janeann

Hi, I am the bug freak, only big flying ones, though. What can I expect in Oaxaca? i am hoping nothing too scary. thanks for any input. Also, what clothing is best to take. We are going to a language school next week, and will be staying with a family. Appreciate anything you can share on any of the above. janeann

glover

I was at language school (Instituto Cultural de Oaxaca) last February and did a homestay near the school. In February it was cool (60?) in the am when I left for school, but sun was hot. So i often took a sweater but didn't really wear it. By mid day it was pretty warm (80/85?) Maybe warmer in August - and a little wetter? Dress at our ICO was very casual. As a 50 plus woman I wore cotton slacks or cropped pants and short sleeved Ts or easy care blouses and always sandals. Men were clad in similar. Some of the college kids wore less. I saw camisole tops, hip hugging pants, bare midriffs, and flip flops - though probably better to err on the side of more conservative. .. ...

Don't remember seeing any scary bugs -- flying or otherwise. It's a very civilized city. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Dude

In fifteen years of travel there have occasionally been mosquitos after rain and about 5 years ago I saw 1 scorpion on the sidewalk. In other words, bugs are very minimal. People often put bug killer in the water they wash the floors with- keeps their prescence way down. There are substantially fewer bugs than my state in the U.S.

janeann

Thank you both for you encouraging reposnses. I look forward to the trip. We are studying at the Becari Institute, do you know anything about it? Hey, Dude, what state are you from? I have seen you on several forums, you are one travelin'dude! Lucky you!

Binthair

There were some very large beetles on the sidewalks when I was there last month, but they don't bite.

Marko

Don't you normally eat the big ones ? Or is that just grasshoppers !

janeann

Thank you again, everyone, for your replies. Very funny, Marko, although I did hear about the grasshoppers, and tha variety of flavors offered. Now back to being serious, the beetles on the ground, do they fly? If they do not fly, I am ok. it's the erraticness of the flying that gets me. Oh, and by the way, so I know what I am not eating, what is the spanish word for grasshopper??? Janeann

SusanInToronto

I think the grasshoppers are called chapulines. Usually I've seen them in the markets, sold in large baskets, and they are red.

Dude

I'm currently living in Arkansas- Texas and Montana before that. As far as Becari, I have been there 5 or 6 times. I have been very happy with the school and learned quite a bit. Have done a lot of homestays too. Becari often uses a family on Crespo Privado. There are three houses there and I have stayed in all three with no problems. I have generally had a good experience with homestays- the only bad one was in Cuernavaca years ago. As far as homestays, although not likely, if there is a problem ask your school to put you somewhere else. Generally families I have stayed with have been very nice. Clothes, it most likely will be pretty hot when you go. Shorts and t-shirts are o.k. in town, except in a better restaurant. Outside of town I think it is better to dress conservatively, jeans or pants and a short sleeve shirt. I was in Toluca last week and the few american tourists there looked very strange among the locals wearing shorts. I expect you will have a really good time on your trip- as far as travelling a lot, I have been fortuanate to get around Mexico both for work, school and on many vacation trips. Oaxaca is one of my favorite places. Enjoy-

Binthair

I didn't see any of the beetles fly, just slowly crawl, nothing like the speed of a cucaracha. The chapulines at the market are available in several different sizes, although the "large" size are apparently not the best sellers. I generally had some in a quesadilla or omelette for breakfast each morning....then I read a public health advisory in the states when I got home that they may poise a risk for lead poisoning. "When in Rome" is my usual culinary philosophy. Besides, you may get your revenge on those jumping, flying bugs!

janeann

You are all sooo great! Thank you! I will let you know how the trip goes. Hasta Luego! Juanita