File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
I like what I've seen so far of this new board, so here's a question for seasoned travellers.

This summer, I'll be going on an international studies trip to Morelia, Mexico. I've never been outside of the United States, and since I've lived my entire life in the Southeast the most diverse place I've been to would have to be Columbus, Ohio (which I rather liked) or Washington D.C.

Does anyone have some travel tips for Morelia or perhaps Mexico in general? I'll be staying with a local family, going to university classes 5 days a week, and will have two days of rest each week for a total of 21 days.

Oh, and in addition I'll be staying in Mexico City for the first three days of the trip.
>> Anonymous
don't eat the food
don't drink the water

check your travel bags on the way back to ensure there aren't any illegals stowing away
>> Anonymous
>>3953
>>oh hardy har har, very funny
>> Anonymous
I recommend getting a money belt and stow your cash and passport in it. Normally I'd say don't bother, but you're probably going to scream tourist. Mexico isn't as bad as people make it out to be, especially in the bigger cities. I've never been to Morelia, but I lived in Tijuana for many years, and have spent considerable time in Mexico City, Cancun, Acapulco, and other tourist-y spots. The most dangerous places are probably up north since that's where the drug cartels are located, Tijuana especially.

Places in the south have less organized crime, but more petty crimes. So just watch out for any suspicious looking people. Be sure to make eye contact, looking away quickly makes you seem nervous and/or scared- prime target.

If you ever want to talk to strangers, bring up the local soccer/football team. Everyone's always a fan. Try to avoid religion since Catholicism is srs bsn for Mexicans.

Not sure how much you know about the culture, but don't be surprised when people invade your personal space. Mexicans have a less defined area of personal space, so they will get a lot closer when speaking to you. Also, if you're a guy, other guys will hug you, and girls will probably kiss your cheek. If you're a girl, other guys and girls will kiss your kiss when being introduced to you, or when saying good-bye.
>> Anonymous
>>3953

While being somewhat of a jackass, he does make a point about the water. It isn't filtered like it is in the states, so don't drink it unless it's out of a bottle or from a filter.
>> Anonymous
the state that morelia is located in has a development level on par with the palestinian territories.

no, really.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Mexican_states_by_HDI
>> Anonymous
EAT THE FOOD IF YOU WANT DYSENTERY.

Seriously, though. Srsly.
>> Anonymous
>>3977

You, sir, are an idiot. There's bacteria in the US's water, too. Just we're used to our bacteria, while mexicans are used to theirs. A mexican drinking american water would get sick as well.
>> Anonymous
>>4679
Um, no. Mexican water has different AND moar bacteria.
>> Anonymous
OP here, I already knew to only drink bottled water... Common sense, etc.

Any advice for Mexico City, since I'll be there for the first three days?
>> Anonymous
>>4649
better than chiapas