Today, I learned that at the meeting concerning the fate of Mismaloya, Presidente Enrique Pena Nieto ALSO sent a cabinet minister, and that the Federal and State Governments have taken over the matter, promising to make a deal to buy the land from the claiming landowner, and give it to the people who have lived on it for up to more than 100 years. Actually, the 105-year-old woman who was born there, died last year – but you get the idea.
No final deal has been arranged yet, and so tomorrow, I have been invited to a meeting with top town leaders and several lawyers to learn -- as well as speak with them about how I, this blog, and my email list might help – if necessary, but it probably will not be.
Townspeople will be submitting their old photos of life in Mismaloya for generations – including many of those of working with John Huston on Night of the Iguana, and partying with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, especially, since they maintained houses here for many, many years, and of course Tennessee Williams, Ava Gardner (a North Carolina gal), Deborah Kerr, and Sue Lyons.
I am beginning to see a book on the history of the town – or at least a good pamphlet, with seductive cover, that sells for a small amount, so tourists would DEFINITELY buy it – and Gringos would not have their attention spans taxed.
But who knows, although it would give writing about the events in my blog a welcome rest, as the politics I refer to would cool down a bit – and I have lawsuits to bring in Chicago and North Carolina, which will take some time to complete. I’m not sure I see any need to bring legal action in Georgia.
Anyway, more on that later, but I leave you with John Huston’s monument to the History of Mismaloya and my best reading of what remains of it (translating the Spanish from the other side to fill in most that is missing in English). Please notice his self-description as “tall” – a bit overblown considering that he was only about 6’ 4”, BUT, with my 6’ 11” height, I think this story just naturally FITS us big guys, no???
Scott
You are standing on top of most beautiful and enchanted . . . forever . . . to the history and love of this area.
It was 600 years after Christ that Mismaloya first found its place in fame. Xalisco was the name of the vast kingdom that existed and Nanyarita ruled as king. . . . as the god of battle and fought bravely to keep this cove his for in all the kingdom of Xalisco, this was known as the most beautiful place where the ocean met the land. Later, the Colhoa tribe from Aztlan, the Toltecas and the Aztecas all migrated to these fertile lands and opened up a well-travelled trail to the Mahuatl empire situated in all its glory in the valley of Mexico – today, Mexico City.
In 1524, the first Spaniards arrived, led by Francisco Cortez, nephew of the famous conquistador. They marched up from the south, conquering and pacifying the Indian settlements along the coast. They claimed Mismaloya and neighboring settlements for their distant king. Father Tello, an early Spanish historian, wrote that after a two-day march through these mountains, Cortez’s troops entered a beautiful valley, where they were met by 20,000 Indians. They carried cotton flags of assorted colors and (feathers) . . . tied to their bows. In response, the Spaniards unfurled their own magnificent religious standards. Miraculously, Indians and Spaniards fell to the ground on their knees, bloodshed was averted, and this bay dubbed “Bahia de Banderas”, or “Bay of Flags” as it is still known today. A tradition of peace and hospitality . . .
In 1541, the settlements within the bay the bay, received their first name. The Spanish explorer . . . Alvarado disembarked in Mismaloya and promptly named the entire area La Penas (means “Penalties”) . . . rocks that guard the entrance and serve as a landmark.
You can clearly see them as you look toward the town. It was only in 1918 that the city was officially renamed Puerto Vallarta, in honor of the Governor of Jalisco, Don Luis I. Vallarta.
For three centuries, the Spanish ruled with a firm hand, their full master . . . take on a king’s ransom in gold and silver and serf . . . in these . . . after falling prey to notorious pirates . . . place to hide and take refuge . . .
In 18(10), proud Mexican people freed themselves from the Spanish . . . new religion. Mismaloya and Pto. Vallarta languished in the past.
Some 150 years later, in 1963, the tall, white, bearded movie director John Huston . . . to film Tennessee Williams’ “THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA”. He brought a talented and . . . with Richard Burton, Eva Gardner, Deborah Kerr, Sue Lyon. It was here that Burton and Elizabeth Taylor – perhaps the greatest love story of their day. The passion on and off the screen echoed . . . Reporters and tourists descended on this . . . and Pto. Vallarta hasn’t been the same, since. Along with the majestic S . . . clearly seen across the bay . . . of love that will long endure.
And so dear traveller as you join us in this place of fine food, drink, and merriment, so rich in tradition, we hope you feel the passionate beat of history in your heart.
Welcome to Mismaloya!!!
At an initial meeting to break the ice, John Huston presented the cast with revolvers.
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