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December 1, 2002
Hello, This
letter should have been sent immediately after Kenna made her visit - but as always,
has been put off. So many people deserve to be recognized for their hard work
and effort during the hurricane and afterwards - there is no way to put everyone's
name in this letter. But special thanks to: Jeri Grant
- her 100% effort and energy in assisting the American Consulate as well as all
of us at San Javier Hospital to care for the injured. She did everything from
make plane reservations to dig in the sand for luggage to take these peoples clothes
to her home and wash them. Hugs to you! The physicians
who responded to the needs of the injured at San Javier Hospital - some had to
nearly swim from their homes to arrive at the hospital - Dr. F. Souza, Dr. Luis
Arias, Dr. A. Rios, Dr. A. Joya - everyone! The Red Cross,
Protección Civil, Military Medics, Bomberos, our own Global Ambulance -
everyone worked together to cover as much area as possibly could be covered. These
paramedics and firemen literally swam into hotel lobbies to rescue people, carrying
them as well as floating them in kayaks out to their rescue vehicles. The staffs
at the Seguro Social Hospital as well as Regional Hospital. The Blood Bank at
San Javier Hospital. San Javier Hospital itself from the housekeepers who mopped
and cleaned non-stop to the hospital administrator, Lic. Flores and medical director
Dr. Mayorga who worked diligently to have things run as smoothly as possible.
Receptionists Miriam and Mago who covered the non-stop phones and ambulance calls. When
the day was over and the sunshine came out, as we squeezed out the water and mud
from our clothes, scorpions and all - I believe that every single person involved
in that memorable day could look at themselves in the mirror and say "We
did a great job". I know that I have left out many,
many names - but a large round of applause to everyone! Pamela
Thompson
Global Air and Ground Ambulance
Dear
Editor, Thank you so much for the excellent coverage on
Hurricane Kenna. If it was not for the pvmirror.com site, we would still be wondering
what was going on. We live in Canada and don't get much
news from Mexico, not like the U.S. All the pictures were great and we were able
to check on all the damage and the updates. My husband and I come to P.V. every
year, it is our home away from home. We are very anxious to return in the new
year. Thank you again,
Hilde Willicome
Hi
Anna, It's been a while since I have written but every
once in a while I see something that strikes that nerve in me that is labeled
"helper" and so I feel compelled to write an e-mail to someone about
it. This time it was a combination of things. The second being having read many
newspaper articles about the protests against Wal-Mart in the States because of
their treatment of their employees and low wages. I remember
when Sam Walton was still around and he had those friendly retired folks greeting
the customers when they came into the store, all smiles and "welcomes".
They say it's not the company that the late Mr. Walton founded. I tend to agree.
Which brings me to our local Wal-Mart. I now live close to Wal-Mart and was really
excited when it was being built because the Wal-Mart in Guadalajara offers great
prices and more products from "up north". When
they opened their doors I went to the store anticipating the same here in our
lovely Puerto Vallarta. The specials that they offered at first were great and
the people came in droves. Now, however, after many visits to Wal-Mart I find
myself extremely disappointed. First, the produce is beyond
pitiful. I have not once gone to Wal-Mart to find fresh produce all around. Second,
the prices are no better than any place else in town. In fact, if you look closely
they are higher in many cases. Third, I have yet gone to Wal-Mart and had an impressive
experience with an employee. Generally I have to dodge employees pushing carts
who are going to stock shelves and God help you if you get in their way; walk
around aisles that are stacked with merchandise waiting to be shelved; walk around
employees who are chatting in the aisles (I speak Spanish so I know that they
are not talking about work) and won't move unless you say something to them; put
up with the suspicious scowls of the security guards; and all this without receiving
so much as a smile at the check out counter. A good course
in Customer Relations would be a good idea. The store is not comfortable to shop
in. The aisles are stacked with merchandise or very narrow. Check out the women's
clothing section, for example. All in all... it's not the worst but it sure isn't
nearly what it should be. Most people go there because of name recognition. So
what's my point? Well, I just thought I would tell those of you who don't know
about it, that the Mega Comercial Mexicana generally has better prices, the store
is more comfortable to shop in, and every Wednesday they have fresh produce. Check
it out. Now the "helper" in me is happy. Keep
up the good work with the paper, everyone at the Tribune. It keeps getting better.
S.B.
Anna, Hi! I
have been a big fan of your column for the past 2 years. Although we have not
retired and moved to PV yet, we manage to get down for a month once or twice a
year. Every Monday I can't wait to find a paper and always read your column first.
It is so refreshing to read your honest opinions of things in PV. Most of what
is published in PV is really just glowing advertising and not necessarily a true
picture of whatever the article is about. We've been coming
to PV for 20 years and although I love it, isn't absolutely perfect. I am thrilled
that I have found your column online and can read it even while I am up north
here in Seattle. When I was down last January, a Wal-Mart
was in the process of being built next to the Sam's Club. I am coming down in
a couple of weeks for a month and have spent the past couple of days looking online
for any information regarding when or if it has opened yet with no success. I
hate to bother you, but could you tell me if it has opened and if it carries food
items as well as general merchandise? Every year I drag
down a ton of stuff in my luggage that is difficult or impossible to find in PV
and it would sure be nice to be able to leave all the excess baggage behind this
year!! Sincerely,
Sherry Berg
 Hi...
Three of my friends and I are scheduled to vacation in
Puerto Vallarta the second week in January, however we are a bit concerned about
the damage after the hurricane. We are staying at the La Jolla de Mismaloya resort. Could
you please share any information that you might have on the current conditions
of the resort and Puerto Vallarta? Is it still a good time to go, or should we
postpone our trip?? Hope to hear from you soon...
Thank
you,
Angela Dear Angela,
The photo was sent to
us by one of our readers who lives in the La Jolla condos. It was taken right
after the hurricane. The beach is even nicer today. Do not be concerned, and do
not postpone your trip. The weather is beautiful, the whales are cavorting in
the bay and Puerto Vallarta awaits to welcome you with open arms.
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