Your sweet tooth will thank you, and thank you, and thank you. Enjoy!

Los Jarochos

Local 21

Mercado de Alimentos San Camilito

The yelling and screaming started as soon as I stepped through the entranceway, "Over here Sir! We have the best", "what would you like? We have it over here!" "You like the best home cooking? Try ours, it's ready now. You won't be sorry!" "My Mother cooks our ham herself. It's so tender you'll cry with pleasure at the taste." A dozen cooks and garroteros assailed me all at once. Each trying to lure me into eating at their establishment. Everything looked good. Everything smelled good. They were insistent. They begged. They pleaded. They implored. When all that didn't work, if there was time, they cajoled. "You're passing up the best food in the market!" "You should've eaten here, now you're going to get heartburn!" Welcome to the Mercado de Alimentos San Camilito, located on one side of the boisterous Plaza Garibaldi. I settled at the seafood stand of Norberto Uscanga Ortiz and enjoyed Arroz con Pulpo (seasoned rice with generous chunks of octopus mixed in-20 pesos), Mojarra frito (fried Mojarra -a fish) with a mixed tomato, lettuce and avocado salad, a small loaf of fresh-baked bread (38 pesos for the platter) and washed the whole thing down with a couple of nearly frozen Coronas (10 pesos).

I waddled out of there an hour an a half, 11 Mariachis and three good stories from Norberto later, a stuffed and happy man. When you go, please give him my regards. You'll feast on some of the choicest seafood platters in town.

Want more exotic dining tips and tales?

Check out "Piranha: Deadly and Delicious" at: http://ezinearticles.com/?Piranha—Deadly-and-Delicious&id=72722

"Preparing Piranha: Four Delicious Recipes for Adventuresome Eating" online at: http://ezinearticles.com/?Preparing-Piranha:-Four-Delicious-Recipes-for-Adventuresome-Eating&id=82857

"Eating in Colombia: Healthy, Delicious But Strange"
online at: http://ezinearticles.com/?Eating-in-Colombia:-Healthy , -Delicious-But-Strange & id = 72715

and "What's the Strangest Thing You've Ever Eaten?"
at: http://ezinearticles.com/?What's-the-Strangest-Thing-You've-Ever-Eaten ? & id = 81349

Buen Provecho!

The southern Mexico state of Oaxaca, its capital noted for the best cuisine in the country, and its central valleys for mezcal production, craft villages and ruins, still gets a bad rap for supposed violence and safety and security concerns. In recent years its pristine beach resorts such as Huatulco and Puerto Escondido have been receiving the brunt of adverse media reports. All this despite the fact that as long as one exercises reasonable precautions, tourists should feel even more secure than in their home cities and towns outside of Mexico.

Oaxaca is by and large a safe state for tourists. Mexican nationals are vigilant and so should be visitors. The former have been taught from a very young age, while the latter need some instruction.

Kidnapping. The bad guys target the wealthy for ransom. While they may not be all that smart, they do know that kidnapping a tourist is no guarantee of a big payday. So they abduct those (mainly women and children) whose families they reasonably assume have significant financial resources. Some people flaunt their wealth by driving Mercedes and wearing flashy gold jewellery. They and members of their families are the targets, not you the visitor. These residents live in large homes in wealthy parts of town. They own very successful retail and wholesale businesses. The proprietor of one well-known construction materials supply chain was kidnapped twice over the course of about 15 years. Presumably that target now has a 24/7 bodyguard.

My wife wanted to buy a Mini Cooper, the only small car she really liked. She wanted a red one. We live in a semi-rural suburb of Oaxaca. Most of our neighbors are of fairly modest means. Why draw attention to us? I suggested a grey Mini, and that the two stripes it comes with be removed by the dealership. While the Mini logo remains, the car is now much more unobtrusive and more or less blends in. And while our house is large, it features traditional construction and is pretty much hidden by large plants which flower year round. It looks modest compared to the modern homes which more recently have been built by a few neighbors; those who park their black SUVs and fancy Audis in their three car garages.

Theft. The 80-year-old upper class mother of a Canadian friend visited Oaxaca. I met with her to advise what to do where and when, and about safety. I suggested that she dress down. She responded that she always does when travelling, despite at the time wearing designer clothes and expensive earrings and necklace. Her male companion and I looked at each other in disbelief.

If a point and shoot will suffice, leave the camera with the $3,000 lens at home. Alternatively, when walking through marketplaces, keep the camera and bag in a non-descript polyurethane bag which you can purchase pretty well all over the state for 5 – 10 pesos. That’s what the locals use when out in the markets shopping. Sure, you’ll still look like a tourist, probably, but will be less likely a target of thieves that the next tourist walking by the scoundrel.

Listen to what the locals tell you. I advised a white American client to not walk through the Central de Abastos Oaxaca market on Saturdays, the busiest market day, because the thieves target passersby, Mexicans as well as foreigners, on that day much more so than the others. A few days later I was speaking to her and she said “I just went to Abastos on Saturday to get my bearings for when I needed to take a colectivo on another day.” She had her gold earrings ripped right out of her ears.

When in marketplaces be particularly careful in crowded areas or if groups of people, even women, appear to be too close to you. In a couple of weekly market towns near Oaxaca, swarmings by women have been noted. You’re brushed up against, and the next thing you know your wallet, purse or passport is missing. Hold your camera and purse snugly in front of you and leave your passport in your hotel room (but keep photos of your tourist card and passport photo page with you). Backpacks are easy targets as well, so if you must, keep it in front of you. For a day excursion, only take as much cash as you could reasonably need, and one credit card. Surely you don’t need your New York drivers’ license with you.

Assaults & Worse. Bad things happen to good people all over the world, all the time, in their home cities and towns. Oaxaca, Huatulco and Puerto Escondido are no different. There are pockets of urban areas notorious for assaults and robberies all over the world, and here is no different. Typically theft is the main motivation, so again, dress down and listen to what residents tell you. Ask about venturing out after dark, and if there are any particular areas which you should avoid day or night. Some areas in and around the city of Oaxaca even have neighborhood watch groups to address recent spates of robberies and thefts. Women and youths seem to be the targets, likely because of a perceived lack of physical strength, and the former where sexual predators are lurking. For this, I suppose type of dress should be a consideration; the less someone considers you provocative, the less likely you will encounter problems. Call me out of touch or sexist if you like, but parts of the world are still rather misogynistic, so heeding a bit of advice may go a long way to avoiding trouble.

Epilogue. The state of Oaxaca is essentially safe and secure for both residents and visitors; men, women and children. If it wasn’t, I and many others who live here but were born and raised outside of Mexico, wouldn’t have elected to uproot and move. For most of us it wasn’t the climate or cost of living, but rather because of lifestyle, the multiplicity of rich cultural traditions, and safety. But we all exercise reasonable precautions, no more or no less than we did in our birth countries.

For visitors, just remember that those who have cautioned that Mexico is unsafe, are probably people who have never visited the country and rely on sensationalistic media reports or paternalistic state department cautions in forming their opinions and providing fodder for their advice.

Lauritza Suarez looked around her in disgust. Is it really worth it? She had just made the 4771 kilometer trek from her home town of Catacamas, Honduras to Tijuana, Mexico, her two bastard children in tow, the result of multiple rapes at the hands of a minor Cartel don back home. She thought back across the long 9 month trek, where she had been forced to surrender her body in exchange for sustenance and lodging for her meager family. But this smelly, hot, dusty, overcrowded Tijuana was not what she had expected. The organizers of this caravan of over 2500 souls had painted a far rosy picture of their trek north. All they had to do was to show up at the border of ‘Norte America,’ fill out a few meaningless scraps of paper, and then she and her family would be ushered into that land of milk and honey. All their wants removed, abundant, meaningful work, plenty of food and drink, and warm, comfortable living accommodations.

So much bullshit. Slowly, reality sank in: it would be weeks, perhaps months in this bordertown hell hole before anything would happen. Where was the work? Where were the ‘comfortable accommodations’? All lies. She sighed, looked at her children playing unconcerned around and between her legs. What a waste.

The Mexican government man that had helped her fill out the ‘meaningless’ paperwork and had promised faithfully to get it to the US consulate, had cautioned her about being overly optimistic.

“Don’t get your hopes up,” he had said. “There’s a lot of people here before you. You’re not unique. Be patient, though. Something good is bound to happen.”

Then he turned and walked away, whistling a faint tune.

Wait and see. She took a sip from the bottled water she’d bought from a discount street vendor. There was a faint taste of industrial chemicals. She grimaced. At least it’s better than the local tap water. Except for the constant threat of the violent Honduran cartels and the lack of work, I’d have been better off just staying home and submitting that paperwork through the local US consulate. At least I’d have been spared that arduous walk and the children the indignities of sleeping with strangers.

* * *

Instead of having to make that long, painful march, only to be disappointed when huddled across the border from ‘Norte America,’ killing time waiting for paperwork to be processed, what if when these migrants crossed into Mexico, the Mexican authorities helped them fill in that ‘meaningless’ paperwork, and then directed them to an area in the Yucatan peninsula known to be littered with overgrown ancient pre-Columbian ruins needing to be exhumed and examined?

There they could be teamed up with students from Berkeley’s Ancient Americas Archeological Preservation Department, graciously funded by the Pelosi Foundation for American Studies, and, in a konga-line formation, employed to locate, unearth, and rebuild those ancient monuments to long past civilizations while they waited for their paperwork to be processed.

Additionally, with abundant clean, fresh water, these now-productive trekkers, were free to consume all the wholesome vegetation they could remove, and eat all the animals they could capture. Sleeping tents would be provided at minimal expense by the Pelosi Foundation.

These migrating people would learn new skills, such as sharpening machetes, repairing shovel handles, and the correct use of adzes. They would have all the fresh and wholesome food they could gather. They would have the benefits of clean air and clean living spaces, not like what they were experiencing, cooped up in the insect- and rodent- infested ‘camps’ along the border.

Since the pre-Hispanic era in Mexico, and continuing to date, there have been several species of agave used to extract aguamiel (honeywater). Once this sweet, coconut-milk-like liquid is removed from the heart of the succulent and thereby exposed to bacteria and yeasts in the environment, it ferments and becomes viscous. Fermented aguamiel is known as pulque. Over hundreds of years, and more likely millennia, medicinal properties have been attributed to pulque, by means of myths which have been passed down through generations of indigenous populations, and more recently as a result of scientific inquiry (not without contraindications regarding the latter). As might be expected the literature is not always consistent in both its factual underpinnings and conjecture. Nevertheless a lay synthesis in a summary fashion does serve to illuminate.

Pulque, for a couple of hundred years had been associated with an elixir for the masses, a mild intoxicant with curative powers. Buoyed by the natural/organic and to a lesser extent the slow food movement, it has been elevated to trendiness. The predominantly middle and upper class millennials living in Mexico’s larger urban centers such as Monterrey, Puebla, Guadalajara and of course Mexico City, flock to pulquerías. However most of what is being served up is an adulterated form of pulque known as curados. A base of pulque, sometimes even canned, is combined with a selection of processed fruits, grains and/or vegetables, sugar or another sweetener, and sometimes milk/cream and/or a thickener such as corn starch. These curados could not be further from the real deal, and likely by the time they arrive at the table any beneficial attributes, medicinal or otherwise, have been long lost due to its commercial handling. However pulque available in bars and restaurants in cities close to rural regions where aguamiel is extracted (i.e. Oaxaca, from the fields outside of the town Santiago Matatlán) is anything but 100% unadulterated. The closer proximity the cantina or comedor is to the field from which the aguamiel has been harvested, the greater the likelihood that the pulque has not been bastardized and that it has retained its positive properties.

The wide diversity of micro-climates in which the species of agave are grown suggests that the attributes of the resultant pulque must inevitably vary, significantly at times. And, each specie of plant in and of itself has a unique series of compounds, minerals, vitamins, etc., which are transformed in a different way. This depends on the sub-region of Mexico, as well as the then prevailing bacteria and to a lesser extent yeasts in the environment. Species of agave used to extract aguamiel which have been noted in the literature include salmiana, americana, deserti, mapisaga, atrovirens, ferrox and hookeri. Different roots, including and in particular acacia (referred to in parts of the state of Oaxaca as timbre), have been customarily used to make the pulque stronger, hotter, more intoxicating or spicier. It also accelerates the fermentation process particularly during colder weather months. Such additions further alter the properties of the pulque.

The name pulque was likely derived from the Nahuatl word poliuhqui, meaning spoiled. During the pre-Hispanic era in many regions of the country it was a drink reserved for high priests, warriors and the wise. It was used ceremonially as part of the celebration of the harvest, to induce the rain to fall, as a way or honoring certain gods, and during rites of passage such as marriage, birth and death. Divergent rules abound as to the appropriate way to imbibe, and there is a plethora of myths as to its origins. But the nationwide thread which binds is its medicinal value. It should come as little surprise that populaces which drank pulque were generally immune to the cholera epidemic of the 19th century.

Pulque has been viewed nationwide as a healthy drink, a nutritional supplement. In areas of Mexico where there is a lack of safely drinkable water due to human or animal contaminants, it is used as a thirst quencher. But its constituent elements including but not restricted to iron, carotene, thiamine, folate, riboflavin, niacin, ascorbic acid, protein, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, fiber, bioactive compounds, phosphorus and ash, have likely lead to its predominant curative role in traditional medicine and as a preventive foodstuff.

Ask pretty well any tlachiquero (someone who taps agave to extract the aguamiel) in Santiago Matatlán, and he (or she, since at least in the state of Oaxaca producing pulque is a vocation not just reserved for men) will tell you that pulque is 100% natural in part since the only fertilizer, if any, used to stimulate growth of the agave, is abono from cows, sheep or goats and the mulch used is bagazo (waste fiber from distilling mezcal); and that pulque’s attributes include stimulating production of white blood cells, being good for triglycerides, and controlling diabetes especially if consumed first thing in the morning well before breakfast.

The cross-cultural literature based upon studies from throughout Mexico, provides a much more expansive story. Pulque has been used:

• in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders including ulcers, and renal infections

• as an aid in diminishing general weakness of and in the body

• to combat loss of appetite and anorexia

• as a diuretic

• for enhancing relaxation prior to bedtime

• as an aid in foetus development

• to stimulant milk production for lactating mothers

• as a means of kick-starting breastfeeding when touched to the lips of newborns

• for children based upon its ability to promote muscle and bone buildup.

Though the purported use of pulque to stimulate fertility and improve sexual functioning does not appear to have any factual basis (except perhaps to the extent that consuming alcohol may positively impact the libido in some), much of the foregoing has indeed been confirmed through scientific investigation.

While environmental yeasts play a part in the production of pulque, in particular apparently contributing to its frothiness, the literature most often refers to bacterium from the specie Zymomonas mobilis as the primary stimulant converting aguamiel into pulque (and to a lesser extent bacteria from the genus Lueconostoc). Broadly encountered in sugar rich plant saps, Z. mobilis is extremely effective in producing ethanol.

Several studies have demonstrated in vitro growth promoting effects because of diverse lactobacilli and bifidobacteria plus probiotic strains. This aids in the absorption of important minerals. Phytase is present, and arguably very important. It is a digestive enzyme. Some believe that it can bind corn and increase the bioactivity of iron and zinc through metabolization. Phytase is a bacteria found in the gut of cattle and sheep, but not typically found in human beings although there is evidence of its presence in vegans and vegetarians. Phytase breaks down into phytic acid. This has been implicated in DNA repair, clathrin-coarted vesticular recycling, control of neurotransmission and cell proliferation. While research regarding animal nutrition has suggested the value of supplementing feed with phytase as an aid in the production of calcium, phosphorus, other minerals, carbohydrates and proteins, the implications for humans are still largely unknown and further study is required.

Through examining within the context of scientific inquiry how and why indigenous populations have been utilizing pulque over hundreds of years, we gain a better understanding of the actual validity and veracity regarding myths and beliefs as to the ferment’s curative properties.

Scientific inquiry does confirm that consuming 850 ml of aguamiel satisfies the daily human requirements for iron and zinc. Because it is an alternative source of prebiotics FOS (fructooligosaccaride) syrups, it improves calcium absorption in postmenopausal women and more generally iron absorption. Consumption has been suggested for colon cancer prevention. It is known that pulque contains steroidal saponins which have been studied for their medicinal uses including antispasmodic activity and toxicity to cancer cells. They have been described as the most important bioactive compounds in yams and several biological activities such as anti-cancer have been documented.

The melatonin content in pulque assists in relaxation in preparation for sleep. The probiotic potential of lactobacilli isolated from both aguamiel and pulque provides a low cholesterol non-dairy source alternative for those who are lactose intolerant. It is perhaps the food product with the highest dose and variety of potential probiotic microorganisms. A study in the Valle de Solís, in the state of Mexico, found that the consumption of pulque resulted in less risk of insufficient hemoglobin for pregnant women.

But just as the potential health benefits of pulque consumption have been difficult to evaluate and confirm for reasons some of which have been noted in this article, so have some of the contraindications. We do know that alcohol consumption can have harmful effects for pregnant women and their offspring, even with pulque at 6%. But this should be weighed against consumption in areas where there are generally poor dietary customs or unavailability of diversity of vitamins and minerals through foods. The literature does indicate drinking pulque in low amounts helps foetus development and increases milk production during lactation (helps mother absorb calcium).

Pulque in fact does have a short shelf life due ambient temperature and ongoing contact with yeasts in the environment. The longer it is kept, the quicker it goes sour. However once it is essentially undrinkable, in parts of Mexico such as Oaxaca it is used as a base to produce a refreshing drink known as tepache. Typically tepache is made with the vinegar-like pulque, pineapple, and a sugar cane derivative known as piloncillo or panela. Whether this beverage retains some of the positive attributes of pulque is uncertain.

For some another issue is the lack of sanitation associated with aguamiel and pulque. This may become apparent if one ever has an opportunity to participate in extracting aguamiel from agave and/or has consumed pulque in a village marketplace. To my thinking, having been consuming both drinks for the past quarter century, this is a non-issue. Commercially preparing pulque for sale in cans is a possible solution. Chemicals are added to halt fermentation. However, it is suggested that the benefits of pulque consumption will have long been lost by the time canned pulque is imbibed anywhere in the country, or in American states where it is available for purchase such as California, Arizona and New Mexico.

Further study is warranted and required in order to better understand the true benefits of pulque. But for now, subject to documented risks associated with its consumption, it is suggested that the reported positive attributes should be sufficient to induce the reader to imbibe a little pulque from time to time, and for that matter aguamiel if in a region of Mexico where it is being harvested fresh out of the agave.

I’m asked the question at least once a month: Why are there so many houses in Oaxaca started and apparently not finished? It’s one of the most remarkable sights in this southern Mexico colonial city, as well as in the towns on its outskirts and further beyond. The phenomenon is clearly visible while traversing connecting highways throughout the central valleys.

The brickwork on homes is completed, but there are no panes on the windows, and it otherwise appears obvious that no one is living in these cash cows, edifices which have obviously had a considerable amount invested in them. And even if the homes are finished, and inhabited, the rebar still extends skyward from the roofs. Why is it left there, an eyesore by western standards?

It is a fallacy that leaving the reinforced steel bars intact on the top of your roof signifies that your home is not finished and thus you do not have to pay realty taxes. In fact, at least in the city of Oaxaca and suburbs, in the early 2000s tax reform began to be implemented, whereby you became assessed based on both your land, and your livable space, at different rates. Curiously any structure with a concrete roof was considered livable space, and thus taxed at the higher rate. Even a carport used only for vehicles. You see, many Oaxacans tile their carports and use them more for living and entertaining, than for parking vehicles, and some residents don’t even have cars or trucks. Many residents get around the regulation by constructing a ceiling of river reed known as carrizo, thereby keeping their vehicles shaded and not having to pay the increased rate. In our case, our concrete roof is used only for our vehicles, so we had to negotiate the issue with the tax department.

Because many homeowners are of modest means, you are given the option of having a government authorized architect come to your home to do the measurements with a view to then calculating the increase, or, defer the process. If selecting the latter, the new rate only becomes effective upon your death, or sale of the home, with penalties, interest and back taxes passed on to your heirs or purchasers. Let the negotiations begin! We elected to take the bull by the horns, have the reassessment done, and immediately began paying about ten times more than we had previously been paying, still a bargain relative to what we were paying as homeowners in Toronto, even without the bonus of now being taxed at the seniors’ rate (over 60), that is, 50% of the regular rate of taxation for a principal residence. At the end of the day our daughter will inherit will a bit less to tax the transition.

Then why the rebar? Upon their demise and earlier, most Oaxacans have little to offer their children other than their homes, or better put where their existing homes are situate. Thus, there is always in contemplation building a second or a third level onto a home, when funds become available at a snail’s pace, and when the time it right. If you cut off the extending rebar upon completion of your initial construction, and later decide to build another level, it’s more costly; rather than simply tie into the old rebar, you have to break concrete to access the bare rebar used in earlier construction. There is a different sense of aesthetics, or, more likely, a priority placed upon economics. Hence it is prudent to leave the rebar.

Returning to all those partially finished homes, it all relates back to the cost of borrowing in Mexico, and the fact that Oaxaca is one of the poorest states in the country with most residents lacking savings. Only the non-astute or the very wealthy have mortgages (for that matter, buy anything on credit). I’ve seen interest rates as low as 9% and as high as 65%, for secured loans. Regarding the latter, a couple of years ago I was contemplating buying a scooter for our favourite god-daughter. Buying on credit would have cost us 65% per annum.

So, the norm is to buy when you have cash on hand. This means if you want to build on a piece of land, you buy 1,000 bricks, then another thousand, then block, then rebar, and then cement. You hire your bricklayers, and your plumber who roughs in the below-ground installations. You build, then save, then build more. You can leave your “obra negra” as it’s termed, indefinitely, without concern for theft because there is nothing to steal.

You can then have your electrician break the interior concrete, brick and block, to install the wire and connections for switches and the like. Once those installations and the rest of the home have been covered with concrete, again your future abode is secure from vandalism and theft (yes acknowledging that copper can still be accessed, yet it’s rather difficult with cement covering it). That’s your “obra gris.” It, as well, can then be left, unattended, indefinitely.

The foregoing are the two most common completed stages of home construction one encounters driving the roads and highways around the city of Oaxaca, its central valleys and beyond. It all makes economic sense while at the same time affords the homeowner-in-progress a reasonable degree of security. While delaying home completion, it avoids being saddled with prohibitive rates of mortgage interest.

Family members often provide some of the labour involved in advancing with these two stages of construction. However, home completion often requires more specialized trades, and along with that much more significant financial outlay. Thus, we find many homes at the “obra gris” stage, remaining there for years if not a decade or longer.

The final construction phase involves finishes such as more detailed and finer tile work, painting, door and window frames and glasswork, electrical fixtures and plumbing installations, and so on. Especially regarding the latter, one generally does not leave a partially completed home unattended at this state of construction, and so most often a night watchman or “velador” will be hired to ensure security. Only then is the family ready to move in, and the home from all outward appearances will appear completed – with rebar nevertheless extended skyward.

So just remember, an unfinished home is likely a sign of a hard-working family struggling to get it all together, for itself and its individual members, without yielding to the pressure to borrow at an often exorbitant rate of interest.

Mexico offers a lot of fun for all types of visitors. It’s often the very first foreign country many US travelers visit. Whether you want to explore Mayan ruins, lounge on a beach, sightsee in a big city, or go shopping, you can count finding Mexico vacation packages tailored to your interests.

With the right travel package, nothing will be left to chance. Your arrangements will be ensured, from the moment you step into the airport to the moment you arrive home. The country is known for its amazing all-inclusive resorts located at all of the popular tourist spots. You could also take a cruise along the Mexican Riviera.

It’s up to you whether you want to book your airfare and accommodation at once. Some packages include plane tickets and some do not. There are dozens of airports throughout the US that offer nonstop flights to top Mexican destinations. Even if you don’t live close to an international airport, you still might be able to find a great deal on connection flights. It’s essential that you check with a reliable travel price comparison site to view all of the rates and look over all options.

Where should you go?

Some of the most popular Mexico vacation packages include the following:

• Cancun

• Los Cabos

• Cozumel

• Riviera Maya

• Mazatlan

• Vallarta-Nayarit

• Oaxaca

• Mexico City

• Playa del Carmen

• Guadalajara

• Puerto Vallarta

This is a versatile selection of places. While the weather is always nice and warm in Mexico, it’s not all beaches. There are highly populated cities and historic sites with ancient ruins to explore as well.

If possible, you might want to stay in an all-inclusive resort so that you can trust that you ever need will be provided for, from meals to comfortable, private bathrooms. If you are the type who wants to get out there, consider booking your car rental along with your airfare and hotel stay. The leading discount travel sites will give you the option to do so. The minimum number of days you’ll be required to stay vary depending on the package.

There’s no rule that says you have to stick with just one destination when looking over Mexico vacation packages. You might want to consider a Mexican cruise. Some Caribbean cruise itineraries include Mexican cities like Cozumel. Look over shore excursion deals for some ideas on fun activities to do while at port. Like the all-inclusive resort packages, cruises vary from three nights to several nights.

Get a discount on Mexico vacation packages online. Promo codes and coupons will help you get a huge chunk knocked off of your next travel order. There are also must-have tools and apps available to help you find the cheapest airfare, hotels, car rental rates, and more.

Is it possible for a human being to swim across the Gulf of Mexico? I bet some day someone tries and succeeds. I had a dream about this, but then I woke up and remembered although I am a good swimmer, I am not that good!

In the Gulf of Mexico we all know that the water temperatures are warm enough not to worry about hypothermia and a person would be able to swim with those issues. Of course they would need some high-tech gear and here are some thoughts; when they’re ready to sleep after a days swim they would press a button on their swimsuit and it would make into a raft and set the GPS so they know how far they have gone.

When they are done sleeping they can press another button and the raft will collapse back into their swimming trunks. You are probably thinking this technology does not exist? But it does exist and it could easily be retrofitted so someone could swim across the Gulf of Mexico.

What about sharks you say? Well on your swim trunks could be a solar powered unit, which would sense for sharks and when necessary send out an electrical impulse to make them go away. This technology also exists too.

Who might try to swim across the Gulf of Mexico? Well, someone has already swam from Cuba to Key West Florida and that is nearly 90 miles. A Frenchman in a canoe rowed across the Pacific Ocean. There have been people who have jogged across Australia and people who have jogged across United States. Someday some superhuman Olympic caliber athlete with the stamina and ability will indeed try to swim across the Gulf of Mexico. It will most likely happen in our lifetime and we will witness this event.