Gringos who’ve never experienced a summer here probably assume they’re not missing much. But the visiting nationals currently having a fabulous time with friends and family on the bay’s 100-plus beaches know better.

Granted, it’s hotter than most everyone prefers, it rains a lot, and some businesses close for a month or two. But this gringa thanks god for these fragrantly green and idyllically peaceful few months that will pass all too soon. For this is when we can stop whatever we’re doing long enough to soak in the mystery that’s Vallarta, when we can finally get to know people on a more than superficial level because they can actually take a moment or two and chat, and when the soul-stirring storms flush away psychic debris. It’s also when there are a lot more discounts offered, like two dinners or drinks for the price of one and much cheaper hotel accommodations.

Those of us working in this popular tourist resort value the opportunity to catch our breath, get a handle on things and do whatever’s necessary to get ahead of the game for the upcoming “high season,” which historically runs from about American Thanksgiving in November to mid-April. And just because a door is closed, it doesn’t mean there’s not plenty going on inside. Some proprietors use this time to remodel or expand, while others “spring” clean, shop for new inventory or plan their marketing strategy.

Here at Producciones Viva we’ve got lots of projects in the works, but the pace, at this moment, is sane, largely because there are fewer organized events to attend. In season it sometimes feels like a race you can’t win to get to three or four in an evening. Whenever I miss one that I really wish I hadn’t, I jot down when and where it took place and then keep my eyes open for it the following year, the weeklong visit of the Tibetan Monks, for example. I had wanted to see them in 2002, but didn’t, figuring that by the time their message was translated into Spanish and then English something would be lost in the process. Well, guess what I found out after they’d gone? They speak English.

So this year, about 150 of us went to their full moon ceremony at a venue seemingly created for just this purpose, the hilltop and soulfully spectacular Terra Noble (Noble Earth). No spring chicken, a couple of hours sitting cross-legged on damp grass reminded me that some daily stretching would hurt less than that did, but the evening was fascinating, electrical energy illuminating the night sky as their chanting did our spiritual natures. And later that week, I attended a conference on Tibetan shamanism that ended up being about reincarnation, an intriguing perspective on ultimate reality that was followed by a very lively question and answer session.

The monks did, however, worry me by saying that every action we take creates karma – even swatting a mosquito. Yikes! Living in the tropics, what’s a girl to do? Well, according to the May 2003 issue of “Consumer Reports” magazine, applying liquid or cream body armor is the answer, but only if you chose your product well.

The choices can overwhelm, so some of us blithely go about our business sans protection, hoping it won’t come down to them or us. Most of these suckers are relatively harmless, we tell ourselves repeatedly, just a few of the 2,000 or so members of their species the really bad guys that cause serious illness. But who has the time, not to mention the eyesight and inclination, to figure out who’s who?

“Consumer Reports” says products containing about 30% deet (diethyl toluamide) have proven the most effective and are safe for anyone older than two months. How long will bug sprays protect you? Thirteen hours if you’re wearing Off! Deep Woods for Sportsmen or 3M Ultrathon, the report says, adding that a repellent to spray on your clothes, Repel Permanone, dampens their desire to bite through them for a full 24 hours.
Some food for thought if you’d rather not be theirs.

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