A touch of dentistry

Today at the clinic, I got to assist Lauren, a doctor from Scottland, as there was no local dentist like the last two days. It was very sad to see child after child with many cavities and decaying teeth. Many of the families don't even have the means to brush their teeth daily =( There were many kids who needed teeth extracted, but not many were willing. Some children just blatantly refused, others changed their mind when the needle with lidocaine entered their mouth. There was one kid whose's mother kept pushing him to get his teeth extracted, probably because they don't know when they will have the opportunity again after the healthcare campaign is over next week. We spent a good while trying to convince the kid as his mother was quite insistent, but seeing that we had many, many patients lined up, we had to tell them we would not do it if the kid did not want it. We went through a couple of patients, then the mother and kid came back in the room, with the mother insisting that the kid was ready to get his tooth extracted. However, the moment he sat down on the chair, he was once again reluctant. Seeing as the mother did not want to leave, we just called in the next patient (violating all sorts of HIPAA. lol), a little girl, who needed a tooth extraction as well. The mother of the boy asked if her son could stay and watch, and everyone just kind of stood there. So I was like, how about we ask the patient and her mother, who said yes.

That was POOR decision (and one that I didn't agree to), as the girl flinched and tried to swat Lauren away when she tried to inject some lidocaine. (Yes, I failed at holding her hands in place, but I was also holding the flashlight for Lauren with the other hand). As it would have been too dangerous for Lauren to try again with the girl actually moving her hands, we escorted both patients out of the room, as the boy for sure would not do it after witnessing that.

Towards the end, there was a brave little boy who let us extract not only 1, but 2! I think he liked the attention he was getting, but too bad it was at the expense of getting his teeth pulled out =(

Pictures on the bus ride there

Ohh... MK, love you very much too. (hint. look LEFT)

Not photobombed, FINALLY! Alot of bus photos was photo bombed

Every morning, as our bus is pulling into the clinic, we see a line of patients waiting for services to begin

 Outside "scenery". I think you can go sandboarding on that mountain

Nearby housing?

A consultation room, yes, where 2 patients, completely unrelated, sit and consult 2 different doctors (er... a doctor and a med student)

Layout of the clinic. Waiting area is in the middle, with rooms surrounding

The pharmacy. SO, so, SO organized

Halfway through the morning, the pharmacy decided it was not organized enough, so it got some shelves

The waiting room at the beginning of the day, and at the end of the day. hahaha

Lauren and I

Our tools

Taking pictures outside the school after clinic. This gate is very difficult to unlock when you are trying to get out.

Lunch today was fantastic, we got plantains for the first time! (although MK let me try a bit before)

Sauces for the fries. Crema de Aji is absolutely heavenly. I tried to find a powdered version at the store so I could bring it back to the States, but unfortunately, it doesn't seem like they sell such a product... so sad =(

We even got dessert today! that's a first. I really liked this custard/chocolate pudding dessert. Most desserts in Peru are very sweet, but this was just a tad sweet, which was perfect. It's a good thing we don't get dessert everyday, or I would have gained weight this trip instead of losing a few

Today, instead of Spanish class, we had a cooking class, where we learned how to make Papa a la Huancaína. I don't like potatoes, but the sauce is one of my favorite Peruvian delicacy. Don't ask me how to make it. I wasn't actually there b/c Mk and I went on a hunt for Lacuma Frappe, but the Starbucks barista claimed it didn't exist, even though it is on the menu. -_- #crazyPeru 

Interesting trashcan MK spotted on our walk to the grocery store

"Heart lady" We have nick named this woman heart lady, because she sells Anticuchos de corazon, which is heart meat that is skewered and grilled. They are delicious. As we have to walk by her stand everyday to get to/from school and anywhere really, we see her quite often. She always laughs at us because the very first time we met her, we probably made a fool of ourselves trying to get some street food. I decided to take a picture with her just for memory sake. Too bad it is blurry =(

The night before, JS and JL went out with the rest of the group (I wasn't too hungry) and they had BBQ. They ordered a set meal for 8 people which came out to be about S/15 per person! Super cheap! They came home with a mountain of meat and let me have some(thank you! It was delicious). So here is my Atkins diet kickstarter =) (Yes... I really ate nothing else but what you see here.... hahaha. Good thing I am not a nutricionist, or I would never be able to practice what I preach.... O wait, doctors preach healthy eating too.... uh oh, I might be in a bit of trouble in the future) Here is some Chorizo (it is different than the ones I am used to, this is more like a sausage), beef and chicken.

Picture time with Mama Rosa =) And yes, she really thinks it is that cold in Peru to necessitate such a thick jacket. LoL

Disclaimer: JL and JS were headed out to the discoteca, that explains why I am dressed like a bum compared to them 

Just b/c JS and I don't have that many pics together since we were never really paired up for anything

I can't believe that it's already been 3 weeks and tonight is our last night in Trujillo.... I am very sad