First day

     Our first day in Puerto Vallarta has been fabulous. The weather is clear and sunny, the food is fresh and spicy, the people are friendly and funny. The bad economy in USA and Canada has had its effects on the economy of P.V. Tourist travel is down by 40% and as a result, unemployment in the city is climbing. Small shops and restaurants are hanging on by a thread, or have closed down.
     The countryside is affected differently. The folks out in Cabo Corrientes are not directly dependant on tourist dollars to make a living, but a lot of the young men and women who left home to work in the city have lost their jobs and have moved back home. It puts a strain on family budgets and on the local government.
     This weekend is the Dia de la Revolucion (Revolution Day) which is always a fun time. Lots of Mexican tourists take a long weekend to come to cities like P.V. There are buskers on the square, bands playing, fireworks and everyone staying out talking and singing until the wee hours of the morning. I went to bed 11 PM last night; going to bed was not the same as going to sleep. Music on the street lasted until almost 5 AM. Thank heavens for Starbucks.
     Tomorrow morning we leave for Cabo Corrientes. The first stop will be the town of El Tuito where we will talk with the Director of Schools for the whole area. I want to talk to him about the success of Libros for Learning up to now and get his input on any changes he recommends. I also want to get his guidance on how to start to work with the high schools. Up to now, I have only worked with primary schools.
     On Tuesday we will start visiting schools, with plans to go to eight schools during the week. With luck, we'll be back in town on Thanksgiving with the chance to have a turkey dinner. At least turkey tacos!
     Post comments if you like. I think I'll be able to read them.