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March 2, 2003
Dear Editor, While
it is fashionable for the Tribune's expat readers to write the editor letters
of complaint, particularly about busses and high prices, I'd like to applaud a
relatively new restaurant in Centro that offers excellent food, in very clean
and pleasant surroundings [and air-conditioned in the summer] at extremely reasonable
prices. SANTAMARIA TACO & BEER, located at Juarez 847,
corner Allende, just across the street from Lan's and near Woolworth's, opened
late last summer. I discovered it only a few weeks ago. I am particularly impressed
with its Chicken Fajitas, one of my favorite dishes of any cuisine: an ample serving
with all the extra sauces, chopped onions, fresh cilantro and tortillas on the
side, all for only 35 pesos. There are lots of other items on the menu. The
owners are extremely cordial; both speak English. The place is open from 1 p.m.
up until 4 a.m. the next day. Closed on Mondays. Tom Colvin
Dear
Editor, I have debated long and hard whether to write
this letter, and finally decided to do so. My husband
and I fell in love with Puerto Vallarta in 1987 and we had several holidays there.
In 1995/6 we spent the whole winter (6 months), and were still "in love"
with the city. Another holiday in 2001 in our timeshare,
and then in 2002 we spent 4 months living there in an apartment downtown. Unfortunately,
I have to say... we will not be back, and have cancelled a planned stay for the
Winter of 2003. We could not believe the changes. The inflated prices for everything,
the changed attitudes of the people and the overall atmosphere we encountered.
A wealthy American friend who has a condo in La Cruz said it all "why don't
they seem to like us this year"! And that is it. We got the distinct feeling
we were only tolerated for our dollars, and being Canadian our dollars were not
worshipped as much as the US dollars. I will give you
several incidences. We were spat at in the flea market under the bridge. Also,
when I refused to buy a clock at a hugely inflated price the vendor called us
F----ing cheap Canadians. Then there was the bus driver who deliberately refused
to stop at the bus stop opposite the Mega Supermarket, going North, although he
had plenty of warning we wanted to get off. We had to walk back over two dangerous
intersections in boiling heat. Your city has become over
priced and under serviced. We are not alone in this theory as many other people
we have talked to will not be back either. It is such a shame as it was a paradise,
a place we loved to visit. But, no more as we no longer feel welcome and are tired
of the attitudes and the obvious clamor for our money, which seems to be the only
thing that matters. Also, the Timeshare guys are among the worst, hitting people
up every few yards along the streets. Something should be done to clean up their
acts! It hurts me to have to write this, as we truly loved
your city, but I think the powers that be should think long and hard about what
is happening, and what will happen when tourists get so fed up that they go elsewhere
for their holidays. Yours truly,
Anne Humphreys.
Canada.
Dear
Editor, This letter is in response to Anna Reisman's column
of Feb. 17th. Isn't It fortunate that Anna Reisman has
a Vallarta bus service right to her door. If I want to go to a grocery store,
I can take two buses and get to the Mega Store, or I can walk seven blocks to
Rizo's (I suppose I could take a bus for three blocks). But either way I still
have to carry all my groceries back. I just have to go to the store more often,
but a special trip for dog food? Don't they sell it in smaller packages? Ms
Reisman knew that the house was on a hill when she moved in. I am guessing that
the hill was there before the house. I am also guessing that she had a car before
she moved in and therefore the hill was not going to be a problem. As the hill
is a problem, how often does Ms. Reisman take the bus? Once a week, once a month,
once a year? When was the last time that she actually took a bus? Shall I guess
again? Some of my friends have suggested some solutions
to Ms. Reisman's problems:
1) Put the crampons on the dog and let him carry
his food up the hill
2) Change Vets.
3) Move House.
4) Shoot the dog!!!!! All
kidding aside, I am pleased that my original letter elicited a response, whether
positive or negative, it means that people are thinking, but responsible people
should attack the issues, not the messengers. I feel confident that PV can stay
Mexican and keep its way of life - if reason prevails over the bus issue. Yours
truly,
John Rayner Archives
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