Boy, these people work hard

Wednesday, January 14, 2009


It’s amazing how every day as I walk by, the volcano looks different. Today the top is surrounded by a ring of clouds. I’d love to get closer one day and see what’s going on in there. But then again, that may not be very safe, because this volcano is still active. I am not sure when was the last time it erupted, but these eruption are often associated with earthquakes as well, and there was an earthquake here some 5 years or so ago.

Today’s eye clinic is in Coquimatlan, Indian for The land where the pigeons rest.
This is also the home town of Beto. It’s not quite as long a drive as yesterday, but still over an hour north west.
We are surprised to see such a beautiful facility. Which houses all civil offices including the office of the Mayor. The hall, in which the clinic is held is nicely airconditioned and there are plenty of bathrooms this time.
There must be at least 50 patients already sitting and waiting to be registered and we still need to set up. They don’t complain, they just sit and wait. These are mostly adults and have been bussed in from various communities. The Pihuamo Rotarians brought a bus load from their community which is in the state of Jalisco.
Lunch is in a nice little restaurant several blocks down the street. This is the best lunch yet. Chicken, veggies, beans, rice and of course tortillas. The Mexican meals are, in general not very varied, but there is alto plenty to choose from. I try to stay away from the beans and when I see veggies my eyes lighten up. The fruit is also very good.
There is always plenty of fresh fruit joice, but they add sugar to everything. Water is for me the drink of the day.

The patients we see today seem to enjoy a better lifestyle, they look much healthier. They even dress better. Some need to take a long bus ride, other walk for an hour or more. One gentleman walked for two hours from the country side, but he enjoys walking he tells me.

Some volunteers switch jobs. I am happy with what I am doing. It keeps me active, and I get to practice my Spanish. Sometimes I joke as I tell them they need to smile because I am going to take a picture of them.

The District Governor comes for a visit and Beto introduces me. Only because I am a past District Governor and I suppose that is important stuff.
He explains he came from Culiacan, quite a distance from here. He gives me his business cards and tells me: “When you go back you need to come and visit me”. Well, thank you Jorge. That;s very nice of you, but we are going a different direction back and we do don’t think we want to park our RV in front of your house.

So far we have seen well over 700 patients and by Friday this number has reached 1200. A general Optometrist practice see roughly 1500 patients in one year. so you can imagine how intense this is for the three doctors. They are all very kind to the patients and we learn so much from them.

The guys are having fun with the large dolls at the entrance of the hall. These are large metl frames in which a person crawls and dance with the doll on their shoulder through the street.

After the clinic we walk to the arena, while the kids are helping to load the truck. We visit the portable arena and are amazed at the way it is held together. Major safety hazard I would say. Could not get away with something like that in North America.

We actually get to eat, before we take the bus back home, the Coquimatlan Rotarians, (well, their spouses) have prepared a dinner for us. They set up the table in nice bright green table clothes and place Chicharones and hot chile pepper peanuts on the tables. Our choice for beverage is Cola, Beer or home made Tequila, mineral water or Squirt (a grapefruit flavoured soda) I opt for the Tequila with Squirt, and add a good portion of mineral water, to reduced the sweetness.


As the meal arrives we are all ready. There is so much variety. some wonderful vegetable dishes, salads, calderone (soup) and of course the usual beans and rice.
To Ramiro’s delight there is rice pudding for dessert.

The mayor of Coquimatlan come for a visit to say thank you, followed by the President of the Coquimatlan Club. We exchange banners.

What I have noticed whenever we are in Mexico. Rotarians, when they are on a project or expect visitors, they all wear their Rotary shirts. Even their spouses have very nice shirt sleeved shirts. It distinguishes Rotarians, or those associated with Rotary from the others. Their hirts look so nice and crisp.

We’re thinking about our Rotary meeting at home and about the many opportunities we will have to do make ups and different clubs. We are being reminded, that every day we are doing Rotary service it counts as a make up. Well, that brings us then to 125% attendance.