chasaragon
Apr 15, 2008, 9:35 AM
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transportation for people confined to a wheelchair
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I had just returned from Guadalajara when I checked my Mex connect forums and read the thread seeking information on available transportation in Guadalajara, for people who are confined to their wheel chairs. I read this thread with a personal interest, because for the last ten years, I have been confined to a motorized wheel chair. When I travel to Mexico, I take my own van so transportation has not been an issue, however when I traveled to other parts of the world on business, it was ALWAYS not only an issue, it was a logistical nightmare. (Many stories about how that was handled, and yes, I have been tied down on the bed of a Toyota, Tacoma pick up truck.)
I am now retired and building a home in Mexico, so I don’t have the travel problem anymore. However, this lady’s problem kept nagging at me, would not let go, until the name Manuel Alvarez popped into my mind. My seventy year old fried and dried brain sizzled when it connected Manuel to the wheelchair. Over the span of almost twenty five years, Manuel has driven me, my children, my parents and personal friends to many parts of Mexico, and I had just been with Manuel the week before. Manuel has even picked up my autos in California and had them waiting at the airport when I arrived in Guadalajara.
Manuel Alvarez is a Licensed and Bonded tour guide in Guadalajara for over thirty years. Manuel is fluent in English, has great detailed knowledge of Mexico, and knows the most accessible hotels, restaurants, markets, shopping centers, day trips and really, anything that would interest a visitor in this beautiful part of the world.
I drank my second cup of coffee, picked up the phone and called Manuel. It went like this:
Hola Manuel, como estan todos?
Bien Don Carlos, y ustedes?
Todo bien aqui, Manuel, gracias. Olles, te voy acer una proposision.
Digame Don Carlos.
Manuel, would you be interested in adding a wheelchair equipped van to your business? Sure, sounds good, I have not seen any around, it would be a good thing.
Ok, then, you work on the permits and insurance, and I’ll get on the van. Hasta luego Manuel, me saludas a todos.
Gracias Don Carlos, saludos, adios.
It was that simple, no endless weeks of lawyers, negotiating points, sending contracts back and forth, coverings what-if such as; what if you were out somewhere, walking the dog, enjoying a beautiful, crystal, clear afternoon and the dog was suddenly struck by a bolt of lighting, causing a tragic and premature death to said dog. Who would be responsible? You for walking the dog? The dog, for in his own way giving you permission to walk him? The weather man for not issuing lighting bolt warnings which could be harmful to dogs and could result in death? The government for not posting lighting bolt signs for dogs? (In plain English, Who gets screwed?)
Over the following months, I went through so many twists and turns on finding the right Van, that I kicked myself (more than once) in the you know what, for thinking up such a crazy idea. After all, the wheelchair thing was not my problem. But still, Manuel’s words kept coming back “It would be a good thing.” I know how frustrating it is for a 3 inch curb to stand in your way of going where you want to. I knew that if we were able to make a persons journey easier and more enjoyable, whatever effort it took, in the end it would be worthwhile.
So now, there is a Van in Guadalajara equipped to transport people confined to a wheelchair. You can contact Manuel Alvarez from the USA at this number: 0015213336677690. From Guadalajara: 3338100737. I will be in Guadalajara the end of this month. I am shipping down a motorized wheel chair, manual wheel chairs and walkers for Manuel to add to his new service. I hope that for some, this will make for a safer, richer, and more comfortable visit to that wonderful city called Guadalajara.
Un fuerte abaso. Don Carlos
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