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Levo1234

Nov 8, 2003, 4:10 AM

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Mexico - First questions!

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Hi,

We are a family of 4 (with girls, 8 and 10 year old).

We are planning to spend the Summer 2003 (July and August) somewhere in Mexico to learn some Spanish.

We would like to rent a place (probably 2 bedroom, kitchen, living room) and hire a teacher (a mexican university student would be fine for our needs) to come to that place every morning for a few hours.

Based on this limited description, could anyone provide us with some suggestions on :

1) areas to live (we would like a city not too big but also not too small - somewhere between 75 000 and 500 000 inhabitants). Preferably not too far from the sea and safe.

2) renting places (safe, clean and relatively affordable).

3) contacts to have a private teacher

4) is there the equivalent of Canadian or American Summer day camps that our daughters could attend with mexican children ?

5) any problem in driving to Mexico and staying there with our own car (coming from the Quebec and would also like to take the time to see some of the USA wonders (canyon, great lake...)

Thanks in advance

Carl

Georgia

Nov 8, 2003, 10:13 AM

Post #2 of 8 (1018 views)

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Re: [Levo1234] Mexico - First questions!

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You might try the Mazatlan area: not too big, on the ocean, Monterrey Tec University is there. I believe you might also find a Mazatalan forum. As to auto questions, do a search in this forum's posts and you will find answers.

believer111

Nov 8, 2003, 11:05 AM

Post #3 of 8 (1010 views)

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Re: [Levo1234] Mexico - First questions!

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possibilities are endless for you! decide on the climate, distance from border (if important), whether you want a community of other americans, health care services, etc. Then SEARCH the forums and proceed with questions.

good luck

Dios le bendiga,
hermana greta

"El Gringo Jalapeño"

Nov 8, 2003, 12:36 PM

Post #4 of 8 (996 views)

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Re: [Levo1234] Mexico - First questions!

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Carl:

From what you're looking for, Xalapa would seem to be a good place for you and your family, especially since you can drive down the coast of the Gulf of Mexico from Brownsville, TX.

Please read my article, "Jalapa of my dreams" and let me know if you have any other questions.

¡Hasta pronto!
Roy B. Dudley "El Gringo Jalapeño" See more about Xalapa at www.xalaparoy.com

gpk

Nov 8, 2003, 12:54 PM

Post #5 of 8 (990 views)

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Re: [Levo1234] Mexico - First questions!

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July and August are the heart of the rainy season--so keep that in mind. Many places in Mexico are within a few hours of the beach--but is that the "cultural" experience you want for your kids. If I had only two months under your conditions, I'd spend my time in Morelia, Patzcuaro, San Miguel de Allende, or maybe Queretaro. DF is wonderful, but too big and too dangerous, but spend a weekend there if you can.

Carol Schmidt

Nov 8, 2003, 1:27 PM

Post #6 of 8 (985 views)

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Re: [Levo1234] Mexico - First questions!

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San Miguel del Allende fits your bill, too. About 70,000 population inside the city limits, 120,000 counting the countryside, lots of Canadians and Americans and Spanish language schools and tutors, very safe compared to U.S. cities of same size, more expensive than most but still probably cheaper than what you're used to even in Canada.

Do a search on San Miguel de Allende of this site and you'll find plenty of information. Once you pick your city, then's the time to get names of tutors. I don't know of any summer camps for kids though.

Lots of information on MexConnect on bringing cars into Mexico--SMA has narrow cobblestone streets so that Centro driving is a bit congested, and you'll probably be able to walk most places anyway. A bus is 3 pesos (around 26 cents US) and a cab is 15 pesos (around $1.25 US) for distances a bit far to walk. So much to see and do, your daughters won't need a summer camp!

Carol Schmidt, not paid by the tourism bureau.

Levo1234

Nov 9, 2003, 3:32 AM

Post #7 of 8 (932 views)

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Re: [Levo1234] Mexico - First questions!

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Thanks to all of you.

Your answers give me some starting points to do my research. I will do so....and probably come back later with more questions!

Carl

jrice

Nov 9, 2003, 5:46 PM

Post #8 of 8 (883 views)

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Re: [Levo1234] Mexico - First questions!

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Think about San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas. It has several Spanish schools and while there's no university based there, it does have a large population of university-educated people.

It's one of the most beautiful cities, small and otherwise, in Mexico and certainly one of the most culturally interesting. There's some fairly decent Pacific Coast beach if you head down to Tuxtla Gutierrez and then run northwest to the coast. It's farther than a lot of areas, though.

An uncle in his late 70s took Spanish classes there a few years ago and greatly enjoyed it.

Personally, I'd suggest using one of the established schools at least for two or three weeks.