'Connect with Mexico' Series at ART VallARTa ART VallARTa
go to original November 22, 2016

Confused about Mexico? Let’s talk about it!
 
What is Connect with Mexico?

It is a series of conversations supported by an effective and fun method of learning about Mexican culture, geography, history, literature, art, government, and its many peoples.

It is a tool for English-speaking individuals living in or visiting Puerto Vallarta to expand their understanding of their adopted country, Mexico.

Why do you need it?

To become immersed in Mexican culture by achieving a greater appreciation of the many contexts, “secrets,” and fun and tragic stories behind the doings and sayings of Mexicans.

To better interact with Mexicans with whom you come in contact.

To think and act in a more bicultural fashion as you enjoy the many wonders and intricacies of Mexico.

Connect with Mexico is not:

• A Spanish language class
• A Mexican history course
• A traveler’s guide to Mexico
• A competition game between peoples, cultures or nations

Our first four conversations will take on these topics:

Tuesday, November 22, 2016 - Mexico: Gentle Homeland - Learn about Mexico’s peoples, geography, politics, traditions, fears, and hopes all in one session. This is an introductory talk for the Connecting with Mexico series.

Tuesday, November 29, 2016 - A Long History of Shifting Borders - The territory of Mexico has grown and shrunk throughout the years. Explore the way an island in the Pacific was gained by France; how Guatemala left and Yucatan came back; and, well, how Mexicans view US territorial expansion.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016 - The Pregnant Virgin - Regardless of whether they are Catholic or not, all Mexicans are Guadalupe fans. Discover the legends behind Our Lady of Guadalupe; the obsessive sacrifices and long marches; and the wonders of faith and architecture that take place in Tepeyac.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016 - So Far From God… So Close to the United States - Mexico has a love-hate relationship with its powerful northern neighbor. Let’s delve into how Mexicans view the United States and its immense influence on the Mexican story; how they feel about US territory that used to be Mexican; and whether Mexico is destined to play a greater role on the future.

Teacher Carlos Navarro

My work has often entailed holding conversations with foreigners residing in Mexico. Those exchanges reveal how they often have a difficult time understanding the country. Someone suggested I help English-speaking expats to better understand Mexico and its people by setting up “friendly conversations” here in Puerto Vallarta.

I was born in the city of Puebla, a couple of hours East of Mexico City. I hold a BA in Communication Studies from the University of the Americas and had the chance to study on two separate occasions in the United States. My career has taken me to study elsewhere, including Colombia, Panama, and Washington, DC.

My work has mostly involved production in television networks and political/media analysis for the Governments of the United States and of Mexico. For the Televisa and TV Azteca networks I did extensive video production work. As a US Government analyst I studied issues relating to Mexico and the rest of Latin America.

More recently, I served as political analyst and policy adviser to the Chief of Staff to the President of Mexico. One of my duties in the Office of the President required speaking to foreign diplomats stationed in Mexico City, mostly from the United States, Canada, and the European Union.

Hope to see you soon in our Connect with Mexico dialogues. There’s no doubt we can all learn something, enjoy each other’s company, and together gain new insights on how to enjoy Mexico even more.

Join us every Tuesday from 10:30 until Noon at ART VallARTa located at 213 Calle Pilitas in Vallarta's Romantic Zone.

For more information and to register, visit ART VallARTa.