Living local

People are often surprised when we tell them exactly where we live in SMA. Even other gringos who permanently live here, ask us to confirm our neighborhood´s location. There's a difference between picking out a place to stay for vacation and picking a place to live for a few months. We live on the outskirts of town and spend a good 40 minutes walking into town. Our outskirt neighborhood provides us good exercise into town, an affordable location and the ability to live like locals, which is what we wanted.

For less than a US dollar all four of us can take a bus home at the end of the day. We have found all of our neighbors to be very hospitable and willing to offer help if needed.

Our neighborhood is complete with Churches, stores, restaurants and other little shops.

Once we make our way out of our neighborhood we have a straight shot into town with great views of the city. 

On our way into the Centro we pass along art galleries and antique stores. 

Fantastic artist shops wedged in between streets.

                    

Most days we are headed to the Public Library. We take free Spanish classes every Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. In addition to the long list of other free classes the library offers, the girls attend the painting classes on Mondays and Wednesday. So far they are loving their art classes and we love that the girls are creating their own souvenirs. We also love that for 90 minutes, twice a week we get to see more of the city (enjoy happy hour) sans kids. 

The art classes are held on the top floor of the library with awesome views of the city. 

Art on the walls of the library

More library art

Next up on our list of things to do??  Climb pyramids and explore Mexico City.