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SAVORING THE RICHNESS OF MEXICO
Dear Friends and Family, Old and New, Near and Far:
After the transitions of the last year, it's been both peaceful and restorative to be here in Puerto Vallarta, renewing friendships and meeting new people. Yes, the press is full of violence which intimidates some, yet millions of Mexicans and tourists go to the markets, stroll the Malecon with their families and live unscathed.
 I'm continually renewed by the color I find around every corner, and especially among the performers and the "living sculptures" I see daily, earning their living by standing totally still in an exotic costume, despite the heat.
Entertaining sur- prises abound in Puerto Vallarta. One night the strains of Phantom of the Opera played by a talented violinist will waft up to my terrace from the Malecon; another night the energetic music of the mariachis will be inescapable, while the beach walkway itself becomes the stage for mimes, jugglers, a Michael Jackson impersonator who has all the moves down perfectly, and this creature who looks like he just emerged from the film Pirates of the Caribbean. Last week, I was startled to see a group of Buddhist Monks with sculpted head- dresses, seated on the stage at Los Arcos ampi- theater, intoning Tibetan chants to a rapt audience of Mexicans and foreigners who understood not a word. Who knows how they got there, but their sonorous sounds somehow made me feel that all was right with the world.
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| DANCING MY WAY THROUGH LIFE...
I always thought that would be a lovely way to live, and i have to say, that though I certainly don't dance every day, I am enamored with and enriched by the variety of dance in Puerto Vallarta. The folkloric troup, Xiutla (pronounced shootla), performs (for free! except for audience donations) every  Friday and Sunday evening on outdoor stages. Founded in 1994 by Professor Enrique Barrios, with about 30 young dancers, the group now consists of over 200 and has performed internationally. Their talent and energy are amazing, and when they are flinging their skirts into the air, it's a visual poetry of flowing ruffles.
And let's not forget tango. The chance of connecting with a stranger, of moving rhythmically to the music, and yes, of even looking glamorous, if only for a night, is both seductive 
and addictive. And I am fortunate to have found a fascinating international group of tango lovers in Puerto Vallarta. Here my friends Inna and Pablo strike a dramatic pose. With a tinge of regret, I'm saying goodbye this week to my friends in Mexico, while also looking forward to re-connecting with my family and loved ones back in the States. As always, I wish I could be in two places at once! Please remember to take care of your special selves, follow your dreams, and express your love fully to those around you. Abrazos y besos, Elena |
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MUSE BRIEFS:
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Mmmmm, dessert! This was taken at the lovely and tranquil Mirasoles restaurant in Morelia. Usually I cook for myself in Puerto Vallarta, though I occasionally succumb to shrimp-on-a-stick or street tacos. So after staying in very economical hostels in Queretaro and Morelia, I indulged in an elegant lunch before my all night bus ride back to Puerto Vallarta. I loved the setting, with white umbrellas over the tables and a bubbling fountain, yet between you and me, the presentation was more exciting than the taste. Of course, that dessert could have been a little bigger!
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NOTE: You may be a close friend or relative, someone who's genuinely interested in the continuing saga of my book or my meanderings, a teacher or student I've worked with, an editor I'm trying to impress, a perfect stranger I met briefly on the night bus to Palenque, or had an intense conversation with on the beach in Conchas Chinas, even a temporary tango partner. Perhaps you've forgotten me, but I have not forgotten you! Since I'm NOT making any promises to make you RICH, BRILLIANT or FAMOUS in 5 easy steps (not yet anyway), if my stories and observations don't enliven your day, then hit UNSUBSCRIBE. If you've been forwarded this newsletter, please click below to subscribe. Merci mille fois! Y muchas gracias!
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LOS DANZANTES...
Last year, shortly after my arrival in January, I was transfixed to see four strikingly costumed dancers stop on the sidewalk, command an audience with the slow whoooo-oo-oot of a conch shell, then begin leaping, stamping and whirling to the beat of a large wooden drum. Fascinated, I began photo-graphing them whenever possible, hoping I was not trampling on unseen cultural barriers. This May, Tzinacan, the leader of the group, invited me to accompany them to a ceremony in the desert and on to Chalma where hundreds of dancers come to perform the week before Pentecost. There I met Rene, among others, who is so dedicated that he has been dancing at Chalma for over 20 years.  It was an unforgettable experience, one I will cherish for a lifetime. And that's a story for another day. | |
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