by David Simmonds

A few years ago I read a wonderful book, Puerto Vallarta, My Memories, by Catalina Montes de Oca Contreras, who landed in Puerto Vallarta by boat as a young lady in 1918. The book was sent to me by her granddaughter, Yolanda (Pita) C. de Garduno, who had translated the first edition into English. Having been a traveler to Puerto Vallarta since 1970, my favorite place ever, I was enthralled by the book with its beautiful narrative of PV life during the entire 20th century. The small town depiction, along with historical vintage photographs, draws you into a simple life and time in sharp contrast to present-day PV. Although, if you look closely, that small village still exits if you know the town beyond the resort walls. 

So it was with great pleasure that I have just received an email from Yolanda letting me know that she had composed and recorded a song titled  “Song to Puerto Vallarta” , and that it had just been unveiled at a ceremony at the town hall in PV. She also sent me a link to hear her music. Frankly, I wasn’t expecting much. I mean, who has the ability to write and sing a good song unless you’re in the business? But I clicked on the link anyway and was absolutely blown away…hair-standing-on-the-back-of-the-neck-style. Yolanda nailed it, with words and melody that magically send you straight to your favorite old-town back street near the sea, walking the cobblestones to El Dorado or the malecon for a sunset beer as the summer rain clouds move rapidly over the impossibly green hills. It is indeed the perfect song for the perfect place. Thank you, Yolanda.

To read more about this and to hear the song please click here http://www.pvmirror.com/artculture/201-artculture-ing.html.