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Oaxaca Study Abroad Travel Tips 2018

1. Safety: is a fairly safe city and you will likely find Oaxaqueños to be generally friendly and welcoming. The region has not been affected by much of the high profile drug cartel-related violence that has been in the news for the past several years. But as with all foreign travel, it pays to use common sense. Pick- pocketing and other petty theft can certainly occur. You should avoid carrying large amounts of cash and other valuables. Only pull out your phone, computer, or tablet when absolutely necessary—especially when walking through crowded public spaces.

2. Money: There are some places in Oaxaca that will accept dollars, but you will want to have reliable access to pesos throughout your stay. I have found the easiest way to cash is to use your bankcard to withdrawal pesos from local ATMs. Many places also accept credit cards. There are some U.S. banks that have international agreements with Mexican banks that allow you to avoid international transaction fees. You will want to check with your local bank to inquire if this is an option. I know that Bank of America has such an arrangement with Santander, but I’m not familiar with other bank chains. Banks and credit card companies have become quite aggressive with fraud prevention programs in recent years so you should contact your bank to notify them that you will be traveling in to avoid having your account frozen. When making a purchase, be aware that smaller establishments may ask you if you have smaller denomination bills (20s, 50s, 100s) if you present a 500 or 1000 peso note. Convenience stores like OXXO are good places to make change if necessary.

3. Staying in touch: Wi-fi is available in the local institute and in many public areas around the city. Most homestay families will have wi-fi or other internet availability in the home but there is no guarantee. Most students tend to stay in touch with family and friend back home via email, text and/or other messaging services, Skype/Facetime/other video chat, etc. You will find that your cellular phone service will likely work in Oaxaca, but you will definitely want to check with your provider regarding roaming charges and/or international usage fees. Some providers offer an international package for an additional flat fee if you want to have the ability to make phone calls, text, and use data while abroad. In case of an emergency, you can reach me at any time on cell# 972-822-5375. My phone will work for calls, text, WhatsApp, Facebook messenger, and Facetime. !2

4. Getting around: Oaxaca is a fairly large city, but most of our activities and participant’s homestay locations should be close to the city center and the local institute—within a 15-20 minute walk. There is a good public bus system and local taxis are also relatively inexpensive. I encourage you to adopt the local lifestyle and walk to most of your destinations if possible. This is an excellent way to explore the city and feel more immersed in the local culture.

5. Attire/weather: You can expect pleasant weather in Oaxaca in March/April The city is located in the mountains (at approximately 5,000 ft.) so the climate can be quite variable. You should plan on overnight lows in the upper 50s/lower 60s and daytime highs in the 80s. Even though we are not traveling during the rainy season, I do recommend bringing an umbrella (carry it with you every day, even if the skies seem clear). I also recommend carrying and a light jacket or sweater, especially in the evening. You should dress to be comfortable, but you will find that most Oaxaquenos do not wear shorts and other overly casual attire on a regular basis. Wearing shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, and other such attire will call attention to you as a foreign traveler. You will definitely want to pack comfortable shoes since we will likely be walking a fair amount. One paradox of note: Oaxaca is a pedestrian culture, but you will find many of the sidewalks to be in a shocking state of disrepair. I chalk this up to the “magic of Mexico.” Casual attire is appropriate for all of our meetings and activities. While Oaxaca’s elevation is not as high as some areas of Mexico, you may feel the effects of the altitude. Staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest are the best antidotes for altitude fatigue (sugar and caffeine are also pretty effective).

6. Mosquitos and the Zika virus: There are a lot of mosquitos in Oaxaca, and the Zika virus has become a concern all over Latin America in recent months. The mosquitos are generally worse in the summer months during the rainy season. I do not anticipate Zika being a major problem for us—more than anything, the mosquitos can be annoying. Bug spray can help. I frequently opt for long sleeves and long pants to keep myself covered. For those of you interested in public health, you will find a number of natural remedies sold in local markets and this may be an interesting line of independent research for you.

7. What to pack: In addition to comfortable clothes and shoes, your packing list should include anything that you want to have with you for the five weeks we will be in Mexico. Some items might be available for purchase in Oaxaca, but there is not guarantee that your favorite brand of shampoo, toothpaste, etc. will be available. In particular, if you take any medications (prescription or OTC) on a regular basis you should be sure to have a full supply with you. (Make sure to travel with the prescription label for any prescription medications you will be carrying). If you are bringing a computer, smart phone, and/or other gadget, you will want to have the proper chargers. I know from experience that stores in !3

Mexico sell iPhone chargers, but they can be quite pricey. Mexico’s electricity runs on 110 voltage just like in the United States so there is no need to bring a converter. I do, however, recommend bringing an extension cord and a grounding adapter (to convert from 3-prong plug to 2-prong outlet).

8. Eating and Drinking: You should not drink tap water that has not been purified in Oaxaca or anywhere in Mexico. Your host family will serve you drinks made only with bottled water or water that has been purified. At restaurants and throughout the day, you should stay hydrated by drinking bottled water. Your homestay lodging includes breakfast provided daily by the host family. If your host family offers to feed you other meals, please contact me immediately to inquire about additional costs with the local institute. There are many wonderful options for lunch and dinner in Oaxaca. The city is known for its cuisine and many of the eating establishments close to the local institute are quite affordable. We are usually provided with a list of suggested restaurants by the local institute. I am happy to offer suggestions as well. Attached to this document is a very informal list of some restaurants (I prepared this for a friend traveling to Oaxaca a few years ago.) The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 and if you order alcohol at restaurants or bars you most likely will not be carded. Please do remember that you are representatives of the university while you are in Oaxaca and your behavior will reflect upon our school. Also be aware that the effects of alcohol are magnified at altitude. In short, please be responsible if you choose to have alcoholic beverages.

9. Plumbing: Be aware that the plumbing throughout most of Mexico is not equipped to handle paper waste. So you cannot flush toilet paper or feminine products of any kind. This is particularly important in your host families’ homes and at the local language institute. Unless there is a sign explicitly instructing you to dispose of toilet paper in the toilet, you should deposit it in the trash can. I know this seems gross, but trust me – the alternative is clogged plumbing and sewage running all over the floor, which is even more gross. You might also find that public restrooms charge a small fee and they often lack toilet paper (some even lack toilet seats). You might want to keep a small packet of tissues in your bag. Hand sanitizer is also a good idea.

10. Homestay: The homestay lodging feature is a wonderful opportunity to feel more fully immersed in Oaxacan culture. You should take advantage of the chance to practice your Spanish and engage your host family in conversation about the local culture. You should be courteous and remember that you are a guest in someone’s home. I always recommend that students arrive with a small thank you gift. A UT- Dallas coffee mug, a trinket with the insignia of a local sports team, a box of chocolates, etc….a small gift upon arrival can set the proper tone for a good homestay experience. Talk to your host family in Spanish as much as you can. !4

The families contracted for homestays have been carefully vetted by our local language institute partner and most of them have been hosting U.S. students for quite some time. They are generally accustomed to having U.S. language students staying with them for extended periods. I am confident you will find them gracious and patient as you practice your Spanish and experience daily life in Oaxaca. Please be respectful and courteous. Excessive partying, coming home late, being loud, etc. can create an unpleasant housing experience for you and reflects poorly upon the university.

11. What to do: We will have a fairly full schedule, and we will go on a number of group excursions as part of the program. But I have left a few openings in our itinerary for you to explore the area. This includes at least one free weekend when you can either enjoy or venture out on your own excursion. Some suggestions (we can explore the option of organizing an optional group out to one or more of these if there is sufficient interest): • Baseball! Oaxaca has a AAA baseball team call the Guerreros. The home stadium is a 10 minute walk from the local language institute. I highly recommend you go to at least one game while you are in Oaxaca. The schedule can be found here: http://www.guerreros.mx/home.php • Teotitlán del Valle (famous for woven textiles) • (go here for barro negro/black pottery) • Local tianguis (open market): you will find several. • Hiking in Cuajimoloyas • Hierve el Agua (Oaxaca’s hot springs nature area) • Those of you wanting to exercise: ➢ Many local Oaxaqueños (including myself) walk or run in the early morning hours at the Llano (a popular park close to the language institute). Oaxaca, like all of Mexico, is pedestrian friendly so you will find that you can walk safely throughout the city. ➢ There are a growing number of local gyms and yoga studios that offer temporary memberships. I have used this option in the past and it was quite affordable. ➢ On weekend mornings, groups gather in the Llano park for public Zumba and other aerobics style classes. • If there are any runners in the group, feel free to contact me directly and I will be happy to send you detailed information on the best running routes around Oaxaca.

12. To prepare: If you are anxious to get to know Oaxaca prior to departure, check out the following books, videos, and other links: • Film: Y tu mamá tambien: road trip set in Oaxaca state: http://www.imdb.com/ title/tt0245574/ !5

• Andrew Zimmern & Travel Channel features on Oaxaca food: http:// www.travelchannel.com/shows/bizarre-foods/episodes/oaxacaant-tortillas-and- grasshopper-tacos • Novel: D.H. Lawrence, Mornings in Mexico • Novel: Graham Greene, The Lawless Roads • Article reviewing literary inspirations: https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/ lifestyle/travel/1991/09/29/writers-blocks-oaxacas-rich-literary-heritage/ 539b711f-ba3c-4d20-adb4-5b854c546c25/

Some Favorite Oaxacan Restaurants: • Itanoní - we call this the "Corn Restaurant." Definitely go here. Really good food. Interesting history: http://www.itanoni.com/ • Casona del Llano - restaurant with enormous front porch overlooking the llano park. Food is OK. I hear they have the best hamburger in town. Awesome place to have a few drinks while looking out over the park & watching the world go by. They have been making a special vegan soup just for me for the past 5 years. Ask for Pedro or Leo. Tell him Mónica of "la sopa Mónica" says Hi. • 100% Natural – on the south side of the Llano park. This is one of my favorites. They use all fresh/organic ingredients and they have a large vegetarian/vegan selection. • Catedral - close to the Zócalo. Awesome old building. Very good food. Ensalada de palmas..yum • La Olla – traditional Oaxacan cuisine • Casa Crespo - make sure to get a seat on the rooftop terrace. They offer cooking classes if you're interested • Los Danzantes - great ambiance but limited vegan selection :-) • Casa Oaxaca - you should try this at least once. Typical Oaxaca cuisine made fancy & expensive • Gozobi – traditional Oaxacan cuisine • Maria Bonita - Also typical Oaxaca cuisine. I prefer this one over Casa Oaxaca. Has a "hole-in-the-wall" feel to it. Very good ensalada de nopales • Casa del Tío Güero - lots of weird artwork to keep you entertained • Cafe Brújula - cool, funky coffee shop if you need to get away & work some morning • La Biznaga - not my favorite. But everyone else I travel with seems to love it. • Marco Polo – across from the Llano park. Serves great breakfast. Lovely outdoor garden patio, but it also attracts a lot of mosquitos so it has never been my favorite.