For the Love of Literature

We welcome our readers’ reflections on the people, places and experiences which developed in them a love of reading.



In the footsteps of the tiger
By Maruja González, June 8, 2007

I spent my early childhood in a world without television; it simply did not exist in Cuba or Mexico, my two countries. Perhaps because I had no idea what it was, I didn’t need or miss it, unlike children of today. We did, however, have wonderful books full of illustrations that would take us on spectacular vicarious adventures.

My parents would bring me little paperbacks from a series called “Marujita” which, being my name, made me feel they were written especially for me.

From these to the adventure novels of Emilio Salgari, those prodigies of Sandocan: the Malaysian tiger, Captain Torment or the Lion of Damascus all fed my spirit of adventure, which lives in me to this day. I read Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, admiring the wise Sherlock. I read Maurice Leblanc and fell in love with that daring thief Arsenio Lupín. My heroes, be they cops or robbers, any intrepid man of dash and daring filled my imagination and made me realize that a life without risk is not worth living.

From adventure to romance novels, with my very favorite being Cumbres Borrascosas (Wuthering Heights)a tale full of passion, unrequited love and anguish, much like life itself.

The time came when I read little more than the technical and scientific journals in my field of study which is archaeology. But these dry, pedantic works weren’t fulfilling and I returned with joy to literature, not just to reading but to writing as well. My only regret is that I didn’t try earlier, take that risk sooner.

My adventure in writing continues, steeped in the joy of reading, as at this stage of life, I can no longer follow the footsteps of the tigers of Malaysia.





Literary Tuesdays

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Nobel Prize winning author Gabriel García Marquez is the choice for this month’s discussion group which meets every Tuesday at 5pm in the Sala Quetzal.

Published in 1967, the book follows several generations of the Buendía family in the fictional town of Macondo. The Columbian novelist (and journalist, publisher, political activist) was born in Aracataca, the hamlet he immortalized in his novel and which introduced the world to “magical realism”—where the fantastical is accepted as ordinary.

His genre is difficult to pin down, characters from one book appear in others and along with the elements of magical realism, Marquez often incorporates actual historical events.

A prolific writer of journalism and short stories, One Hundred Years of Solitude is considered his masterpiece and has ranked him among the greatest Latin American writers of the 20th century.

Marquez, who lives in Mexico City, returned to his birthplace last Wednesday (May 30) for the first time in 25 years. He was greeted by a swarm of photographers, autograph seekers, well wishers, children and banners praising their native son. Last year the residents of Aracataca voted overwhelmingly to change the town’s name to Aracataca-Macondo, but high absenteeism invalidated the results. 

Literary Tuesdays, an ongoing event, is coordinated by Victor Sahuatoba. Last month’s choice was Labyrinth of Solitude by Octavio Paz. Spanish and English speakers are all welcome.

Tibetan Buddhism—Relevant or a relic? Part II
By Victoria Tustin. June 8, 2007

In anticipation of the upcoming visit of Tibetan monks, a dip into the main principles of Tibetan astrology may be of interest.

Tibetan astrology has its roots in Eastern traditions; Hindu, Chinese, the local Bon religion and the Buddhist Kalachakra Tantra. Considered one of the five secondary sciences in Tibet, it is used not only for divination, but also in the study of time cycles and for the compilation of the calendar. This calendar is still quite important in the daily life of Tibetans who use it in planning that their daily activities are in tune with the cosmos.

Certain days of the week and month are considered particularly auspicious for the undertaking of specific activities—ranging from marriage, the hanging of prayer flags and incredible as it may seem to us, even for cutting one’s hair! It is believed within the tradition that the position of the planets and the cycles of the elements determine good or bad fortune.

Historically the astrologer was an important member of the village community. He would advise on all manner of events pertaining to village life. This could include the best time to harvest, the weather, marriage, and business prospects.

Within the Tibetan community apprentice astrologers must study many years before he is ready to minister to the general public. Naturally the purpose of Tibetan astrology is that it be used for the benefit of others in accordance with the Bodhisattva motivation which seeks spiritual enlightenment for the highest good of all sentient beings.

Tibetan astrology sessions are being offered by the monks during their visit from June 15–24. Sessions are approximately an hour and you are encouraged to ask any questions you may have pertaining to your past, present or future. Appointments by advanced booking only. For more information, call 152-0376.









Letters to the Editor



Editor,

Referring to the letter to the editor, “Ecología and Dogs” by Ms. Anne Rusling published in your issue of May 25, 2007, unfortunately I have to agree with many points Rusling expresses. I assure her that things will improve soon, as I am well aware of the urgent need for an adequate, well run pound.

Ecología just recently obtained a lot from the Municipality of 8, 233 square meters for the purpose of constructing the official Canine Control Center, which we will start to build with the help of Amigos de los Animales. We are now in the process of collecting estimates for the fencing of the property. Afterwards proper cages to hold the dogs will be built. As always, the lack of funds delays every project, so we can only progress in stages as money becomes available.

As far as sterilization programs are concerned, we have started visiting the outskirts of the Municipality with veterinarians hired by Amigos de los Animales to sterilize dogs with owners. Up to now, these dogs were having litter after litter, which in most cases ended up on the streets thereby increasing the population of not only street dogs, but also wild dogs.

Coming back to the pound, we shall make sure that dogs have adequate shelter, food, water and clean cages, as Amigos de los Animales has offered to hire a part time employee to oversee the Facility.

Radio announcements have already been programmed by the Municipal Advertising Department to inform the public on a daily basis where to call or go if someone’s dog is missing.

Respectfully submitted,
Don Paterson 
Director
Dirección del Medio Ambiente y Ecología 

Editor,

Recycling is EASY! Recycling is EDUCATION! Recycling is GOOD FOR US!

I am an American woman who cannot throw a Coke can in a Trash can. I recycle. When I enjoyed SMA over December, January, I saved my water bottles, soda cans in my hotel room until the maid said, “Tirelos, basura.” Basura? Basura is trash that cannot be recycled.

OK OK so here it is June 2007. I was talking to my dearest friend Katherine. She said “Once Begun The Job’s Half Done.” Katherine has 8 grown children. So she should know.

I am beginning this job. Assist me. Recycle in San Miguel. Cans, plastic bottles, and newspapers.

Otherwise, all ends at the river. 

Katherine said, begin with the youth. They get it. And they teach their parents.

My heart says, say this. Recycle! It’s easy, once we begin!

Kathy Hawley

Editor,

I read with much interest the obituary of Mr. Jack Sisto and would first and foremost like to express my sincere condolences to his family. I did notice however the mention of Mr. Sisto’s activities in San Miguel and in particular his involvement with the Hospital de la Fe. I would like to make the following clarification, as the article leaves the impression that it was almost entirely funded by the foreign community and that the “natives” receive free health care. This is very far from the truth. The Hospital de la Fe is hardly known for its altruism, it is well known that patients or their families have to pay in advance before receiving treatment. On top of that, two years ago, a group of foreign surgeons came to perform operations on local children free of charge. This group travels with much of their equipment and supplies, but were nevertheless presented with a significant bill by the hospital for “use of their operating facilities and anaesthesia.”

Rosalía Castillo



Editor,

Ever since last year’s Sanmiguelada there have been rumblings about cancelling this 35 year tradition. I agree we don’t have the capacities to deal with such a large number of people, but that is hardly the fault of those who came to enjoy themselves. They’re young, eager to enjoy San Miguel and spend the kind of weekend their hometowns might not offer.

The authorities of the last three years have invested much time and money in an attempt to secure San Miguel’s place of honor on that list of “magical” places—an honor which I personally think we deserve. But is it really true that holding the Sanmiguelada would keep us off the list? What real benefits come from being on the list?

I wonder, is any tourist town really so smug as to be able to discount the importance of 50,000 visitors in one fell swoop? The economic loss will hit hard and whether people realize it or not, it will affect a large part of the community.

In asking those employed in the service sector about this situation, I’ve encountered a disillusionment that won’t be easily forgotten; after all it affects their wallets. With so much abundance it must be that those crossing that river up north are going for a vacation., as said not so long ago by a congressman of selective memory. 

On the other hand, during one discussion someone dared to ask:

Could it be that the Sanmiguelada draws attention to the inefficiency of our government’s ability to both welcome and control tourists, good or bad, who provide economic benefits? We’re talking about 50,000 people, who, if it’s their first visit might return again and again.

I’ve kept quiet during all of the debate over whether or not to cancel, but never heard in any of these discussions suggestions about how to improve the event. Apparently it is just simpler to cancel than to work for creative solutions to problems that affect a large part of the community.

There was talk about having it in Dolores or Salvatierra. Thanks so much elected officials—after all we have tourists to spare here in San Miguel. See how neighbourly we are? Sending our main source of income, that which we should carefully safeguard, that which anyone in his right mind would fight for—industry without smokestacks. Isn’t that just great.

Perhaps I haven’t heard—perhaps out officials are hard at work planning new cultural activities that will double our tourism. If so, I’ll be quiet. If not, there is still time to discuss this, to reach an agreement. Don’t forget, those of you in power, nobody can lay claim to truth but with the will we can reach an agreement. Let’s leave this authoritarianism behind and go for consensus. And if that isn’t worth a try, will somebody please tell me why!

Juan Villaseñor