From Mazatlan to Quebec

ANDY JACKS

iSTOCK

Mazatlan, Mexico: a vibrant, colourful country full of great beaches.

Quebec's old town: Great shopping and food.

 

Expatriate Kiwi Andy Jacks.

 

Why did you leave New Zealand? 

We moved to Mazatlan, Mexico, for work. When that contract was finished I took on another as a project manager in Quebec, Canada.

What do you do?

I was a maintenance/engineering manager for an exploratory drilling company based in Mazatlan. I spent two years there. In the last six months I took up a position in Quebec as project manager overseeing the dismantling of pulp and paper mills.

What do you like or dislike about the places you have lived?

Mexico is such a vibrant, colourful country full of ancient culture and history. Most people choose the coastal regions of Mexico, famous for its sun, surf, great fishing and diving but the inner part is equally fascinating - ancient pyramids and beautiful cities. Mazatlan has a wonderful old quarter called Plaza Machado, which has some German influence. Quebec is different again and we are currently based at the top of the Saint Lawrence River. The scenery is different from Mexico, full of trees, churches and light houses.

How does the cost of living compare to New Zealand?

I don't think anywhere can compare to the cheap cost of living in Mexico. While still having relative First World infrastructure, you can live like a king on $2000 a month. Restaurant dining and internal travel is very well priced. Canada is, on the whole, more expensive than New Zealand.

What do you do on weekends?

Whenever we have time off we like to travel and see what the areas have to offer. Guanajuato in Mexico is located in a narrow valley, with the streets narrow and winding and many of the roads partially or fully underground. The historic centre of the city has numerous small plazas and colonial-era mansions and churches built using pink or green sandstone. It's also home to the Festival Internacional Cervantino, which has artists and performers from all over the world. In Canada we have visited many cities, such as Halifax, which has pretty little fishing villages - Lunenberg and Mahone Bay - just out of the main city. Quebec City and Montreal have great shopping and food.

What do you think of the food?

Quebec has a great French influence in its food. A favourite starter is the french onion soup. They are famous for their poutine - french fries covered in gravy and cheese curd.
Mazatlan is the shrimping capital of Mexico so from September onwards fresh shrimp is done many ways. Our favourite is coconut shrimp. They also make great ceviche and salsa.

What's the best way to get around?

 Mazatlan is famous for its Pulmonias - small converted Volkswagens without the roof or sides. You simply step out on the road and wave them down. It's a fun way to get around. The local bus and regional buses are very affordable and safe.

Canada is vast so we drive, take the trains or fly. Flying can be pricey, especially in the remote region we live in. Rental cars are pricey as well.

What's the shopping like?

In Mexico most of the American superstores are in the cities. The Plaza Machado has organic markets at the weekends and you can buy your fish/shrimp fresh from the markets or fishermen. Vegetable stores are everywhere, and chicken barbecue stands are on most corners. Shopping in Quebec is wonderful. It has great cheese and dairy products so we feel right at home in that area.
What's the nightlife like? Mexico is well known for its party atmosphere but be warned, you need some serious training to keep up with the partying of the locals and the gringos!

What is your favourite part?
 
In Mazatlan it would be the old quarter, Plaza Machado. The opera theatre is there. They have an art walk on the first Friday of each month, and lots of markets and shows in the busy season. The streets are narrow with brightly painted houses and buildings.

What time of year is best to visit?

 Late October to the end of May for Mexico - this is the dry and cooler season with no humidity. Visit Quebec in June to October.

What's your must-do thing for visitors?

Mexico is famous for its beaches. Cabo San Lucas has big game fishing and whale season is a must. There is great diving in the Cenotes. The pyramids at Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum are easily accessible. Teotihuacan's Pyramids of the Moon and Sun are pre-Mayan era. The National Archaeology Museum in Mexico City is state of the art. In Quebec my must-dos would be visiting the national parks in this area, taking train trips, especially in fall season, and the walled city in Old Quebec.
What are your top tips for tourists? Don't believe the bad press about Mexico! As long as you are careful, it is a country of vast geological and diverse cultural differences. Give it a try; just don't drive!

How easy is it for you to get back to New Zealand?

  From Mazatlan it's a two-hour flight to Los Angeles then 13 hours direct to Auckland. From Quebec about 12 hours to west coast of the United States then 13 hours to Auckland.