A woman from Seattle I’ve recently befriended, who has been coming here a couple of times a year for the past 16, joined me on an Art Walk last week. Surprisingly, it was her first. And now she’s kicking herself! She says she just can’t believe she has “missed out on it all these years.” Well, like most things, better late than never. And the good news is that she’ll be able to catch the first one of the 2003-2004 high season when she returns in October.

Reflecting on this, I wonder if there are others who are missing out and don’t even know it. So let me point out a couple of things. First, although there are officially 11 galleries one could potentially visit, you can go to just one or as many as you want. There’s absolutely no pressure or obligation. It’s really about getting an overview of the diverse and active art scene here, meeting the artists should you care to, and having a wonderful evening of socializing with those who have learned the value of these occasions as Vallarta’s best opportunity to see and be seen.

Most gallery owners say they rarely make sales during these events. Rather, what tends to happen is that when people spot something that catches their fancy, they return to check it out later.

Our town’s abuzz with a massive influx of tourists. Happily for an estimated 60,000 Mexicans, Easter is when they are able to break away from their six-day-a-week jobs and enjoy their birthright: our gorgeous public beaches on the azure Pacific.

With the crowds comes a need for intensified public security. So City Hall has 2,000 extra personnel patrolling our beaches and streets. And it prepared a handy information sheet about staying safe and secure that’s being distributed on the street.

Technically, every inch of beachfront throughout this country is, by law, open to the public. Some local residents seem to wish that wasn’t so, not appreciating the heightened party atmosphere throughout this hectic holiday period. Sure, quite a few nationals camp on the beach and sleep in their vehicles because they don’t have the money to spend on the tourist accoutrements we gringos take for granted. But so what? They may not be adding greatly to the coffers of our local economy, but they’re not hurting anybody. And they are having a great time while adding immeasurably to the zest of this place. All too soon, things will turn quiet until the tourist season gears up again next November.

Whenever I overhear ‘old-timers’ to Vallarta bemoaning its inevitable growth, saying it has lost its old-fashioned fishing village charm, I want to blurt out “You’re just not paying attention!”

In the neighborhood where I live, for instance, many women still do their laundry in the river as their mothers and grandmothers did before them – the street I live on a cacophony of competing noises or incredibly rich in traditional Mexican atmosphere, depending on the mood I’m in.

Regardless, I awake to roosters crowing and donkeys braying. And with the widespread usage of crackling loudspeakers, I need never fear missing any passing vendors. Strawberries, melons, oranges, shrimp, tamales, gas, water, furniture – you name it, I hear about it. And then there are the ‘magic potions’ that fix whatever ails you. Apparently, according to loud and commanding voices, they help you lose weight if you’re fat or to put it on if your skinny, give you energy if you’re tired or relax you if you’re hyper. You get the idea. One pill or potion fits every contingency.

I shake my head as I watch housewives racing to spend precious pesos on this stuff. A couple of years ago, I remember observing this with a similarly astounded gringo neighbor when, suddenly, out into the street darted another neighbor whom we both knew well – or thought we did. “Good,” I said. “She’ll give them a piece of her mind.”

Nodding, my neighbor and I were relieved that the bellowing would soon be over. Her mission accomplished, she hurried back to her door and we shouted down our thanks to her. Looking up at us on the balcony, she beamed beatifically and announced proudly: “Look what I bought. It’s just what I needed.”

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