A delightful evening at an intimate French gourmet restaurant and cooking school in Bucerias pointed out to me yet again how exceptional Banderas Bay is in the culinary department. While a dozen guests sat in the kitchen sipping fine wines, nibbling homemade pates and getting to know one another, the friendly, French owner-chef prepared our world-class dinner with flourishes and laughter. The quality, quantity and variety of options for dining in this former sleepy fishing village now exceed that of many capital cities. For a hybrid gourmet-gourmand like me, this is one of the dimensions that makes living here really exciting. What’s next? Sure, I like tacos as much as the next guy. But why limit myself? Even on a tight budget, bliss is found at increasing numbers of upscale places providing comida corridas – inexpensive complete meals including a drink, soup and main course for about 30 pesos. I feel sorry for people who believe food myths about Mexico, especially when they connect them with a happening tourist resort like Vallarta. Not expecting much, they settle for all-inclusive packages and call it a good deal while missing out on a buffet of yummy adventures.

With this area said to be dengue fever-free for five years, a recent case too close for comfort has resulted in government-mandated fumigation wherever pools of water could breed the mosquitos that transmit it. At this time of year, nowhere is above suspicion – abandoned lots, fields, kiddy pools and flowerpots. This seems like a good thing. But to my chagrin, I’ve spotted barefooted workers dressed as if on the beach spraying – and one would imagine praying, if they know the consequences of not wearing masks – in their own path, thereby inhaling the deadly chemical soup. Cure one thing, cause another.

Since the clothes in my cupboard don’t smell musty yet, I say with authority the rainy season’s off to a slow start. Water’s not letting us down, however, in the drama department. Cruising down main thoroughfare Francisco Villa to reach the pubic library where American author Pat Henry gave a dress rehearsal of her upcoming book tour presentation, I half expected to see curious crocodiles peeking around car rims. This well-traveled road is known to quickly mutate into a rushing river whenever it rains heavily for five minutes or so. No more than concrete over dirt, apparently drainage under the artery didn’t seem necessary at the time of construction. The rainy season is only half the year…

So do we want more of this wet stuff or not? Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink. Concern about shortages is increasing throughout the republic with lots of the precious precipitation owed to its northern neighbor. In this state at least, reminders to conserve this necessary nectar of life are sprinkled throughout the media.

Equally important to protect for the future are children, reader Vicky Mason reminded me in an email. She’s looking for any kind of help for a group foster home she volunteers at called El Refugio Infantil de Santa Esperanza. Open just one year, today 34 kids from newborn to 14 depend on the scarce resources available – particularly in the summer. She notes that when people find out about these kids they often help, even tourists taking time from their vacation to visit and maybe color or play “futbol” with them, change a diaper or contribute a few dollars. Is there anything you can do? Vicky’s email is vmason@rkymtnhi.com and the orphanage web site is www.refugioinfantil.com.

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