A Croc Walks Into a Restaurant...

Plus pulque perks, corn wars, & more

This week’s newsletter is packed with a whole lot of awesomeness, from pulque’s health perks to a referral contest that lets you save animals and grow our community.

Plus, we’ll clear up the funny mix-up between testicles and eggs in español. Buckle up, it’s going to be a blast!

📣Que Paso

🌽 USDA vs. Mexico on GMO corn isn’t over yet. The USDA says confident it will overturn Mexico’s ban on genetically modified corn imports, with a decision expected soon.

💸 AMLO leaves office with record debt. As President AMLO’s 6-year term ends, Mexico faces a record public debt equal to nearly half of its GDP.

🐊 A rogue crocodile was safely subdued by Cozumel firemen after a night out near a local restaurant. Not to worry, it was safely relocated without incident.

🗳️ Mexico is holding off on recognizing the results of Venezuela’s disputed election until official tallies are released.

🇲🇽 Canada joins the US in criticizing President López Obrador’s judicial reform, warning that it could undermine regional investment and strain the USMCA trade agreement.

🎢 A storm last week left Six Flags Mexico guests trapped mid-air, drenched by rain and battered by wind. Believe it or not, someone captured the terrifying experience on video.

🐈 New Referral Contest: Refer a Friend, Save a Paw

We are thrilled to announce that “animal rescue” won the cause of choice in last week’s poll!

Thanks to your votes, we're excited to launch our new referral contest benefiting Angelitos Sanctuario.

This incredible organization is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing sanctuary to abused and neglected dogs, donkeys, and cats in Central Mexico. They are currently building a permanent sanctuary near the city of San Miguel de Allende, which will allow them to save countless more lives.

Here’s how it works:

For each new like-minded expat friend or family member you refer who subscribes to El Expat Insider, we will donate 50 pesos to Angelitos Sanctuario.

So if you refer 10 friends, that means El Expat Insider will donate 500 pesos.

The contest runs now through September 30th.

We will be posting weekly updates on how much money has been raised, provide a total at the end of the contest, and capture the moment as we make a meaningful donation to Angelitos Sanctuario. (Warning: It might be a tearjerker!)

We’ve made this as easy as pie. Simply…

  1. Copy your unique referral link below or click the share button. 👇

  2. Share the link with your expat friends and family.

Again, for every new subscriber who joins our community, El Expat Insider will donate 50 pesos to Angelitos Sanctuario.

To learn more about their mission, visit www.angelitossanctuario.org.

Remember, every new subscriber counts. Together, we can make a real difference!

🍎Your Health Pulse

7 Health Insurance Claim Mistakes to Avoid

Living in Mexico is a dream, but navigating international health insurance can be tricky. Unless you know the rules.

There are 7 most common mistakes that can force you to pay more out-of-pocket than you should.

Get the most out of your international health insurance and stop throwing money away on premiums.

🏠 Real Estate Roundup

The Fideicomiso: What Is It and Why It’s Necessary?

When buying property within the restricted zone (50 kilometers from the coast or within a range of 100 kilometers from any national border), you'll need to set up a fideicomiso, or bank trust. If the property you purchase is outside the restricted zone, you can purchase it outright without the need for a fideicomiso.

In a fideicomiso, the bank technically owns the title, but you hold all beneficiary rights. This allows you to sell, lease, or pass the property on to your heirs, just as you would if you held the title yourself.

Keep reading for more details.

🪷Viva Wellness

The Health Benefits of Pulque: Mexico’s Ancient Elixir

Think you know pulque? Think again. Beyond its unique taste and cultural significance, this ancient Mexican elixir is a nutritional powerhouse that’s often overlooked in favor of its more famous agave cousins, tequila and mezcal. It's packed with probiotics and essential nutrients that promote gut health, boost immunity, and even help with iron absorption.

Click below for more about the surprising health benefits of this traditional drink…and why it deserves a spot in your wellness routine.

🎉 Vamos! Can’t Miss Events

🐶 Lotería for Animals – October 2, San Miguel de Allende
Get ready for an evening of fun, giving back, and amazing prizes at the next Lotería for Animals event held at Bastardo Restaurant from 5-7 pm. This bilingual, casual, and affordable gathering will raise funds for Angelitos Sanctuario. A $400 pesos ticket includes four Lotería (Mexican bingo) games and a welcome drink.

🍹 Pulque and Mezcal Gastronomic Festival – September 14 - 15, CDMX
Dive into Mexico's rich culinary traditions at the Pulque and Mezcal Gastronomic Festival in Mexico City. This vibrant event showcases around 70 varieties of pulque, including fig, pineapple, and coconut, along with 150 types of mezcal. Savor traditional Mexican dishes like tacos de pastor negro, gorditas, and chilaquiles while exploring the flavors of these iconic pre-Hispanic beverages. It's a delicious way to experience the essence of Mexican culture.

In our next issue, we’ll be covering all the Independence Day celebrations throughout Mexico. So stay tuned!

💡 Say It in Spanish

Lost in Translation: When Eggs Become Testicles in Spanish 😳

Article by Warren Hardy, Warren Hardy Spanish

There are some Gringos who try to avoid the word “eggs” in Spanish, or huevos, as the word is also slang for testicles, e.g., “El no tiene huevos.”

Too often a female grocer has been asked if she has testicles: “Tiene huevos?”

If you want to bypass what might be a touchy situation, you can always ask for blanquillos. That is slang used in Mexico only, and and mostly on ranches and more remote areas. However the word blanquillos is there for you if you ever want to use it and you will be understood. It literally means “little white ones.”

It is correct to say, “hay huevo?” instead of “tiene huevos.”

The Mexican shopper will say, “Dame, por favor, un kilo de huevo.”

Note huevo is singular when asked for in a bulk amount like a pound or a dozen. It is common to buy eggs by the kilo and you can expect about 16 medium eggs in a kilo.

Here’s a quick Spanish vocabulary lesson:

Huevos: Eggs
Hay Huevo?: Do you have eggs?
Huevos revueltos: Scrambled eggs
Huevos estrellados: Fried eggs
Huevos pasados por agua: Soft boiled eggs

Ready to avoid embarrassing mistakes and speak Spanish confidently?

Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, Warren Hardy Spanish has the perfect class for you – online or in-person!

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