Experience in the State of Mexico, Mexico, by Luna

What is it like to live in the State of Mexico? Would you recommend it? How is it?

It's a state that's rich in its nature, culture and folklore.

The people are very friendly and the town has a festive atmosphere. It doesn't matter if you're from their country or not, they'll welcome you warmly into their humble houses and get along together just as it should be, we are very generous and supportive people.

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Let's just say that there is a huge diversity in the food that you can try, enchiladas (a corn tortilla rolled around a filling with a savoury sauce), chilaquiles (another dish with a corn tortilla) presented in many different ways, red and green mole (a Mexican sauce), the food is exquisite, pozole (traditional soup), barbecue...

Additionally, the prices are very affordable in comparison to other countries or states, it's a good idea as well to have a great guide. :D

In terms of transport, but the latest I have ever travelled was at 9pm and I found some form of group transport, but there is a trustworthy taxi service that will take you anywhere. But, it's quite costly if you use it during the night and I would recommend going places with someone you trust, this will provide you with more security.

The weather is amazing, ultimately quite rainy but this won't disrupt you enjoying the pretty evenings, a beautiful sunrise and if you're far from the city, the sunset and the stars are very impressive.

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For leisure and free time, there are loads of places you can go to, depending on what you like to do. There are beautiful places to camp, mountain bike, go zip-lining, para-glide, climb, etc., in Valle de Bravo, Jilotepec, Tenansingo, Malinalco, Temoaya, El Ocotal, Aculco, El Oro, Temascalsingo, etc. I'm mentioning some of these places as I've visited them and I was amazed. I always go back to these places whenever it's possible.

What is the student lifestyle like in the State of Mexico?

It's relaxed, depending on your style, you can combine a lot of activities. It's important to remember the version of yourself you put out to the world, it all depends on you. The only thing I can say is it's great to be able to study in the State of Mexico.

How much does it cost to live in the State of Mexico?

It all depends on your style of life, I have survived as a student only working at weekends, paying rent and buying food with $2, 500 and the most I would say to have is $5, 000, depending on what you like to do with yourself. I lead a simple life.

Was it hard to find accommodation in the State of Mexico?

Do you have any advice?

Honestly, no, there are a lot of places where you can rent a room in a house, I would recommend a furnished room which includes all the extra bills (gas, electricity, water). I believe that they are the essential things, and the cheapest I have ever paid was $1, 500 for the a room per month. The most it ever cost me was $2, 500. It was a bit much, but you only want a room and then it just depends on the area where you live. I host 5 rooms in a building and I only pay $1, 500 a month. I can't complain, it's the cheapest place I've found in years. I have always preferred renting closer to the university or work in order to save money on journeys and it saves me money. Normally I like to walk as much as I can as it's not a problem for me, as I know most places around here. Normally, I get to know places by going everywhere on foot.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is delicious, not very seasoned, but quite spicy. For us, spicy food is the most delicious, and everyone here loves to use a spicy sauce as well. But there are also mild dishes.

My favourite dishes are green enchiladas, chilaquiles, pozole, mole de olla (a vegetable soup), Mexican nopales (a type of edible cactus), obispo (a Mexican sausage) and barbecue soup.

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What places would you recommend visiting in the State of Mexico?

Temoaya - the Ceremonial Centre of Otomi.

Tenansingo - where the Cristo Rey is found.

Malinalco - generally it's beautiful, amazing weather, it's warm.

Valle de Bravo - to be enjoyed on the weekend only.

El Ocotal - a very calm place for nature lovers but above all, those in the search of peace.

Aculco - I love its physical structure, the Concepción waterfalls. I would recommend you go there during the rainy season, between the months of July and September.

El Oro - a reflection into the past, the conquest. It's a good and cosmopolitan place, it has a lot of history and colonial art, I would suggest visiting the Presa Brockman (a dam/lake).

Temascalsingo - I love it for the saunas and its Cathedral.

Metepec - for their handicrafts.

Is it good to eat out in the State of Mexico? Can you recommend some good restaurants?

In Metepec there's a food market on the side of the Cathedral of Calvario, and in there you will find exquisite Mexican snacks.

Cafe Allende.

The cakes from "Violeta" in the centre of Toluca.

I recommend trying the giant cakes from Calle Brasil near the Toluca terminal, they also make enchiladas, chilaques...

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in the State of Mexico?

In Metepec.

What advice would you give future students heading to the State of Mexico?

Be friendly to everyone. In our country, we don't discriminate anyone for being or belonging to another culture, social status, religion, etc. Treat others as you want to be treated. Don't isolate yourself, and project the attitude that you would like to receive out to others. Enjoy every detail, in each place you will find both great and bad things, but don't carry the first impression of what you see with you but try and look for a more positive side of things. It's the same with everything, when we're not in our own country, nothing is the same. Don't try and find the same facilities or people that you have in your own country, meet and get to know everyone around you.

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