CONSUL COUNSELS TAKING A “STEP” IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

In a ‘one-woman show’, U.S. Consular Agent for Vallarta-Nayarit Kelly Trainor impressed the near-capacity crowd on the rooftop terrace of Fusion Gourmet when she spoke at the ANA Fall Friendraiser in November at Fusion Gourmet Restaurant.

The evening’s  big take-away: We should all sign up for “STEP” – the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program —  a free service provided to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country.

STEP allows Americans residing abroad to get routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, and helps the Department of State keep track of your whereabouts to better assist you in case of an emergency.

Enroll at: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/

Equally funny and informative, Kelly’s topics ranged from whether ex-pats need to sign up for ‘Obamacare’ (it can depend on the address you use when filing a tax return) to advice on ‘nationalizing’ a foreign-plated car, and her ‘race for the border’ to nationalize her own car.

Around 40 ANA members and guests enjoyed wine and tasty complimentary finger-food from Board member and host Gene Mendoza’s kitchen, and many stayed for dinner, ordering from Fusion Gourmet’s new menu.

Kelly Trainor can be reached at consularagentpvr@prodigy.net.mx