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Image is important, survey after survey reiterating that we have precious few seconds after meeting someone before being sized up. Well, that goes for places, too, and Vallarta certainly holds its own in that department. But good looks just aren’t enough to hold one’s interest for long.
How often I have heard “It was love at first sight,” about Puerto Vallarta. It happened for me! So I jumped in with both feet and moved here in 1991, not knowing a soul. And while it hasn’t always been smooth sailing, it turned out to be the right thing to do, because not only am I embraced by outstanding beauty, more importantly I’m constantly intrigued and challenged by a culture with life-changing lessons to teach me if I’m willing to be receptive – things I might never have learned in Canada.
Over the years I’ve noticed a tendency for newly arrived expatriates to act as if they have all the answers. I guess if truth be known I was, and undoubtedly sometimes still am, one of them, not having a clue about how much I have yet to learn. And it took a long time, lots of soul searching and confusion, before I even began to comprehend that beliefs, values, assumptions and expectations arising naturally out of Canadian structures and morés don’t necessarily fly here. Nor would I really want them to when it comes down to it. Because while I love Canada dearly, life where the unexpected is to be expected is much more exciting.
Although I have to say, the honeymoon’s over. And what a relief! Because now I’m appreciating what is rather than getting disappointed every time something happens that contradicts my notion of what paradise – only a concept, after all – should be.
And I’ve come to terms with the realization that much of what initially attracted me has a flip side, giving me a better handle on how things work. Take the Mexican propensity to live joyously 100% in the moment. How refreshing! Yet taking cause and effect into consideration is not usually part of the equation.
So as wonderful as it is, I now can accept that Vallarta has ongoing issues to deal with if it is to continue attracting people like you and me down the road. And I’ve learned, by watching nationals and expats who successfully cooperate to improve life here for everyone, that nothing stops us from rolling up our sleeves for this town we love except ourselves. While foreigners are prohibited from political involvement, much of what comes under political jurisdiction in both the U.S. and Canada is dependent on private initiatives here. And each and every one of us has the potential to make a positive difference.
The late Terry Fox is a sterling example. As you probably know, this young Canadian lost a leg to cancer yet was determined to raise awareness about that deadly disease and the money to cure it by running coast to coast of that country in 1980 and collecting a dollar from every one of its 24 million citizens. And while a recurrence prevented him from physically reaching his objective, he did collect the $24 million. And runs held in his name in 50 countries around the world for the past 25 years have raised many times more than that.
Right here in Vallarta on May 22, the Canadian consulate will host its fourth Terry Fox run – which you can actually walk, ride in a wheelchair or bike – for distances ranging from one to ten kilometers, with about 3,500 expected to participate and a big bash at Collage to follow with entertainment for the entire family. To enter, download an inscription form at vallarta@canada.org.mx. Money raised last year went to the University of Guadalajara to pursue cancer research.
And May 15 saw the second Altruism Festival sponsored by the United States consul on the grounds of the Marriott Casa Magna, with more than 1,300 enjoying great food and drink donated by the city’s best bars and restaurants and having the opportunity to meet representatives from 20 local charities including the public library, an orphanage, food bank, and animal neuter and spay program. Entertainment was provided throughout, with the dancers from Vallarta Adventures’ Rhythm of the Night Tour particularly outstanding. One hundred per cent of the funds collected are divided between the charities selected, with each receiving well over a thousand dollars last year and this year’s tally expected to be higher.
Most snowbirds have returned to their respective countries until next fall, the high season technically over. But the tourists filling our hotels and tours don’t seem to realize that. It’s already mid-May yet feels more like mid-April in terms of activity. And when you work in the tourist industry that’s a compliment because it means we’re doing something right!
If you have any comments, questions or suggestions about what you’re reading,
you’re encouraged to let me know at heather@mexmags.com
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