Job Discussion Forums

[solnegro]

Is any familiar with The Anglo Mexican Foundation? They seem to be a well established English and Spanish education center in Mexico City. What is their reputation among local English teachers and students?

From Mexico City, how far (time not distance) is the nearest beach or lake to swim?

Also, can a person really live in Mexico City on a monthly $900 USD salary (that includes, rent, utilities, cell phone, trips to the beach, entertainment and DRINKS ). Grac�as!

[Guy Courchesne]

They do have a very good reputation in this city. I think they've been around since the 60's or 70's.

Acapulco and Veracruz are the nearest beaches...5 hours and 4 hours respectively. There is a lake at Valle de Bravo in the State of Mexico, about 3 hours away, and there is a river near Cuernavaca that is a popular spot...2 hours away or so I think.

You can live decently on 900 usd. Depends a lot on your rent though. If you're taking a lot of trips to the beach, then you'll want more than 900 though as the beach and accommodations there will be the expensive parts.

[thelmadatter]

I understand Veracruz (the city) is not much of a beach place. Acapulco, as Guy points out is pricey) far too pricey for what you get IMHO. If youre just looking for a beach to bum on, drink a few brews and relax, try smaller places that no one's heard of . They tend to be a lot cheaper. On the Atlantic coast try Tecolutla in northern Veracruz state (about 4 hours from DF). On the Pacific coast, (which I prefer) try Zihuatanejo or for even smaller, hidden, Troncones to the north. I really like Zihua... Ixtapa is nearby if you really need to be a resort rat without paying outrageous resort hotel rates.

[solnegro]

The beaches are a little far to go often. Where do expats go in D.F. to swim--health clubs?

[Guy Courchesne]

You could do that, though clubs with decent pools tend to be pricey. This DF expat simply hits the beach every once in awhile. Looking at the transparent white my hide is right now, I'd say I'm overdue for some sun and beach.

[MELEE]

Every April, I see reports on the national TV news about the pools in el DF. It would seem there are lots of public pools.
There are also banlearios a term which includes everything from giant water parks, to natural spring feed pools.

Here is a listing in Central Mexico from Mexico Desconocido

[Guy Courchesne]

This summer, the DF city government created artificial beaches in town. I think they were put in sports stadiums...no idea what they are like or how they did it. I really don't think it gets warm enough in Mexico City for a day at the fake beach though.

[reddevil79]

They tried to do something similar here in London by the river; needless to say it failed miserably

I am always amazed though why so many are drawn to the big coastal resorts. I think there are some real hidden gems along the Pacific Coast, and are much nicer and much cheaper than their bigger counterparts. I guess you need to spend a bit of time in the country to find these places, but I've known long term residents continually frequent the same mega resorts Why!!??