The Interview/Entrevistas
Zacatecas, 1999. with Augusto Monterroso.
How did 1999 become such a far-away date?
The year 2000 I traveled to Zacatecas. I convinced myself that being in Mexico for the entre siècle was the thing to do. Don’t ask me how I ended up celebrating the date at my roof top, looking mesmerized at the fireworks (I hate), and wishing I was back in the States, siping a glass of French Champagne.
I was working as a journalist, at the time, writing an average of 1200 words per day. I guess that was my ticket to moderate a workshop on creative writing where the main guest was Tito Monterroso, a well known writer, perhaps the only one similar in stature to Jorge Luis Borges. Peculiarly enough, he was there to listen to local writers, rather than to share his fabulous writing with them.
His sense of humor, his endless creativity and social spark made that otherwise odd activity one of the most pleasant experiences in my life. Monterroso and I were there to listen to a group of about 25 to 30 new writers who picked their best stories to share. It was not all as painful as embarrassing. I thought a better use of Monterroso’s time would have been for us to listen to his stories, or at least to his suggestions on how to write better.
The best moment of the night came after that long journey. I had a conversation with Monterroso and Barbara Jacobs, today his widow, and we just talked and talked, for a long time.
I had met Monterroso in Mexico City, at the house of our dear friend Elena Urrutia. I was late for our lunch meeting, as my taxi driver took a long route. When I came in, I was sweaty and nervous. I shook his hand and introduced myself as María Dolores Bolívar. “José San Martín” he replied. Once I sat down, Elena asked him… “Who did you say you are, Tito”… He said. “I felt my last name was not good enough for someone named Bolívar. And that opening line marked our new friendship.
Monterroso passed away on February of 2003. That year I was already back in San Diego. I remember the time spent in Zacatecas with great joy. This picture you see captures the moment and the joy, no doubt about it. I do not know who was the photographer, but I will be forever grateful for the wonderful pic.
