Guadalarajara
What did you do? Student
Where did you live? Mainly Guadalajara
What was the accommodation like? Moved a lot, but all my accommodation was nice.
I lived with a family, then moved into a shared student house and later a
different house which we rented.
What was the cost of living like? You can pay between 300 US dollars to 170 US a
month, so its substantially cheaper. Food is also far cheaper.
What was the transport system like? Public transport if far more efficient than
in the UK - rugged and hectic buses which are really cheap and good long
distance coaches to travel around. Taxis always try to over-charge you.
How was the social life? For me it was really good and probably the highlight of
the year. People will always come and talk t you and there is lots of live
music.
Favourite place to eat? In Guadalajara I loved the seafood taco stand near
Centro Magno and my favourite restaurant was called Nudes - it's very arty and
does good food.
Favourite place to drink? D'Jambee, my local bar had great music, reggae and
rock in Spanish. Chilled out and cheaper than most places.
Favourite place to visit? Oaxaca beaches, Maxunté
and also San Cristobal de las Cases in Chiapas.
What not to miss? Palenque Mayan ruins - but
you have to stay at Palchan, the cabins on the edge of the jungle and not
in Palenque town.
What to avoid? Cancun - it's expensive and horrible
Any advice to students? Don't drink the tap water
and bring your own contraception with you because it's hard to get hold of
in Mexico.
Oaxaca
What did you do? Student
Where did you live? Different apartments
What was the accommodation like? Nice, reasonably
priced
What was the cost of living like? Most things
e.g. food and transport were quite cheap. Rent varied depending on what you
wanted
What was the transport system like? Buses very cheap and frequent. Taxis cheap
and plenty of them
How was the social life? Good - its a small place
so not a great variety
Favourite place to eat? El Decano restaurant
Favourite place to drink? La Cases de Mezcal,
la Tentación
Favourite place to visit? The coast - Puerto
Esconido etc. Monte Albán ruins, Nitla.
What not to miss? El día de los muertos celebrations
What to avoid?
Any advice to students?