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Living in Quito or Medellin?

I was hoping that someone who is familiar with both cities could give me a bit of advice...

I've been in Medellin for a few weeks, having come here to study Spanish at Universidad EAFIT and hopefully find a job teaching English and stay on for a year. So far the classes are enjoyable and my job prospects here are looking good, but I'm seriously conflicted about the city itself, and I don't know if this is where I want to live for a full year.

While there are many things to like here (the weather), Medellin isn't what I was expecting. I'm looking for a place that would be fun and interesting to explore by foot, with more interesting colonial architecture and history than what I've seen in Medellin.

This city seems all business, superficial in a way. I'm disappointed to see so many American chain fast food restaurants here in Medellin. I love salsa dancing but I'm not really into the clubbing scene that dominates here, instead preferring to hang out, meet people, and have a conversation in bars or cafes. When I go out here in Medellin it seems like everyone's drinking to get drunk, like taking shots of rum or aguardente directly from the bottle with friends.

I'd prefer to live in calmer, more down to earth place with open air markets where I can buy fresh produce. Here most of the shopping seems to be done in expensive chain supermarkets or stores (Exito) similar to Wal-Mart.

I'd prefer living in a place with outdoor cafes, central squares, a historical district... And better food!

For example, in 2007 I spent 10 months living and teaching English in Addis Ababa and it was a life-changing experience. I'd hoped to find something comparable in South America... a new sense of discovering something culturally very different, where I could learn something by just going out and being in a wildly different environment. Instead, with all its shopping malls, bad fast food places, heavy traffic, and plastic surgery, Medellin reminds me of Los Angeles.

The biggest draw here is the people, who are extremely friendly. And as noted, the perfect climate.

Another consideration is that next year I plan to begin a master's degree in international development, done in conjunction with Peace Corps service. I suspect I could learn more that might ultimately help me in this area of study by living elsewhere in South America.

What are the English teaching possibilities like right now in Quito? I have a BA, the CELTA, and three years teaching experience overseas. I'm considering sticking it out here in Medellin maybe until the new year (because these are just my first impressions of the city)and then moving on if my opinion of the city hasn't changed. When is the best time to look for work teaching English in Ecuador? What should I expect for cost of living and salary?

Thanks so much for your input.

By knoxseagle on Aug 23, 2009, 11:33 in Ecuador forum.

pacific_waters says on Sep 12, 2009, 16:23:

Forgt Quito if you like to hang out and live the cafe life styles unless you like the expat places.I don't fid Quito to be very comfortable. I don't know Medellin so I can't say about that. As for teaching english here, god luck. i know 2 brits who live there who struggle and live hand to mouth teaching Engish. If you're wiliing to live like an ecuadorian it's probably about the same as Colombia. You can find an apartment in an ok part of town for as little as $350/month. Like much of Latin America there is a lot of poverty and petty crime is rampant as are scams. I used to think about living here but not any longer.

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bickerss says on Sep 16, 2009, 22:24:

Buenos Aires is a great choice for what you are after - the cafe culture there is great and lots to do.

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