Ask the U.S. Consul:
US Consul Farewell
By Lisa Vickers, Principal Officer
July 2006

It is hard to believe that it has been three years since I drove into Merida, past the Dónde cookie factory and into the Consulate to begin my time here as Consul. I heard I was coming to Merida on a cold and snowy day in Kiev, and the idea of warmth and sun at that particular moment was very appealing. I had fallen for Merida’s charms on a trip eleven years prior, and I was overjoyed to be the lucky soul coming here to be the US Government representative to the Yucatan Peninsula—one of our oldest diplomatic outposts in Mexico. The Yucatan Peninsula, and Merida in particular, has a reputation as a “hot” place to be, not only for the weather (especially in April and May!), but for the Yucatecans themselves and all the natural wonders that exist in this magical place. Thanks to the hard work of the tourism industry, real estate agents and journalists smitten with this white city, many more lucky souls are discovering all that this corner of the world has to offer.

Three years passes in a flash when you are having fun, and there is no doubt that these past years have been challenging, educational, and fun at the same time. With the possible exception of two weeks last October, I have enjoyed every minute of my time here. The US and the Yucatan share more than the Gulf—we share a commitment to democracy, transparency, free trade, a safe environment for our families, and education as a foundation for the future.

During my time here, I have supported educational exchanges, cultural exhibitions and performances, and I hope I have put a more human face on the Consulate. I’m proud of what we have done to raise funds and awareness for health issues affecting the Peninsula, especially HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Together we lived through difficult times—I was touched by the outpouring of emotional and financial support in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The 35,000 tourists stranded by Hurricane Wilma will never forget the kindness and hospitality of the people of the Peninsula, who rallied to help them despite having suffered catastrophic losses of their own.

I leave knowing that the Consulate will continue our more than a century of diplomatic presence in Merida in a brand new building. My successor, Karen Martin, and her husband Bobbie, who come to Merida from Belgrade, Yugoslavia, are looking forward to getting to know you all and I know that they will find the same warm welcome that I have enjoyed. In every way, professionally and personally, this has been an extraordinary experience, and I thank all of you for your friendship, kindness, and guidance, and for making my time here so unforgettable.

-Lisa Vickers

Address & Info
Calle 60, No 338K x 29 y 31
Colonia Alcala Martin
Merida, Yucatan, Mexico  97050
Tel: (999) 942 5700
Fax: (999) 942 5759
Email: ConsularMerida@state.gov

Events & Activities Calendar
Click Here for a complete description of the activites, events and attractions in the Yucatan.