It’s officially been a month since I sold my house andalmost all my possessions, packed my kid and my dog on to the airplane and set up shop in Bucerias, Nayarit, Mexico. What you’re moving to Mexico??!That was the initial reaction but after making many false promises over the past couple years, I think most of my friends and family weren’t sure it would really happen. HA! Here we are.

My son is in school, which is a blog post of its own. We figured out how to get water delivered. Where the best fruits and veggies are. How to get around on the bus. It’s all good. But it’s definitely not an extended vacation. There are challenges to living here that you don’t consider when you’re preparing back up in Canada. Like the lack of licorice and finding good quality beach towels.

Probably the most common question I was faced with before leaving was  “but is it safe?” and to me, since I’ve been traveling to Mexico regularly for nearly 20 years, was one that I didn’t give much consideration to. Of course it’s safe. Be smart and courteous and genuine and the response you’ll receive will be smart and courteous and genuine – for the most part. Mexicans want to please you. Just as you would want to please someone in your home, they are the same here.

Learning to Surf

Sure I’ve paid too much for fake silver jewelery on the beach or the taxi to the airport was too expensive but in general every transaction I’ve made has been legitimate and honest and where ever possible the Mexican people have helped me above and beyond. 4 hours, two power outages and a massive rain storm and I now have a fully unlocked iphone with unlimited internet and enough minutes to call everyone back home…twice.

As for violence, I haven’t seen it and while I know it exists it doesn’t effect my day to day life here. I’m not driving at night through the slums of Monterrey and neither will you. Let’s be honest, while the level of brutality is a tad more extreme than what the usual murderers and gangs get up to back home, the rate of violent crime in nearly all of Mexico is considerably less that of major destinations in Canada and the USA. As for more regular crime, a drunken bar fight is always just a dozen beers away regardless of which town you roll into and in my opinion you are more likely to face off with a fellow Canadian (or American) than a Mexican.

The San Fransisco Chronicle has a great article about the reality of Crime in Mexico and 15 minutes on google with a an open mind will show you the reality of violence in Mexico.

So Max and I are here, a bit uncomfortable in the humidity but the locals assure me it only gets even worse for one more month and then it’s back to 25 c and perfect ocean breezes everyday. Moving to Mexico is a leap of faith whether you are 35 or 65 but the benefits can outweigh the downfalls. Max will learn a language fluently, will be an awesome surfer, we eat healthier get more exercise. Enjoy new experiences and watch way less TV. Perfect sunsets every night > licorice. If you are considering a move to Mexico feel free to send me an email. I’m happy to share my experiences and make connections.

Madeline