Job Discussion Forums

[Daddyo]

Folks, I am looking for a teaching position in Guadalahara or La Puebla. Im gainfully employed now in Costa Rica, and toying with the idea of swapping job and house and the whole enchilada with someone who has a similar deal up there and wants to relocate to CR. Any takers?

[MO39]

Out of idle curiosity, why do you want to relocate to Guadalajara or Puebla?

[Daddyo]

[MO39]

[Jetgirly]

I wouldn't move to Guadalajara looking for culture... but I ESPECIALLY wouldn't move there looking for architecture! You could do the grand architectural tour in an hour or two! There are about six nice old buildings downtown, maybe three or four cool churches, a couple dozen nice old houses in Colonia Americana(s?), and nothing in the way of contemporary architecture. There are a couple of nice contemporary sculptures (I am partial to the "Third Millenium Arches")... but that's it. Believe me, I would walk around with my camera all over the city, looking for cool buildings to photograph, and I often would come home with like, six photos.

If you're looking for a pretty city, consider Guanajuato. Most of the building facades are UNESCO World Heritage sites, so they have to preserve them and keep them in beautiful condition. As well, it's a fun, young city with lots going on. Live in the historic center and walk everywhere!

[deeb]

I would have to politely disagree with Jetgirly about culture in Guadalajara. However, as a disclaimer, I also am not generally in the practice of encouraging people to move to particular cities - so, please don't move to Guadalajara based on my opinions.

Guadalajara is the home of Luis Barrag�n, Mexico's most famous architect. If you want a US comparison, he's the Frank Lloyd Wright of Mexico. There are Barrag�n houses strewn throughout the city - however, you won't find any plaques letting you know that. There is a brand new Enrique Norton (Mexico's "it" architect of the moment) building on the edge of Zapopan and Col. Providencia (it's an IXE bank), if you are looking for something modern. And, personally, I think there is a fascinating architectural transition from the Calzada de Independencia out to the Minerva. You can see the architectural movements come and go through the growth of the city. The Secretaria de Cultura has recently published a series of books on architecture in Jalisco and there is also a new guide to architecture in Guadalajara, but I don't know what is the exact name of the book.

Guadalajara is home to the Ferria Internacional de Libros (FIL), the most important book fair in Latin America, and some say the most important book fair outside of Frankfurt. Last November, I was able to see Elena Poniatowska and Tariq Ali speak for the price of entry (~$20 pesos). We arrived too late to gain admittance to see Carlos Fuentes (it was too packed ). During the fair there are free concerts and last year Aterciopelados was the closing act for the concert series (free).

Guadalajara is also home to the Festival Internacional de Cine in Mexico and this past spring Francis Ford Coppola was in town to present his new film about Napoleon. Aside from the National Film Fest. the Universidad de Guadalajara has a film festival and we are part of the tour for the Ambulante documentary festival. There are several good independent movie theaters showing a wide variety of foreign films. Right now there is a series of Audrey Hepburn movies being shown at the Ex-Convento del Carmen.

These are what I consider the big deal cultural events in Guadalajara. Of course, there are also Orozco murals and some small museums (MAZ in Zapopan). I think there is a fair amount to choose from.

[FilCan]

I live here in Puebla and I can tell you that this is a very cultural city. Food is great, too. There are pretty nice architectual buildings in downtown, some restored houses that were destroyed during the revolution, and such. I would suggest you visit Cholula also.

PUebla is nice, but a little bit expensive. You would need around $15000 pesos to live comfortably.

[reddevil79]

I have to completely disagree with Jetgirly and agree wholeheartedly with Deeb about Guadalajara. Just a quick flick through 'Ocio' will tell you there's tonnes to do and see in the city.

[Daddyo]

[/quote]

I can understand that - culture and architecture are two reasons I'm in Mexico. So what does Costa Rica have that Mexico doesn't?[/quote]


Oh plenty. People are really really great. The lifestyle is very ... well, I don't know how to put it exactly. It's like everything is a celebration, even work. People always have time for food and socializing. I went on a weekend retreat with about 12 other teachers and we never mentioned work once! Can you believe it...?

[Daddyo]

[Daddyo]

[Daddyo]

[Milenka]

[quote="Daddyo"]