Former resident of Cape Girardeau praises Orlando

To the editor:

As a former Southeast Missourian transplanted to Orlando, Fla., I take offense at Heidi Hall's Jan. 15 column. I work part-time in the compound responsible for her "manufactured gleefulness." Some people save their whole lives to spend a vacation here, and we work extremely hard to make sure their dreams come true.

If Hall had traveled east on Interstate 4, she would have come to the real Orlando where I spend the majority of my time. The opportunities in Orlando are remarkable. I have been able to do and see things that Missouri never could have offered me. I have seen award-winning Broadway plays, symphonies, operas and concerts where the dress code ventures away from cowboy boots and Stetson hats. While there are days that I truly miss Cape Girardeau, this city has opportunities for everyone that Hall will never see, partly due to her cynicism and small-town attitude.

I understand Hall's disappointment with the Kennedy Space Center, but after Sept. 11, 2001, security has to be tight. Part of the tour has been deleted. From my backyard, I have seen a space shuttle just after take-off. There's an indescribable feeling of awe.

Traffic can be a problem, and drivers can be rude. But the drivers aren't strictly from central Florida. They're from Cape Girardeau and a million other cities and towns. I love Cape Girardeau, but Orlando has been an opportunity that I wish everyone had the chance to experience.

DELANIE TANCHEK

Orlando, Fla.