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Elena Hiatt Houlihan Issue 25, May 2016
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AZTEC SUNSET RITUAL BY TZINACAN TLAMATINI
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ORDINARY HEROES: SUNG AND UNSUNG
It’s a myth that everyone who comes to Puerto Vallarta
sits lazily on the beach or
hangs around drinking margaritas at never-ending Happy Hours. There are many organizations which raise money for cleft-palate operations, provide scholarships for students, help handicapped children or even rescue stray animals. Many of these volunteers are ex-pats and snowbirds who are unsung heroes, while some occasionally get their name in the paper.
It’s a delicate matter, trying to help in another country, perhaps seen by some as misguided attempts to “fix” a foreign culture, or as the “White Savior” complex. Still, there is visible evidence that many of these “do-gooders” actually do good.
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| My friend Arlene became upset at the derelict and trash-ridden pocket park below her apartment, and cleaned out innumerable bags of garbage with the help of Raymundo, a street person she enlisted. Then she and Robbin painted all the play equipment, and Robbin hired her handyman to fix the swings. Voila! a park the neighborhood kids could play in. On Valentine’s Day, they organized a Sunday afternoon party with a fancy cake and piñata and children’s laughter rang through the air. |
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Long before that, numerous volunteers and many community supporters organized by the Garden Club decided to beautify Vallarta, “Embellecer Vallarta,” by planting bougainvilleas along the main streets. At their peak in May they arch colorfully over roads and walkways rewarding all who are privileged to see them. Some donors have their names or those of loved ones on plaques on the planters, yet most of the dedicated people behind the scenes are unknown to the public. I celebrate them (you know who you are!) and honor their contributions of time and energy.
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Here in Puerto Vallarta, our visiting maestros, Froyamel Corro and MIriam Gutiérrez gave their final performance Tuesday night at the Jazz Foundation. “Tango, Lejos Más te Quiero,” was a dramatic story of love told through tango. Froy and Miriam have inspired us all with their grace and professionalism. We wish them well in their upcoming travels to Buenos Aires. |
IT’S FOREVER TANGO…..!When I last wrote, I was on my way to the tango festival in San Miguel de Allende. Of course I had to nab a dancer for a photo shoot. Here I am with Alejandro from Mexico City. He reminds me of my cousin Bob, so I boldly introduced myself.
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PRESERVING CULTURE THROUGH DANCE
It’s been an amazing season for dance here in Jalisco. From April 27-May 8, 11 national dance companies, and 8 international groups performed in numerous locations as part of the 10th Festival Vallarta Azteca del Folclor Internacional. Dances varied from the traditional country folk dances of El Salvador, to the sophisticad European-influenced soireés performed by the large company from Guanajuato. There were wedding scenarios where all the women twirled with a water glass on their heads (with real water, I might add!) and the men danced with wine bottles on theirs. Skirts swirled and and machetes clashed in a dance which reminded me of the Russian cossacks. I learned afterward that these hundreds of dancers and musicians were provided transportation and lodging, but were unpaid for their days and nights of performing. The hours of practice were evident in the precision of their steps, and the complexity of the costumes is a tribute to the talented hands of many seamstresses. These artists are also unsung heros who enrich our lives through the transient poetry of dance.
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CONNECTING AND RE-CONNECTING
You are receiving this email because I met you somewhere in my travels and wanted to stay in touch…dancing tango in Buenos Aires perhaps? A party in San Miguel de Allende? Wandering in Oaxaca, or maybe long ago in France or Bali. You could even be a distant cousin I haven’t seen for years. You may have forgotten me, but I have not forgotten you. If the tales of my travels don’t spark your interest, just hit unsubscribe. Or, if this has been forwarded to you, please click below to subscribe. Merci mille fois! Y muchas gracias!
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THE MUSE MOVES ON…
I thought it would quiet down more since many of my friends have flown north, yet dinners, festivals and gatherings with friends enliven my week. The goodbye-sayings still occur daily, each with a tinge of regret.
It’s the sunset of my time in Mexico, since I leave Thursday for a summer of travel, a wedding, and reunions with family and friends.
The beauty of being here now, and having been here every winter since 2011, is that these deepening connections and enriching experiences can only occur when one is no longer a tourist. I find I am still writing about the same themes, yet the gold of these relationships and shared journeys comes from a deeper vein and fills my heart with gratitude, making it harder to depart.
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NOTE:
My apartment above the sea will be available for about 4 months. If any of my readers are interested in a vacation/escape/sabbatical/artist residency in Mexico, let me know. Terms are very reasonable! I will send out an addendum with details and photos.
Once again, remember to take care of your special selves, follow your dreams, and express your love fully to those around you. We are more perishable than we think.
Abrazos y besos,
Elena
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