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February 9, 2003.
Every once in
a while, a topic comes up that seems to awaken everyone from what has often been
called a "Tequila-induced lethargy". There are many variations on that
theme here in Vallarta. Even those who do not imbibe Mexico's traditional drink
are affected at times. I'm not sure if it's the sun, the heat or the truly Pacific
environment, but it is a feeling that often borders on apathy, a feeling that
overcomes nationals and foreigners alike... What I'm referring
to in this particular case is the topic of buses in the downtown area of the city,
the core of it all. I've been with the Tribune for many years and I cannot recall
any topic that has aroused so many. The first week following the editor's invitation
to readers to send in their opinions on the matter resulted in a whole lot of
"anti-bus" responses. That in turn appeared to awaken those who differ
with that opinion, those whose letters appear in this issue. The good thing, in
my humble opinion, is that many logical, viable solutions were put forth, but
the question -as always- is what will be done about it? I
can see and understand both sides of the question, but I must admit that we all
did get a good chuckle out of the letter sent in by the gentleman who claims he
has never seen an empty bus... I wonder in what parts of the town he travels in.
Personally, I would suggest to that particular gentleman that he come spend an
hour or so on one of the benches in the main square - with a pad and pencil at
hand so that he too may take note of the frequency and the number of empty buses
that pass by that particular part of town. With regard
to one of my own pet peeves - the telephone company - I guess that so many Mexicans
were upset with the new system that went into effect on January 30th (the "800"
complaint number was jammed for five days straight) that TelMex finally decided
to cancel the announcement that would come on every time we picked up the receiver
of a residential telephone, the one that prevented everyone to connect to the
internet as it eliminated the dial tone. Finally. I'm delighted, but it still
doesn't explain why they instituted it to start with. The problem since they removed
the announcement is that we no longer get the "beep-beep" that would
announce the presence of messages received while the line was busy or while we
were out. So unless you check every time, you will never know whether you have
messages in your voice mail box …or not. A new contributor
has joined our group this week. Attorney at law Licenciado Miguel Macedo is offering
some very good legal info for all of us who, like me, are befuddled by the intricacies
of Mexico's version of the Napoleonic Code. By the way, if you want all the info
in one neat package, you could always pick up a copy of that great little book,
"México Magico - Everything you ever wanted to know ...but nobody
told you" by Professor German Estrada. "Libros, libros, books, books",
the book store on 31 de Octubre (across the street from Duke's) always has some
in stock. And, in case all of you satellite owners are interested, they also get
that infamously elusive "Orbit" magazine -on time- every month! On
a totally different subject, what is the big hoopla around the new movie being
shot about Alexander the Great, starring Leonardo Di Caprio (they couldn't find
anyone better, I guess…)? Anyone who has studied ancient history at university
level knows that the Great was bisexual, believing that he had to "spread
his love equally among all those around him". Purportedly, among his many
conquests, Alexander had three male lovers, a eunuch and an Amazon. So what's
the big fuss? I'm not sure whether it has something to
do with low cloud covers or what, but there was one night last week when the fireworks
of the Marigalante reverberated around the valley as if they were cannon shots.
It was awesome. I think it was the night that preceded the unusual late January
thunderstorm. How beautifully clean everything was the next day! And how lovely
the scent. I remember thinking my girlfriend was crazy when she told me, nine
years ago, "Wait 'till you spend a summer down here. It's even more beautiful
that the winter." She was right. Rain in Vallarta is awesome. And
talking of weather, on Groundhog Day, Sunday, February 2nd, America's most famous
groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, emerged from his burrow and saw his shadow, suggesting
another six weeks of wintry weather. Hopefully, this will represent more visitors
for this town. Unfortunately, what with all the disinformation broadcast by sources
such as CNN, combined with the lack of response on the part of the local authorities,
tourism here has fallen so much since Hurricane Kenna decided to tickle us with
her tail that many local shop and restaurant owners have become truly alarmed. On
the matter of special dates, I would like to offer my personal apology to readers
of this column for having forgotten to advise them about the national holiday
last Wednesday, February 5th - Mexico's Constitution Day. I confess that I forgot
all about it and was taken by surprise when reminded of that legal holiday ...the
day before. I also want to express my sympathies to the friends and families and
supporters of all the valiant astronauts who perished in that terrible event the
first day of this month. I would like to share some good
news with our readers: PV Mirror, the internet web site that carries most of the
Tribune's articles as well as many from other sources at www.pvmirror.com has
averaged over 1,000,000 hits per month for the last three months, ever since October
26th! Now that's enough to make anyone's heart glad. I
wish everyone a most wonderful, loving Valentine's Day, filled with warmth and
hugs and kisses and hope that the feelings continue throughout the year. Hasta
luego.pvmomto3@hotmail.com Archives
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