Tips for Starting a Happy Vacation
Tara A. Spears
For all those eagerly packing and looking forward to your tropical Mexican vacation, you’ll love the streamlined arrival at Puerta Vallarta airport. It is so much faster without the red/green light: everyone tosses their luggage on the conveyor to be x-rayed and off you go- no backup. The next step is to settle in your temporary home and watching the amazing sunset with a cold beverage.
Nothing is worse than being on a much-anticipated vacation and the unexpected happens; a jelly fish sting or a fall or heart attack that requires medical attention. How do you get fast help especially when you don’t speak the language? The local first responders/ Bomberos have created a mini health data form that they would like all visitors to complete and tape near their interior door for when an ambulance or medical techs are needed. The Firemen are learning situational English but it would certainly expedite quality care if each person completed the information in advance of an emergency. Print out this listing before you begin your journey just to have peace of mind. It is a good idea to have a copy on you besides in your residence. Taking the time to designate a contact person and where you’ll keep prescriptions while you’re at home is an easy way to set the stage for relaxing on the beach.
The health form and listings of Jaltemba Bay services, while not inclusive, is a quick reference that can simplify getting help when you need it. Each attachment is in PDF and/or photo format in order for you to click and download it easily from online. In the last five years several excellent medical and dental doctors have opened practices in the area eliminating the need to drive out of town for quality medical care. A very respected Bucerias hospital group is in the process of revamping the former Nayar facility in La Penita which is exciting for JB.
Jaltemba Bay area is comprised of three distinct villages- Los Ayala, Rincon de Guayabitos, and La Penita de Jaltemba- and several outlying neighborhoods called colonias. What makes getting around challenging is the lack of displayed numbers for the businesses or homes. Couple this fact with hardly any street signs and a tourist is certain to get frustrated trying to find a doctor. However, the local Fire/Rescue/ambulance teams are quick to come to you by calling 911 or the direct station number. Rest assured that even with an unexpected medical emergency, there are local hospitals that can provide professional urgent care.
Jaltemba Bay might be small town country living but it does have typical amenities if you know where to look. There has been a huge expansion of services in the last few years so now you can access an ATM machine from any of the towns, not just at the only bank that is located in La Penita. Mexican cellular service is functioning throughout the area which was not true ten years ago. Wi-Fi service and internet is much improved and more reliable barring an act of god such as a hurricane.
Come enjoy the exceptional natural beauty of the Mexican Pacific coast and the charm of the Jaltemba Bay villages. A few minutes to print out and complete a form and you’re ready to kick back and enjoy life. There are so many fantastic restaurants to choose from and you’re certain to make new friends as you watch the sunsets.
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