| The Romantic side of Vallarta
By The Editor
In accordance with the definition in the dictionary "romantic" is a sentimental person, inclined to the exaltation of feelings, of idealism, of fantasy or of disinterestedness. And walking through the streets of Puerto Vallarta, especially during the rainy season, I turn precisely into this."a romantic".
 During the first part of the 20th century what is today's downtown right next to the mouth of the Cuale River was not inhabited. At that time Puerto Vallarta was a heavenly corner of Mexico, isolated from the world and without any expectation to be discovered. I think about this and in my mind images are appearing of a place as green as some spaces still are and which can be observed, a place where the Cuale river is constantly bathing the banks of the island bearing its name and which at present divides the downtown area from the romantic zone. In this place if I close my eyes and listen to the sounds of the river water flowing towards the ocean, I evoke the past in such a way that even without having seen it, that exuberant world is outlined in my mind, a world which for a long time was only admired by bird species that throughout the years have been telling us through their songs about part of the history. This makes me idealize and fantasize.
 Very early in the morning sitting on the side of the malecon while seagulls and pelicans carry out their first morning flights and the mountain begins to get dressed with light and flowers start to open their petals, I observe in the horizon how a luxury cruise ship is approaching, bringing with it thousands of new visitors. Mi mind now is transported to the years when someone from the very same spot was observing deeply touched those ships stopping in the harbor during the 1920's in order to load goods and fill up on supplies. How many things have occurred since then and how many things are still about to happen. And those moments not lived but known through literature are remembered as the key element for the beginning of live of this destination.
In the evening I return to the malecon and enjoying a home-made ice-cream (nieve de garrafa). I walk amongst the people and listen to how their laughter mixes with the peculiar sound the water generates while being brought to the beach by the waves and returning to the ocean through the stones blocking the way. In that moment while the atmosphere is invaded by a soft fragrance of salt the face of my sweetheart appears on my mind. I can observe her black and expressive eyes while they are illuminated by the last rays of light emitted by the sun before it hides in the immensity of the ocean.
 The time has come to return home and to take a rest. It is the moment to review what has occurred and to program the next day, however my mind pauses with the reflection of what happened and then my heart beats softly and caressing me it tells me: give thanks for being here, request so that it will always stay that way, and relax knowing that tomorrow, in addition to your chores, you may walk again through the streets of Puerto Vallarta, if you wish to do so, feeling how the ocean breeze penetrates past, present and future life in you while moistening your skin.
This is how romantic Vallarta is.
The Editor
editor@pvmirror.com
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