The true test of how well we’ve got it together is adversity, not theory. The column I wrote for VirtualVallarta.com the day before Hurricane Kenna gave Vallarta her glancing blow was not only naïve, but glib. The one written a week later reveals my state of shock, going through the normal phase of blaming myself. Hindsight is always 20/20. Now, two weeks later, I’m realizing that “control” over life, death, nature – actually, anything but ourselves – is an illusion. Having said that, however, and come through the experience very little the worse for the wear, I’m grateful for the lessons it continues to teach.

Turns out the bay probably did protect us from much of the hurricane’s fury, which our neighbor to the north, San Blas, took full bore. My heart goes out to everyone there. Here in Vallarta, where we depend on tourism, “damage control” quickly went into effect, the consensus being we better not freak out potential tourists.
Well, why should we? The damage was limited to a narrow block-or-two-wide ribbon along the coast and is being repaired at an amazingly fast pace. Most restaurants, shops and services are open for business and the town more endearing than ever.

I don’t feel we should minimize what happened, nor expand upon it. Vallarta is no more at fault for being temporarily bruised than a young child is for skinning his knee. You ache for their pain, their loss of innocence, yet the episode quickly passes.

I suggest you be careful when buying drugs here – and I don’t mean the illicit kind. That’s another subject entirely. Many drugs available by prescription only up north, for reasons of contraindications, potentially adverse side affects and so on, are sold with impunity by local pharmacies. Waltz right in asking for the cure for what ails you and you’ll walk out with something. The question is: Do you know what? Buyer, beware.

I asked a pharmacy what they could give me for a specific condition. After much officious discussion and catalogue referencing, they presented two drugs to choose from. After duly noting their complete descriptions, I consulted a pharmaceutical guide. Both were completely inappropriate and indicated for an entirely different ailment! Several drugs safely prescribed for males are toxic to females, and vice versa. So, I find it scary when vets prescribe human drugs for my cats. I don’t know about you, but when I apply a skin ointment, I don’t spend the rest of the day licking it off. And did you know that some flea treatments for dogs kill cats? Jot down this information for a local animal pharmacy, so it’s handy when you need it: Morelos 892, El Centro, near Page in the Sun, 222-1969. The personable and eager-to-please owner, Consuelo, does not speak English.

When it comes to safety, none of us are in Kansas anymore, and making assumptions based on how you think things should be can get you killed. In one common scenario, a bus comes to a halt, a pedestrian makes eye contact with the driver, then steps out in front of it to cross the road. Unfortunately, these vehicles are so large they block vision of any oncoming traffic in the next lane. Got the idea? Good. Keep it in mind. While our city buses are cheap, colorful, frequent and fast, names like The Hood, The Demon, The Sheriff and Armageddon 2000 reveal their aggressive macho bent.

On a more humorous note, have you ever tried practicing in the mirror the vapid look of nonchalance adopted by passengers who remain resolutely in aisle seats while blocking others from getting to the empty window ones? At first I was shocked, but now find the whole thing quite a trip. I’ve actually perfected “the look,” but can’t bring myself to seriously adopt it in context. Can you?

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