Dear Sir,

Recently we hired Sergio, who advertises frequently in The Reporter (as “Your Friend Sergio”), as a guide for our trip (eight of us) from Ajijic to Morelia and to the wintering place of the butterflies in Michoacan. He was excellent beyond words – as a driver, a guide, a historian, a travel agent, a concerned and knowledgeable person of great good cheer, perfect tact, and large resourcefulness. He is really good when confronted with the unexpected. When one of our party suffered a fall that looked as if it might be dangerous, Sergio stayed with her and her husband through the night in the emergency room, translating between the couple and various doctors and nurses, running errands as need arose, all the time with patience and friendliness. The next day he was of great help with a follow-up visit with a doctor and a visit to an optometrist while never neglecting his other charges, changing hotels for us, showing us the sights, recommending excellent places to eat. He was tireless, minutely attentive, and just plain fun to be with. He also knew when we might prefer our own company while always making himself easy to find. He was friendly and competent in dealing with people ranging from policeman to toll collectors.

Dear Sir,

Like Robert Case of Chapala, my experience with the Instituto Mexicano de Seguro Social (IMSS) has been daunting, to say the least. However, after more than ten visits to the Chapala office, tests, trips to Guadalajara and payment of annual fees, I no longer have to wonder about coverage. 

Dear Sir,

I advise residents using IMSS health insurance only as a backup to make at least one clinic appointment after their annual subscription. This is to ascertain that they are properly entered into the computer system.

Dear Sir,

I would like to publicly thank these angels who saved me on a hike last week. I had a stroke on the mountain and my whole left side was paralyzed. Kathryn and Wally Sambirsky helped me along the narrow paths, at times dragging me by my feet. Diego Reynoso carried me to the car. Terry Soden held me part of the way down the mountain and then rushed me in his car to a clinic, where I received the appropriate drugs.

Dear Sir,

I and 20-some neighbors attended the meeting with Chapala Mayor Joaquin Huerta mentioned in the GR issue of January 26.   The meeting was arranged by a spokesperson for the residents of Las Salvias who have suffered burglaries and home invasions over the last few months.  The mayor was most generous with his time and was kind enough to have Police Chief Ramon del Arco in attendance. 

Dear Sir,

I really tire of reports both in the media and verbalized, about the  crime and problems in Mexico.  One would almost believe all the  Mexican people are out to lie, cheat and steal.  I’ve lived here for six years and such has not been my experience.