I'll spend the entire 9 weeks in the southern state of Oaxaca, Mexico. The first 4 weeks will be in Oaxaca de Juarez, Oaxaca--"the capital and largest city of the Mexican state of the same name (Oaxaca). It is located in the Central Valleys region of the state, in the foothills of the Sierra Madre at the base of the Cerro del FortÃn extending to the banks of the Atoyac River. This city relies heavily on tourism, which is based on its large number of colonial-era structures as well as the native Zapotec and Mixtec cultures and archeological sites. It, along with the archeological site of Monte Alban were named a World Heritage Site in 1987. It is also the home of the month-long cultural festival called the “Guelaguetza,” which features Oaxacan dance, music and an beauty pageant for indigenous women."
P.S. Oaxaca de Juarez has about 260k people... so it's a little larger than Eugene
Oaxaca de Juarez's Wikipedia
"Today Puerto Escondido is one of the most important tourist attractions on the Oaxaca coast. It caters to a more downscale and eclectic clientele than neighboring Huatulco, mostly surfers, backpackers and Mexican families. The main attraction is the beaches, from Zicatela Beach, which hosts major surfing competitions to beaches with gentle waves. Just south of the town is a large lagoon area popular for fishing and birdwatching." Puerto Escondido's Wikipedia
If you're good at math, you've noticed that I said I'm down there for 9 weeks, but so far, this only covers 8! Well, I'll be staying a week after my Puerto program ends so I can have some serious free time to relax and just explore.
p.s. anyone that wants to visit is totally welcome to!!! :)
