Category: Living abroad

On getting by with just basic Spanish (or not :)

On By Nicole HennigIn Apps, Language & culture, Living abroad, Mexico

Translating a text message from Telcel.
Translating a text message from Telcel. $200 pesos is about $17 US dollars.

I’m actually a little surprised at how far I can go with only a very basic level of Spanish language skills. Here’s where I’m at:

  • I can order food, ask directions, bargain a little in the market, go grocery shopping, drop off my laundry to be done, find things on a map, ask the taxi driver how much it will be (it’s always about $3), talk about the weather, and finally… the hardest thing…. get a SIM card for my iPhone and get it activated!

    •   Continue reading “On getting by with just basic Spanish (or not :)” →

My new apartment in Oaxaca

On By Nicole HennigIn Housing, Living abroad, Location flexibility, Mexico, Oaxaca, Mexico

As you would expect, word of mouth is often the best way to find something good! Since the apartment that I booked online is only available for May, I spent a few days looking for a place to move to in June.

Paseo Juárez, El Llano Park
Paseo Juárez, El Llano Park

My preference was to find one place for all of June-Sept. so that I wouldn’t have to keep moving around, which can be disruptive (I want to focus on my work). In October I’m thinking of travelling a bit before I come to the U.S. for a conference in California. Continue reading “My new apartment in Oaxaca” →

The beauty of old things in Oaxaca

On By Nicole HennigIn Language & culture, Living abroad, Mexico, Oaxaca, Mexico4 Comments

As I walked around town yesterday (the weather was much nicer… in the upper 70s instead of low 90s), I was struck by the beauty of everything old.

Everything from the bright colors of buildings, to the colonial architecture, to street art and graffiti. It’s all beautiful.

I know this is not Japan, but it’s beautiful in a way that reminds me of the Japanese concept of “wabi-sabi.”

church
Haven’t learned the names of the famous landmarks yet. Just strolling and snapping photos.
Continue reading “The beauty of old things in Oaxaca” →