A big part of Mexico’s charm is its relative freedom from government interference. The flip side of that, however, is that you can’t safely make certain assumptions – like thinking parasailing operators would never do business when its too windy to do so, for instance.

Following a recent spate of three accidents in a four-day period, I feel the need to alert visitors to the fact that safety standards here really are different from what you are accustomed to up North.

Every month, thousands of normally cautious folks leap at the chance to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the town and have a great time doing so. But a few unfortunate adventurers have been blown into buildings, hit by lightning and more. So choose your operator and weather conditions carefully.

Spreading bold banners around town encouraging folks not to drink in the streets (one hopes particularly when driving) is perhaps the final act of our mayor, Pedro Ruiz Higuera, who stepped down April 7 from the helm of the municipal government to run for state Congress as his father Guillermo did before him.

There’s no question that this is a timely message and could go a long way toward keeping people safe during the incredibly busy Semana Santa, or Holy Week, now upon us. Starting April 10, we can expect the traffic to be ridiculous and beaches jammed with sun and fun seekers making the most of their days off.

Since Vallarta is a popular vacation spot for the residents of several nearby big cities, including Guadalajara, families tend to drive here and overwhelm our atmospheric, narrow streets for a couple of weeks.

I used to be an Easter visitor, too, thinking nothing of the madness except that it was a lot of fun and intensified the party hearty atmosphere. But when you live and work here your attitude changes, because everything is more difficult to accomplish during this period and getting around is a relative nightmare. After just a year or two, I recognized the pattern: When the deluge of tourists enters, the locals depart – similar, I suppose, to what happens in August to Paris.

This year, symbolically at least, the mayor is also exiting stage left and Acting Mayor Ignacio Guzman – his great smile a metaphor for Vallarta’s reputation as an exceptionally friendly place – has taken over the reins at City Hall, transitioning from his supporting role as vice-mayor.

The recently released May issue of “Bon Appetit” magazine features Puerto Vallarta’s bohemian Red Cabbage Café. Devoted to the best cuisine this country has to offer, the issue is aptly entitled “The Soul of Mexico” – Cabbage creator and owner Lola Bravo one of the most soulful people I know.
Back in the mid-‘90s, before actress/director Selma Hayek’s film “Frida” made the general public aware of the avant-garde, artistic lifestyle of Mexican painters Frida and Diego, the passionate couple so intrigued her that she highlights their art and tastes at her funky, riverside dinner spot – an exact translation of their wedding feast on the intriguing menu.

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions about what you’re reading, you’re encouraged to let me know at heather@mexmags.com.