Job Discussion Forums

[epluribus]

Long story short - not putting it off any longer, and am headed to GDL in November for the ITTO course. I plan to stay and hopefully line up a first job in Jan/Feb.

I'm waiting to hear back from a friend down there, but want to ask here as well. Any suggestions on lining up an apartment before I arrive - one that would allow a cat? I know others have indicated it's far easier to hunt for apartments if you're already there. I'd prefer to come down with my cat, as opposed to arranging to take him down later; the ITTO-arranged homestays and posadas wouldn't allow for this.

I thought perhaps if someone's aware of an apt. coming available in mid-Nov., that I could somehow make an arrangement before departing. A longshot perhaps, but thanks in advance.

[FoxandMe]

Hey,

I saw your posting. I went to Guadalajara with my dog and completed the ITTO couse a few months. I now live in Queretaro. I stayed for the first month at a posada (all of a sudden, the name escapes me). The stay was arranged through ITTO, originally as far I knew, for only a few days while I looked for an apartment. The owner�s dog was there, and it worked. There was also a homestay that would have allowed my dog as well.

Cats are not looked upon so well here in Mexico. Dogs are not pampered like they are in the US, they are not considered part of the family. Many are left on roofs all day, often with no water. I haven�t known anyone to have a pet cat, and have seen only a few strays since I�ve been here, whereas you see a dog every block.

You will have no luck finding a place before arriving. If you have a friend already in Guad, they would have to commit to the place with money and their name prior to your arrival. In Mexico, as I�ve learned, nothing is taken care when you�re not there to do it in person. You can make phone calls or respond to newspaper ads, but if you can�t meet face to face, you�re out of luck. My advice is have ITTO secure you a temporary arrangement, if only for a couple days, so you can deposit your cat somewhere and go look. Best, Jeremy

[ls650]

[Ben Round de Bloc]

[Guy Courchesne]

DF is a dog city...few cats around. A lot of people do keep dogs on the roof, which I don't like, but this is also a dog-loving city. Doing the dog-walking rounds, I've gotten to know many neighbours and their pets. Dogs certainly are part of the family round here and quite pampered. The local vet is doing a good business in grooming.

[cwc]

[thelmadatter]

I live in Toluca and I have 3 cats, 2 of whom came with me from the States. I dont think cats are as popular as dogs (and like Guy, I really dont like dogs on the roof all day either... seen a couple of really extreme cases which Id rather not go into ) but I was told here that if you have a dog and want to rent,you have to inform the owner. With cats... doesnt matter, they dont care.

One advantage I see here is that since almost all apts are cement and tile contruction, cats really cant do any damage. Id be willing to bet that if you are talking about one or two cats, there really wont be any problem. (My bet being foster-caring your cats if that doesnt work out to be the case in GDL)

[leslie]

Bye

[leslie]

Bye

[Guy Courchesne]

Cucarachas? sing it...

La cucaracha, la cucaracha,
Ya no puede caminar;
Porque no tiene, porque le falta
Marijuana que fumar.

Ya murio la cucaracha,
Ya la llevan a enterrar,
Entre cuatro zopilotes
Y un raton de sacristan.

Con las barbas de Carranza,
Voy a hacer una toquilla,
Pa' ponersela al sombrero
De su padre Pancho Villa.

Un panadero fue a misa,
No encontrando que rezar,
Le pidio a la Virgen pura,
Marijuana pa' fumar.

Una cosa me da risa:
Pancho Villa sin camisa;
Ya se van los carrancistas
Porque vienen los villistas.

Para sarapes, Saltillo;
Chihuahua para soldados;
Para mujeres, Jalisco;
Para amar, toditos lados.

[Wouter]

We have a apartment or a house available which allows cats. You can have a look at the options on our webpage. All places are about 30 till 40 minutes away by bus from ITTO.

The website where you can find some info about the accommodation is:

http://www.glc.com.mx/accom.htm

If you have any other questions please let us know.

Wouter

[epluribus]

Thanks - I think I had seen an earlier post about the apt. in Tlaquepaque, but I don't wanna be that far out.

I'm pretty much resigned to having to bring the cat down later, after I've had a chance to apt. shop. Like I said, it was a long shot

[dixie]

The school I work for in D.F found me an apt. that would accept my dog (I think it took them awhile but they knew she was part of the deal and so searched hard). I'm lucky as I live ground floor with a small patio that's 'inside' the building (the floors above all have small balcanies that open out into the centre of the builidng) and so she has a 'pee place' during the day (and during the times of rain when you need to swim rather than walk...such as Tequila and I experienced yesterday on the way home from grocery shopping!)

I think cats would be easier to find an apt with as they are cleaner and quieter. If you're desperate...I can always cat-sit till you find a place. I'm in D.F but it's at least a little closer!

Best of luck!

...dixie

[Guy Courchesne]

Dixie, that exactly describes my apartment building, including the rainy season indoor swimming pool, except that I live on the 2nd floor (Mexicans call it the first floor). The balcony facing outward is where the dogs do their serious thinking.

[dixie]

hahha! It took Tequila awhile to realize that she was ALLOWED to do her 'serious thinkin'' there but now it's all good! I like being on the ground though as it's a larger space (and unlike nearly ever indoor dog here she is neither small nor a schnauzer or cocker) plus it's easier to clean as I can throw on the cleaner and have it go down the drain..without it going on anyone...or their laundry!