Well, I have completed my first week of teaching English full time at Pangea Idiomas here in Mexico. I am finally getting used to the altitude here (9000 ft.). The school is on the 3rd floor (bathrooms on the main floor) and the stairs are getting easier.
Toluca (& Metepec) is in a high valley with the mountain tops looking like large hills scattered around the city, the largest of which is a volcano. It's name is Xinantecatl, and it is the 4th largest peak in Mexico. It is easily seen from the school balcony and is especially beautiful in the early morning.
I had a few classes last week, and observed Michael a lot. He is one of the teachers who left on the weekend. He and his girlfriend are moving on to Uruguay to teach there. I started my full schedule on Saturday with 3 classes back to back for a total of 6 hours. It looks like I am scheduled for about 32 or 33 hours per week so I will be making about $1000. cdn per month. With the lower cost of living here, that is a decent salary.
I work 5 1/2 days a week with a split shift Monday - Friday and Saturday 8-2. Plus I get 2 Spanish lessons each week 1 1/2 hours each, this is free for teachers at the school. All the classes are individual or small group (usually siblings).
The weather was quite cold when I got here: to about 0 at night and only to 12 - 14 during the day. Doesn't sound bad but the houses are made of cement, are so close together that not all rooms have exterior windows and there is no central heating. They use space heaters where needed since this is for only about 2 months per year. Last week, however, the clouds cleared and the temperature during the day is now up to 20 - lovely. Everyone else is wearing their winter coats, but I think it is beautiful.
Here are some photos from this Week's shopping trip.
This is the way to buy cinnamon and brown sugar!
Whole Tamarind pods.
