Revelation of a breakfast taco
Aucklander Helen Bailey loves the tacos and outdoor activities in Austin, Texas.
What inspired your move, and how long have you been there?
My husband is originally from New Orleans and, after living in New Zealand for five years, we decided to go to the States to be closer to his family. We’ve been here since July 2014.
What do you do there?
I worked as a speech therapist as I’d done in NZ. Then in June 2015, I had our daughter and I’ve stayed home with her since.
What are the greatest advantages to living there?
Tacos. Going out for cheap food and drink. Hike and bike trails around the lake. The predictability of the weather. An eclectic mix of people.
Disadvantages?
The cost and hassle of healthcare. Dealing with bureaucracy is not as easy as it is in NZ.
How expensive is it compared to NZ? How much is a beer?
Eating out is cheaper at the budget end. But mid-range or expensive dining prices are the same once you account for tax and a tip. Housing is cheaper than in Auckland but is going the same way – up and up! Beer is definitely cheaper. You’d pay $2-$6 for a beer at a bar or restaurant. In the supermarket, beers are about $1 each.
What do you do in your spare time?
We meet other mums and kids for playdates. When my husband is free, we go to the creek for walks or swimming, and spend time with his family. There are often little festivals going on, and we’ve been to the SXSW and ACL festivals. On a long weekend we go out of town to one of the lakes, passing through the town of Wimberley, which has amazing fruit pies.
What’s the local delicacy, and would you recommend eating it?
Tacos! They’re delicious. Breakfast tacos were a huge revelation to me. Also, the barbecue is not to be missed. Slow-cooked brisket and ribs are hard to beat.
Easiest way to get around?
We cycle into the city. But for a lot of common errands, we need to drive. Texas is not particularly well set up for public transport, and people are very reliant on cars.
Best after-dark activity?
Go to South Congress and get a beer and taco at Guero’s, and listen to some live music. The Elephant Room and Continental Club are fantastic venues, full of character. Also, at certain times of the year you can see a huge colony of bats emerge from under South Congress Bridge at dusk.
Best time of year to visit?
Any time except summer! Spring and autumn are nice times of the year.
What are the top three things you recommend for visitors?
Eat tacos. Go swimming in the creek, or kayaking, or paddle-boarding in the lake. Go to a beer garden or catch some live music.
Besides friends and family, what do you miss most about home?
Good coffee and a good cafe breakfast. The beach and the scenery in general. Vogel’s.
How easy is it for you to get back to NZ?
Pretty straightforward since Air NZ started their direct Houston to Auckland route. We drive to Houston (about 21⁄2 hours), then it’s a 15-hour flight.
For Kiwis looking to move there, which industries are seeking fresh talent?
The tech and software industries are pretty big – there is an Apple campus. I’d love a Kiwi to start a good cafe.