Moving to Puebla, Puebla

Mexico's not for everyone, so trying to fit a 'square peg into a round hole' won't work. Arriving in Mexico only to learn you don't like it is nothing to be ashamed of. Most foreigners I've known who come to Mexico (the bigger cities) do so without much forethought or planning - and they leave for home after 6-months, or a year. Given the collective comments of the OP and here sidekick, #38 - I think these two should probably stay home (or, join friend Sillynancy in her adventures)

I think it is curious that I am somehow being diagnosed with "culture shock" and even some private messages questioning my sanity and my relationship for simply saying that I just believe Puebla kind of sucks. That a little odd, no? Furthermore, RJ 1, I stated I loved Mexico in DF. Similarly I have other friends that loved their Mexican lives in Guadalajara, Cuernavaca and Oaxaca, but after several months in Puebla began to really dislike the culture of Puebla- not of Mexico. I agree with longford that Mexico isn't for everyone- or it is ok for a short while and then time to move on. I'll be the first to admit, I won't make my permanent life in Mexico- any of the lovely parts, much less Puebla- but I hardly think it merits the two private, outrageous messages I received.

I maintain my stance. Puebla sucks.

Now I can see where you are coming from. For some Puebla can be an exciting place especially if you like to explore old convents and dig into the old legends of Colonial Mexico.

But if you are interested in a life in vibrant Mexico City, I would go for it, and make the boy friend do the commuting. it´s only an hour and a half or so.

I used to go with a girl from Puebla, and we would commute back and forth from Veracruz each weekend and looked forward to seeing each other Friday nights. It was a great experience that I will remember the rest of my life.

Anyway, that was my experience. Hope it helps.

John

Hi !

Oh, I was impressed by all the inflammatory comments. We are all travelers looking for constructive opinions. If you don't have anything useful to reply, please refrain from adding posts! And if you need a hug, by all means, just state it :>

I have lived in various Mexican states. You can compare Puebla to Mexico City the same way you can compare Oklahoma City with NY. Mexico states and cities are very different from each other in every way possible: weather, geography, social attitudes, rythm of life, infrastructure, cultural life, economy, Spanish accent and slang, etc. Unlike other generic countries, many of the states could be little countries in themselves. The only constant is the superb, tasty food and local delicacies :>

First the bad news:

Puebla is among the most religious, conservative cities and people are called "Pipopes" (pinches poblanos pendejos) country-wide which means, literally "$#%%&(&&". Their attitude is not the friendliest. In fact Mexicans elsewhere mock Poblanos for their hypocritical attitudes and outdated criticism (like stigma against divorced people). They are "posers" always worried about image, looks, money and having "the perfect life". Their hobby is to be at home and peek through the window. So I do not blame any foreigner that left Puebla with a bad impression.

As for men trying to get in your pants (isn't that everywhere?): a foreign woman is bound to have more attention from men. Especially if you don't dress in a discrete manner. Mexicans often see foreign women in little shorts and sleeveless, tank tops and think they are, er, easy. Mexican women do not usually go about showing their neon pink underwear or in mini skirts or shorts, unless they are on the beach. Dressing like that and visiting churches, for example, is considered very rude. You have to keep that in mind. I would extend that everywhere you go, as men are not that respectful and there are cat calls, which you may not be used to. It's just workers whistling and shouting "mamacita",nothing more, so just ignore them.

The city itself is gorgeous with its Colonial architecture (the Historical area is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre) and it is still very small, so you do not lose time going from place to place. Food is irresistible! AND there are magical, charming towns nearby, like Cuetzalan. The view of the volcanoes and the hiking trails are quite nice too. You can also take the chance to visit other places in Mexico so you can broaden your horizon, see how rich and varied it is and how vain it is to encapsulate it all in a few phrases.

There are also other (happier) foreigners and people from other states there, so I am sure you will find people you will get along with. Like my mom, who just moved there from Mexico city. She is an English teacher. In case you need anything, just msg me and we can befriend, she may help you out in practical matters or we can give you further recommendations and advice!

Do not listen to negative people. Live your experience! "Mexico is not for everyone" equals to "USA is not for everyone" or anywhere for that matter. If you go expecting the same things at home, you'll be dissapointed anywhere you go!

Good luck,
Sandra

Here's a not uncommon Mexican saying about Poblanos for when your Spanish gets up to snuff: "mono, perico y poblano, no lo toques con la mano; tócalo con un palito, que es un animal maldito"

I have to give credit to PALINDROMA for bringing it to my attention.