Come Fly With Me ~~ ^_^: Hola Amigos!!

With the assistance of Hermosa Beach Sister City, our team of VOSHers arrived at a small airport in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Although the airport was very small and only had one runway and one terminal, our team could barely contain their excitement!

From VOSH-California: Loreto

We were greeted by the Loreto city councilwoman, who skillfully whisked us through costumes. We were transferred via a fleet of pickup trucks to DIF, where we would be seeing patients for the next four days.

The first morning of our clinic, we were invited by the el presidente to excercise in front of the police team at the city square:

From VOSH-California: Loreto

Here is Elaine and Dave trying to figure out how to say something in spanish.

From VOSH-California: Loreto

Our team were consisted of five optometrists from both northern and southern California, three UC Berkeley optometry school SVOSHers, two technicians, two assistants, and 30+ local helpers.

From VOSH-California: Loreto

We split up into two teams, one working at DIF for all four days and another taking a mobile clinic to more rural areas near Loreto. After a few long days, including one close call at sea, we were able to successfully screen 600+ patients, prescribe 250+ pairs of glasses, and dispensed 200+ pairs of over-the-counter readers.

The surprise discovery of a surgical microscope and a functional slit lamp at the Red Cross on the last day of our clinic made us all look forward to using the slit lamp to do better diabetic dilated fundus exams next time.

From VOSH-California: Loreto

We concluded our clinic with the beer of choice on this trip:

From VOSH-California: Loreto

We were also treated to an almeja chocolate feast (chocolate clams) after clinic. When wrapped in fresh baked tortillas and creamy mustard sauce... the flavor is unforgettable.

From VOSH-California: Loreto

Doesn't it look like I am about to cut off Shirley's hand? ^_^

From VOSH-California: Loreto

Paulette and Roberto's B&B was our home away from home!

From VOSH-California: Loreto

(check them out at Loreto Playa).

From VOSH-California: Loreto

Here is Rebecca making margaritas for all of us!

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. We cruise the Malicon like the local teenagers in the back of Paulette's pick-up truck.