For the past 3 years, I have been traveling full time and as a seasoned traveler, I can confidently say Morelia is one of the best cities in the world (as the locals will also tell you). After backpacking Europe, I had a goal of learning Spanish, experiencing Latin culture, being in a place where I could make meaningful friendships and explore a new city. Vivir Bonito was the perfect place for me and offered me all these things and more.

As a solo female traveler in her 20s, I always look for places where I feel safe, comfortable and feel as though I can explore and get to know the city independently. I felt so safe and at ease my entire stay in Morelia. Friends and family were worried because of the negative media we get on the news about Mexico but in all honesty, I felt safer in Morelia than I do in many cities in the US. Besides safety, Besides safety, Morelia has so much more to offer. The people are so kind, the culture is incredible and the food is out of this world.

The program itself was amazing and if you are hesitant about doing it, don’t be! It’s an incredible opportunity you can’t get anywhere else in the world. Rodo is such a talented and passionate teacher (coming from a teacher herself) and what he taught me in one month would have probably taken months and months to learn in a regular classroom setting. He takes pride in his work and works so hard to meet you at your level and modify his instruction to fit your needs. Additionally, I have never eaten so much delicious food – thank you Chef Berni and Rodo! Mexican food quickly took the top spot for my favorite type of food – the tacos, the quesadillas, the enchiladas, todo esta de no mames! Also, throughout my month, we explored Morelia and saw some other towns in the Michocan state and did so much more – laughing and learning the whole time. The whole state is so beautiful with rich history and endless sights to see.

I feel so fortunate to feel as though Morelia is a second home and to be able to call Rodo, Berni and Pau my friends. Out of all the countries and cities I have traveled to in the past 3 years, Morelia and Vivir Bonito truly have the perfect mixture of everything a traveler could want and will forever have a special place in my heart. Thank you for the experience of a lifetime.