The first goodbyes...

Incredible! For 3 of the guys, Glynn, Amine and Constantin, it´s already time to say goodbye to the Hogar San Pedro. Today, we will be heading out to Lima for a 5-day trip which will mark the end of their stay in Peru. As a matter of fact, this week is the Peruvian national holiday. We hope to get a good taste of Peru "fiestas" as we will also be heading south to the small towns of Paracas and Huacachina for some sand boarding and much more!

Last week was another amazing week at the Hogar San Pedro. On Tuesday, we celebrated Amine´s 22nd birthday with an awesome chocolate cake. Also, to follow the Peruvian tradition, Jessica made sure to crack an egg on his head, to wish him happy birthday. On Wednesday, some of us also went out to Chosica to eat out at the town´s most popular "Chifa" place (Chinese food). Over there, Constantin was brave enough to try a traditional Peruvian dish: anticuchos (beef heart...).

On Thursday night, we had the amazing opportunity to be invited for supper at Eloisa´s small Peruvian home for supper. Eloisa, who we affectionately called "Mamita", or Mom, works at the Hogar´s pharmacy. She prepared an amazing Pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian dish, which consists of chicken, potatoes, sweet potatoes and green beans, all cooked in a huge pot. It was delicious and a great cultural experience too!

Last night, we organized a little fiesta for the 3 guys´ last night at the Hogar. It was so much fun! Peruvians really know how to dance and party. We had a piñata up for them and bought lots of cookies, candies and Inca Cola: everyone was all smiles!

This week, we also got some great medical experience. On Wednesday, it was the monthly Tuberculosis control for all of the patients at the Hogar. We had a chance to observe the respirologists who came in to discuss the patients´treatments and status. Also, we were tought how to change patients´ bandages. What an experience! Some patients at the Hogar have numerous one-or-even-two-inch-deep wounds with massive gangrene... We made good use of our scrubs...