AndrewLondon

I have spent some time writing a quite sophisticated travel blog about my three month trip as a senior single to these countries. I would welcome any feedback and would be happy to answer any questions

http://andrewchum.blogspot.co.uk/

hopefulist

Thanks for posting the link - hopefully I'll have time this weekend to enjoy it.

walkabout

Thank you for your report. I have a few questions.

What was the name of your hotel in Antigua, and do you recommend it? I

What was the name of the language school you attended in Antigua? Do you recommend it?

Did you attend language school in Panajachel or any of the small towns around Lake Atitlan? Which lake town do you prefer and why? Did you stay at a hotel in any of the lake towns?

I was in Guatemala and Honduras last month, and plan to go back next year. I really liked the Lake Atitlan area, and would like to stay in Panajachel as well as one of the other lake towns. In Antigua I stayed at Casa Cristina, which I liked, but am interested in checking out other hotels too. In Panajachel I stayed at Posada de los Volcanes, which I also liked. I plan to take Spanish classes in Pana or Antigua or both, which I why I am asking specifics about your experiences. Thanks!

http://www.casa-cristina.com/
http://www.posadadelosvolcanes.com/eng/hotel.htm

Cosmia

Thank you for sharing your blog. That was an interesting read.

AndrewLondon

Dear Walkabout
I stayed in Casa Arnel in Antigua which had acceptable single no bath rooms at a price though Las Mariposas was much nicer. I learnt Spanish at Spanish Academy Antiguena which I liked for its garden annex- the main building is cramped- and its free activities.There is a big profession language industry in Antigua and its a good place to stay. I disliked Pana as you can read in my blog.
I would stay in San Marcos or Santa Cruz if I went back to Atitlan.In Pana I stayed at Los Encuentros which is Ok though not as good as tripadvisor might suggest. He was the ex GI with the gun! in my blog.

AndrewLondon

Sorry Walkabout please delete the reference to Casa Arnel- I meant the Casa Luna in Antigua. It is very cheap for what you get though the walls are paper thin. It is nice and central too and surrounded by good coffee shops. Mario the owner is sweet but a bit hopeless. It has good TripA reviews.
Andrew

walkabout

Thanks Andrew.
I actually know Casa Luna because it's right next door to Casa Cristina, where I stayed. The owner, Mario, arranged my trip to Pacaya Volcano, as well as my transportation to Copan, Honduras. I didn't see any of his rooms, but from reading tripadvisor it seems like some of the rooms are cheaper than Casa Cristina. I might give it a try next time.

What was the class size of Spanish Magic language school in Oaxaca? It sounds like you had mixed feelings about the school, but liked it better than your first school. Is that correct?

What was your favorite city in Mexico?

Did you find Mexico City overwhelming? I am interested in visiting Mexico City, but have a bit of apprehension. (I am a single female, travel alone, and speak Spanish at an intermediate level).

Thanks.

AndrewLondon

I thought Spanish Magic was fine and had no complaints. It is always an issue to get matched up to the right level of competence as the schools want to balance numbers in each class. In all three classes I attended there was one in the group who couldn't keep up. The first school was the International in Oaxaca: I didn't like the acoustics in the class room. Oaxaca was by far my favourite city.I also loved spending relax time in Puerto Escondido ( Rinconada area)and even enjoyed a few days in Puerto Angel at Gundys.
Mexico City was great especially the sun and moon temples and the Archeological Museum. I also liked San Angel market. Hotels are a problem unless you pay $65 or more there, much more than anywhere else in Mexico.