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Update
By Caitlin | February 7, 2010
Five days until CELTA course is over. This course is much more stressful than a Masters ever was.
I like teaching… while this might not be what I do forever, I’m gonna give it a whirl for awhile.
Big decisions come next.
First decision: stay in Mexico?
I love Latin America, and I’d really love to stay in Mexico. Still, though, part of me wonders if I should go somewhere more lucrative for a year before moving back here. I can make a decent-ish living here, but not a ton. While this is fine for me in the grand scheme of things, there are a couple pressing problems. First, I am almost completely out of money. I was doing fine budget-wise until I moved to Mexico City, but this damn expensive place put an end to that. Second: I have some student loans that need to start to be paid off soon. So part of me wonders whether I should jet off to Korea, the Middle East or Central Asia for a year, save up some money, and then settle back in beautiful Latin America.
Still, though, I’m leaning more towards taking a job here if I find one.
Second decision: if I stay here, where in Mexico?
If I get offered some sweet lucrative job in Mexico City, I might stay here. Otherwise, I’m starting to think that I should move outside the capital. Mexico City has a lot of great things going for it: a liberal population, lots to see, an amazing arts scene… but it’s just so damn big. After Xela, it’s almost too overwhelming. Maybe something in between would be more up my alley. And the pollution is pretty gross too… I’m not the world’s healthiest person to begin with, so maybe living in a place that exacerbates my asthma and deters me from going jogging isn’t the greatest idea.
Next week when my course is over I will travel around with what little money I have left to check out some other cities. When I find a place that I like and a job, I will stop and settle in. The itinerary is the following: Morelia, Guadalajara, Queretaro, Xalapa and Veracruz.
Any thoughts on these places? I wish I had more time to make up my mind at a leisurely rate, but that big fat zero in my bank balance is coming up awfully quickly.
Topics: Mexico, TEFL | 3 Comments »
February 10th, 2010 at 7:36 am
Haha, glad to see you are having difficulty with the English teaching course. They are much more challenging than I could ever have imagined them being. I took a TEFL course and it was more difficult than any class I ever took in college. I had to laugh about it, as I could not believe that I was doing it somewhat recreationally.
But now I am “certified” and can take those teaching jobs when the going gets rough. But, I must admit, it is the last thing I would want to do haha.
We may be coming through Mexico soon on our way to El Salvador. Maybe we will find you.
Have fun,
Wade
February 12th, 2010 at 5:08 am
Hello! I came across your blog via Magda in Toronto. I am from Mexico City, but moved to the US when I was five. However, I visit every year and have had a chance to travel the interior part. I have spent time in Queretaro and have family there. I think it is quite a pleasant city. It has a good balance of a lively colonial interior downtown and a greater outlying area with industry/business to support a Mexican middle class (e.g., people who want to learn English). The populace is also not as conservative as in other cities such as Puebla.
The other city that I really adore is Guanajuato, just because it’s the most charming little town. I hear great things of Guadalajara and know it to be the keeper of many cultural traditions. I have not been there in many years. Veracruz has the advantage of being a bit out of vogue as far as beach tourism goes, which allows the town to retain some of its heritage (as opposed to say, Acapulco), but the last time I was there things felt a bit empty and uncared for. Veracruz has a tinge of what I imagine Cuba to be like, with old men drinking coffee by the ocean. I am looking forward to your reports on your travels!
Also, I totally empathize with your feeling of being overwhelmed by Mexico City. It has some inspiring and innovative pockets, but it’s hard to navigate through the rest of the flotsam to get to the real gems of the city. But believe me, they are there. If you need a break from studying, I recommend going down to xochimilco on a weekday (not weekend) afternoon with a few friends. Rent a boat, get a bucket of beers, and just float for an hour or two. It is relaxing and fun!
February 13th, 2010 at 7:49 am
Wade,
Thanks for laughing at my pain. At least it’s done now… just gotta walk by the school now and find out whether I passed or failed.
Let me know your plans… I’d be happy to host your family in Mexico (assuming that I have an apartment/job!)
Brooks,
Thanks for all your advice! Yes, I am looking forward to checking it all out.
Don’t get me wrong though… I know that there are some amazing aspects to Mexico City. Part of me still wants to stay here. I just wonder if I need a bit more tranquility.
I went to Xochimilco in the summer of 2008 with some friends… and I have to say it’s probably my favourite place in Mexico! So much fun.