I’d been in Mazatlan, Mexico for exactly one day when I received an email from Nancy Dardarian. She and her husband are American expats from the Seattle area who retired to Mazatlan more than two years ago. When they first started thinking about moving permanently to Mexico, Nancy and Paul launched a blog, Countdown to Mexico, in order to chronicle the entire decision making and relocation process. Not only is it a great resource for anyone considering moving to Mexico, it’s full of the most interesting information about Mazatlan.
But here’s the fun part. Nancy has Google alerts set up to email her when anyone writes about Mazatlan, so when my first blog post appeared about her adopted city, she read it and emailed, asking if I would be staying long enough to get together. They picked me up at my hotel last Sunday and treated me to lunch at one of the beach palapas along the Malecon – the traditional Ceviche they served me was so huge I could hardly finish half of it. Even better, they invited another expat friend, Michael, to join us for lunch, because they knew of my plans to hike Mexico’s remote Copper Canyon and Michael has hiked it twice. As a result I now have a remarkable amount of information about Copper Canyon – the kind of stuff that can’t even be found on the Internet. Serendipitous events like this aren’t uncommon; they happen to me all the time when I travel slow, without plans, and allow the path to unfold before me.
One thing is for sure. It’s definitely a small world out there.
I come down every few weeks on work. My name is Roy and we’re launching a 90 ft ship in the yard there out on 15 half way to the airport. I stay on 45′ Bertram at El CID Marina on Camaron Sabalo and rent a car to get around. . I’ve ventured to the old town area, sticking mainly between Walmart & the Loony Bean for breakfast – even as far as the Cathedral. I’ve tried most of the menu at Katrina’s but find it livelier down by Luck B’s. Most everyone is retired couples. I want to meet active friends my age, 67, especially fun loving single, unattached women. I’m bored after 5. There’s nothing up my way to do. I’m really fit, playful, young at heart. I,m tired of being a barfly. What kind of activities and meetups are there where I can meet Americans/ Canadians like myself. I’m not a sugar daddy and not really interested in Mexican women.. Would be nice to meet someone who knows the ropes and even have people over.
Oh yes my email is [email protected]
Hello Roy how are you I just arrived from La Plaz Mexico and would be interested in meeting new people as well would you be interested?
Greetings to all expats here in Mazatlan!
I want to extend an invitation to holeinthedonut readers. I work for an education system and we are looking for volunteers, here in Mazatlan, to lend their voices to create an audio for a low-cost English learning program in 78 schools in Mexico and Guatemala. You know how expensive it is to learn English in Mexico and how it helps children get better job opportunities in the future. Please contact me at [email protected]
Can anyone tell me about groups of snow birds or expats and where they meet? We have been here almost 3 weeks and would like to socialize with others. Thanks for any information you may give me!
Hi Linda: Sorry to be so long in replying, but I got very sick in India and was not able to work for a while. If you’re still in Mazatlan, try contacting Nancy and Paul Dardarian at http://www.countdowntomexico.com.
Do you know if there are any meetup groups in Mazatlán. I am also looking for a private teacher for Spanish.
Thanks,
Jayne
So sorry Jayne, but I don’t. You might try the site of my friends, Nancy & Paul Dardarian, who live there and have a site about relocating to that city: http://www.countdowntomexico.com.
Did you find any groups that meet? We have been here for 3 weeks and would like to meet other snow birds or expats. Thanks for any help you can give me!
hello thinking about setting up home in old town mazatlan will it be safe and sound as will probly be without car
Hi Mike: Wish I had some advice for you, but I haven’t been there since 2010. Might try searching for websites/blogs about expats living in Mexico.
my wife and I want move down to mazatlan. she wants to import a variety of art and home decor stuff and I want to host adrenalin sports vacations. base jumping, scuba, skydiving etc. Is there an area of southern maz. where American expats live in higher numbers than other? who do i bribe to jump the bridges near durango?
planning on moving to mazatlan in 2011. need help finding a apt.for long term lease. would like to keep rent at 300.00-400.00 usd monthly
Jeff: Go to this website: http://www.countdowntomexico.com/. She’s the American Expat I wrote about and her site has links to all the bulletin boards and other Mazatlan info.
Thank you for sharing this great story. It has also been my experience that the Expat communities all over Mexico are generous, open and eager to help newcomers and passersby. Yes, serendipity is wonderful — it reminds us it is possible to trust, relax and allow for things to unfold effortlessly. I looked up the “Countdown” blog and subscribed to their RSS feed!
It is really wonderful that there is a thriving expat community in Mazatlan. My family will be there in early May and I would love to get some advice on places to see and food shopping, especially how to get the the freshest and most afforable shrimp!
If anyone on this list can help us out I would really appreciate it.
Martin: Fresh shrimp in Mazatlan is a given. The fish/shrimp sellers set up along the main street every day (it is either Serdan or Benito Juarez, I can’t remember) and sell fresh catch from big blue plastic tubs. Can’t beat the price – about $4 U.S.per pound.
I think one of the best things to do is to try and meet up with locals who can give you an insight into the place you’re visiting, especially when travelling alone – overwise I imagine it could get rather lonely
This is one of the reasons I love technology so much 🙂
What a great way for them to meet up with people travelling through. I look forward to your posts on Copper Mt.
It was a fun time, and we are so happy to have met you! Safe travels!
Serendipity is the force I thank for meeting you in Cincinnati. Perhaps not as exciting as climbing Copper Canyon, but it was a moment that has enriched my life immensely. Safe journey, my friend.
The world is SO small. And I love how it is full of serendipity 🙂
Great story, thanks for sharing.
Barbara, your post just proved the power of the internet. How lucky for you to be able to discuss hiking the Copper Canyon with someone who has had the experience. I’m sure your adventure will be all the richer because of your expat lunch.