Yes, I am still here in Peru, with just about a month left of my fellowship! The past couple of months have been a whirlwind, with two college roommates and then my boyfriend coming to visit, and a week-long trip to Argentina during Semana Santa (Holy Week, a very popular time to travel for Latin Americans).
I have also started visiting at a new facility in Surco, a nearby district, making the very new electric train a part of my Peruvian experience (because I do have to walk a bit further to the station, I normally just use it during rush hour or if I want to stop at the big shopping mall before heading home). All of the residents at this new home are a part of Vida Digna, and they're almost all in decent health; just a couple need help walking.
And a few days ago, three girls from South Africa arrived to help out for a bit. They're missionaries and will be traveling around South America, with Peru as their first stop. Yesterday and today, they came along with me to the residential facilities, where the abuelitos have warmly welcomed them. Though I do need to serve as a translator for them (they only speak English), their presence has really added a lot to my visits, as the residents are excited to learn about these newcomers (and they're also pretty good artists!).
I promise to write more soon, with thoughts on nursing home staff members here and a recent neuroscience article on homelessness and traumatic brain injury!
Friday, April 25, 2014
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
The holidays, Limeno style
When I first found out that I would be spending my gap year in Peru, I was pretty excited to experience the holidays in another country, especially one south of the equator. Although I'm hearing a ton about the polar vortex in the States right now (and am saddened to hear about the resulting tragedies), I have to admit that it feels incredibly distant given that my outfits lately have consisted of short sleeves and dresses!
Unsurprisingly, given the predominance of Catholicism in Peru, Christmas felt like it was just about everywhere. One of the evenings, I went to a residential street famous for going all out with Christmas decorations, Monte Umbroso in Surco. Though I felt that the lights themselves weren't that much fancier than in my own neighborhood back home, the atmosphere was quite different, with families strolling along, snapping photos. The streets were packed too, with families driving through in their own cars or in taxis, pointing and taking in the sights.
Ferias also pop up during the holidays--these are cool flea market-type places that open in the couple of weeks before Christmas, and are great places to get good deals on unique gifts. I went with Linda, one of my host sisters, to one in Barranco, where they also had a band performing.
Now, a week after the New Year, the last of the holiday decorations are coming down, and quite a few Limenos are taking vacations in the beach towns. I went to San Bartolo this past Sunday, and hope to take another quick trip down next week, before heading home. This leg of my fellowship has really flown by, and given how much more I've bonded with the residents, I think it's going to be even harder to say goodbye than last time.
Unsurprisingly, given the predominance of Catholicism in Peru, Christmas felt like it was just about everywhere. One of the evenings, I went to a residential street famous for going all out with Christmas decorations, Monte Umbroso in Surco. Though I felt that the lights themselves weren't that much fancier than in my own neighborhood back home, the atmosphere was quite different, with families strolling along, snapping photos. The streets were packed too, with families driving through in their own cars or in taxis, pointing and taking in the sights.
Ferias also pop up during the holidays--these are cool flea market-type places that open in the couple of weeks before Christmas, and are great places to get good deals on unique gifts. I went with Linda, one of my host sisters, to one in Barranco, where they also had a band performing.
Here in Lima, Christmas is really celebrated on Christmas Eve. That night, I went with everyone to Janet's sister's apartment, where we exchanged gifts, played games, and enjoyed a yummy dinner. Besides the roasted turkey, it was quite different from Christmas dinner at home, with an amazing avocado salad, sweet potato puree, applesauce, and delicious arroz arabe (I'm getting hungry just thinking about it--might have to try making it myself!).
Unlike in the US, where kids need to get to bed early so Santa can deliver presents, everyone was up quite late. We counted down to midnight, when the sky exploded in fireworks...while it made for an exciting start, the next day, I read a news article about how the fireworks had pushed Lima's pollution levels well over the recommended limit :(
Christmas Day is a day for relaxing. For breakfast, we had lots of paneton, a lightly sweet bread with dried fruit and citrus flavoring, with hot chocolate. Everyone loves paneton here, but while I'm still not quite used to the citrus spice flavor and the brightly colored fruit chunks, which are usually fake, I think. In the afternoon, we headed to the beach--my first time going in December!
The beach in Villa, Surco
A week later, the streets were decked out in yellow, the color of good luck in Peru (and apparently in some other parts of Latin America as well). Vendors were hawking leis, flowers, and even underwear--they say that you should wear yellow for good luck, red for love, and green for money in the coming year!
After New Year's Eve dinner, I went with Amanda, who's also in Peru on a fellowship, to Barranco. Though we had a good time, it definitely wasn't the typical NYE night out that Peruvians have: the biggest parties are in the beach towns an hour or so south of Lima, and we left at 1:30--when the party really gets going!
After New Year's Eve dinner, I went with Amanda, who's also in Peru on a fellowship, to Barranco. Though we had a good time, it definitely wasn't the typical NYE night out that Peruvians have: the biggest parties are in the beach towns an hour or so south of Lima, and we left at 1:30--when the party really gets going!
Now, a week after the New Year, the last of the holiday decorations are coming down, and quite a few Limenos are taking vacations in the beach towns. I went to San Bartolo this past Sunday, and hope to take another quick trip down next week, before heading home. This leg of my fellowship has really flown by, and given how much more I've bonded with the residents, I think it's going to be even harder to say goodbye than last time.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Christmas is coming!
It's absolutely wonderful to be back in Lima! Besides the slightly odd pairing (for me, at least) of hot weather and Christmas decorations everywhere, it feels very familiar, like a third home--after Cambridge, of course! My first day back with all of the abuelitos again, several weeks ago, was so wonderful. I had missed them a lot, and they welcomed me back with huge hugs and smiles. I'm also noticing changes in their condition, with some improving and others declining.
However, there were some unexpected shake-ups in my work--first, I found out that Elizabeth wouldn't be back from vacation till about a week after I returned, though this wasn't a huge problem, as I'd been making visits on my own. But even now that she's back, I'm still mostly working independently as Vida Digna is in the midst of restructuring. So, I feel like my interest in conducting an assessment project probably won't work out in the near future, as they're so busy with other issues. But even more troubling was that there seem to be issues with funding for Vida Digna. As a foreigner, I don't fully understand the nuances, but a decent number of Vida Digna staff members aren't getting paid for their work. When I first heard this, I got pretty worried about the participants, but thankfully, they are safe and don't need to worry about losing their spot in the nursing homes.
Yesterday, Janet, Willy, and a few of their friends came along with presents for the Vida Digna participants: clothes, pajamas, and shoes! Everyone was so delighted and a few even started crying. We didn't end up getting the paneton and hot chocolate that many of the residents wanted due to dietary restrictions, but I felt that the afternoon was a fantastic success :)
But in general, day-to-day, things are becoming quite routine, especially as the residents almost always ask to color soon after I arrive. I've tried to mix things up with Christmas tree collages and tangrams here and there, but most of them really do seem to enjoy drawing and coloring.
Here are some photos from my work so far:
However, there were some unexpected shake-ups in my work--first, I found out that Elizabeth wouldn't be back from vacation till about a week after I returned, though this wasn't a huge problem, as I'd been making visits on my own. But even now that she's back, I'm still mostly working independently as Vida Digna is in the midst of restructuring. So, I feel like my interest in conducting an assessment project probably won't work out in the near future, as they're so busy with other issues. But even more troubling was that there seem to be issues with funding for Vida Digna. As a foreigner, I don't fully understand the nuances, but a decent number of Vida Digna staff members aren't getting paid for their work. When I first heard this, I got pretty worried about the participants, but thankfully, they are safe and don't need to worry about losing their spot in the nursing homes.
Yesterday, Janet, Willy, and a few of their friends came along with presents for the Vida Digna participants: clothes, pajamas, and shoes! Everyone was so delighted and a few even started crying. We didn't end up getting the paneton and hot chocolate that many of the residents wanted due to dietary restrictions, but I felt that the afternoon was a fantastic success :)
But in general, day-to-day, things are becoming quite routine, especially as the residents almost always ask to color soon after I arrive. I've tried to mix things up with Christmas tree collages and tangrams here and there, but most of them really do seem to enjoy drawing and coloring.
Here are some photos from my work so far:
Un fuerte abrazo de Lima!
Monday, November 4, 2013
Adios--for now
Writing from the Houston airport, waiting for my flight home, I find myself missing everyone in Peru very much, not to mention the weather--once I get back to Downingtown, which will have a high of just 47 degrees today, a drastic change from the shorts-worthy weather in Lima!
Spring has arrived in Lima, and though the mornings are still pretty gray, the clouds usually give way to gorgeous afternoon sun. This past week, we took some of the residents out to two of the little parks that are scattered throughout San Borja (this incorporation of green space reminds me a lot of the urban design class I took senior spring—perhaps I’ll expand on that in a future blog post). Not everyone went—some have conditions that make it more challenging, like a catheter or psychiatric illness, and we are rather restricted in terms of personnel. On Tuesday, another Vida Digna staff member was there to help with the men, but on Wednesday, it was just Elizabeth and me.
Those who did come out were quite happy with the sunshine, change of scenery, and most importantly, the respect from passersby on the street. Elizabeth bought some candy and cupcakes both times, and two of the gentlemen offered a candy to a little girl who had been watching us for a while with her mother. Later, as our group filed back to the nursing home—the sidewalks are only wide enough for one wheelchair, so we looked like quite the procession—other locals stopped to let us pass, greeting everyone with a “Buenas tardes,” just like anyone else coming down the street. The interaction lasted just a couple seconds, and perhaps those pedestrians didn’t even think much of it. But I sensed from the beaming smiles on the residents’ faces that after years of living in extreme poverty and being virtually invisible to the rest of society, that simple gesture meant a lot.
On Thursday, I went around to say goodbye to all of the residents, since that night I would be leaving for a weekend trip to Oxapampa. They all wished me well on my trip and were glad to hear that I'll be back in December...and I too am very excited to see them again!
Spring has arrived in Lima, and though the mornings are still pretty gray, the clouds usually give way to gorgeous afternoon sun. This past week, we took some of the residents out to two of the little parks that are scattered throughout San Borja (this incorporation of green space reminds me a lot of the urban design class I took senior spring—perhaps I’ll expand on that in a future blog post). Not everyone went—some have conditions that make it more challenging, like a catheter or psychiatric illness, and we are rather restricted in terms of personnel. On Tuesday, another Vida Digna staff member was there to help with the men, but on Wednesday, it was just Elizabeth and me.
Those who did come out were quite happy with the sunshine, change of scenery, and most importantly, the respect from passersby on the street. Elizabeth bought some candy and cupcakes both times, and two of the gentlemen offered a candy to a little girl who had been watching us for a while with her mother. Later, as our group filed back to the nursing home—the sidewalks are only wide enough for one wheelchair, so we looked like quite the procession—other locals stopped to let us pass, greeting everyone with a “Buenas tardes,” just like anyone else coming down the street. The interaction lasted just a couple seconds, and perhaps those pedestrians didn’t even think much of it. But I sensed from the beaming smiles on the residents’ faces that after years of living in extreme poverty and being virtually invisible to the rest of society, that simple gesture meant a lot.
On Thursday, I went around to say goodbye to all of the residents, since that night I would be leaving for a weekend trip to Oxapampa. They all wished me well on my trip and were glad to hear that I'll be back in December...and I too am very excited to see them again!
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Long weekend
I'm really enjoying my work at the nursing homes--the first couple of days, I was a bit daunted by how many new names to remember, but I'm quickly learning not only the names of the residents, but also their behavior and abilities. In San Borja, there are about a dozen male Vida Digna participants on the top floor of one nursing home, and a short walk away, there are six female participants in another nursing home, although they are spread out among the three floors of the building.
Other than drawing and coloring, the men also have Tai Chi classes, which Elizabeth and I sat in on last week. To add some more variety to the activities, I'm making tangrams for the men, as quite a few of them can still take on more mentally challenging tasks. I also will be using spare cardboard and paper to make colorful shapes that the women can use to make collages.
Besides my volunteer work, I'm also enjoying seeing Lima. The first week, I went to the Plaza de Armas and Barrio Chino (Chinatown), as they're close to Vida Digna's office, but unfortunately I didn't have my camera on me--I hope to go back soon and really savor the area. During this long weekend (Tuesday is the Battle of Angamos), I got to see quite a few sights! On Sunday, we went to the Parque de la Amistad (Friendship Park), which is really cute and also has some good restaurants inside. I stupidly forgot my camera's memory card though, so I just have one decent cellphone photo of the arch, a replica of a gift from Spain.
Later that evening, I realized that over the long weekend, the Ministry of Culture was making all of its museums free. Kicked myself for not going out and exploring more on Saturday and Sunday, especially since the sun was finally out! Luckily, I was still able to make the most of the opportunity by going to Huaca Pucllana on Monday (practically the only place on the Ministry's list of attractions open on Monday), an archaeological site right in Miraflores. When we got off the bus and started looking for the place, I have to admit that I felt rather skeptical--we were in the middle of a rather residential looking area. But sure enough, we soon found the beige adobe structure and made our way in. It wasn't all that pretty, but the building technique is really admirable. Our tour guide noted that they had restored some areas of the structure. After an earthquake, the restored parts were destroyed, but the originals were still standing!
On Tuesday, I went to the Museo de Arte Italiano (another free site) and the Museo de Arte de Lima (not free, but just s/4 for students--they offered me the discount without asking for an ID!--and s/1 on Sundays!). They weren't all that big, but were in gorgeous buildings and had some nice pieces. Both are in the Parque de la Exposicion, a really nice area to walk around, and I'd love to go back to spend some more time.
Other than drawing and coloring, the men also have Tai Chi classes, which Elizabeth and I sat in on last week. To add some more variety to the activities, I'm making tangrams for the men, as quite a few of them can still take on more mentally challenging tasks. I also will be using spare cardboard and paper to make colorful shapes that the women can use to make collages.
Besides my volunteer work, I'm also enjoying seeing Lima. The first week, I went to the Plaza de Armas and Barrio Chino (Chinatown), as they're close to Vida Digna's office, but unfortunately I didn't have my camera on me--I hope to go back soon and really savor the area. During this long weekend (Tuesday is the Battle of Angamos), I got to see quite a few sights! On Sunday, we went to the Parque de la Amistad (Friendship Park), which is really cute and also has some good restaurants inside. I stupidly forgot my camera's memory card though, so I just have one decent cellphone photo of the arch, a replica of a gift from Spain.
Later that evening, I realized that over the long weekend, the Ministry of Culture was making all of its museums free. Kicked myself for not going out and exploring more on Saturday and Sunday, especially since the sun was finally out! Luckily, I was still able to make the most of the opportunity by going to Huaca Pucllana on Monday (practically the only place on the Ministry's list of attractions open on Monday), an archaeological site right in Miraflores. When we got off the bus and started looking for the place, I have to admit that I felt rather skeptical--we were in the middle of a rather residential looking area. But sure enough, we soon found the beige adobe structure and made our way in. It wasn't all that pretty, but the building technique is really admirable. Our tour guide noted that they had restored some areas of the structure. After an earthquake, the restored parts were destroyed, but the originals were still standing!
On Tuesday, I went to the Museo de Arte Italiano (another free site) and the Museo de Arte de Lima (not free, but just s/4 for students--they offered me the discount without asking for an ID!--and s/1 on Sundays!). They weren't all that big, but were in gorgeous buildings and had some nice pieces. Both are in the Parque de la Exposicion, a really nice area to walk around, and I'd love to go back to spend some more time.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
First two weeks down!
Hard to believe that it's been two weeks since arriving in Lima! I've adjusted so easily that it feels like I've been here forever, but looking at the calendar, I've got just over a month left of this first trip, and I'm sure it'll go by quickly.
The San Borja district is really nice, with lots of parks and even a nice green median with a jogging path on San Borja Norte, the street I'm living on. Within walking distance, there is a big shopping mall with American joints (KFC, Chili's, Burger King), and next to it, a Wong supermarket (think Wegman's crossed with Walmart). However, I've been doing most of my grocery shopping in the little markets that are just a couple blocks from where I'm living.
In terms of my volunteer work, it's a bit different from what I expected, but extremely interesting. Janet and Willy, her husband, got in touch with Peru's Ministerio de la Mujer y Poblaciones Vulnerables (roughly translated to Ministry for Women and Vulnerable Populations). Just about a year ago, they started a new program called Vida Digna that focuses on the homeless elderly. From discussions, reading*, and getting to know Janet's big family, I can see how important family is for Peruvians--children serve as a major source of support in one's old age. And so those who don't have family to care for them are on their own. While nursing homes may have already been taking care of those on the streets, this initiative is a more concerted approach that also provides individuals with advocates independent from the homes. Those who agree to enter Vida Digna are placed into one of several nursing homes around the city (I believe right now there are around 6). Thus, they are cared for alongside those who are paying for the service, but receive additional attention from Vida Digna staff members. I am working most closely with a psychologist, Elizabeth, in two nursing homes a short walk away here in San Borja.
So far, I've only had three full days' worth of work, due to some time needed to pin down schedules and an unfortunate bout of illness. What I have seen has been really eye-opening, especially how little these facilities get by with. The vast majority of residents share a room with at least two roommates; I saw one room with six beds on the first day, and none of them have privacy curtains. Two of the three homes I've seen don't have elevators, despite being multi-story buildings. In one, I saw a male staff member carrying residents up and down the stairs, but with just one staff member able to lift residents, I'm afraid to think of what would happen in case of an emergency requiring evacuation.
Still, I have seen the bonds between some of the staff members and residents, and I believe that the nursing homes are truly doing the best they can. The activities that Elizabeth and I do with Vida Digna participants are quite creative as well; she has a deck of flashcards with common objects depicted on them, and during one session, we passed them out to the group and each resident had a minute to talk about what was on their card as a form of mental exercise. We also draw and color with the residents. I've also been thinking of some crafts that would work well for them, given how many have difficulties even holding a pencil.
My Spanish certainly has a ways to go, but as I become more fluent and I get to know the residents better, I hope to hear more about their stories.
*Before leaving, I did some online research and came across this field study. What I'm doing now nicely follows up on her "future directions" section, and I wish there were a way for me to get in touch with her!
I haven't been taking too many pictures (actually have yet to even use my DSLR, given how residential of an area San Borja is), but I will get back into shutterbug-mode soon! But for now, a shot from a one-on-one coloring session:
The San Borja district is really nice, with lots of parks and even a nice green median with a jogging path on San Borja Norte, the street I'm living on. Within walking distance, there is a big shopping mall with American joints (KFC, Chili's, Burger King), and next to it, a Wong supermarket (think Wegman's crossed with Walmart). However, I've been doing most of my grocery shopping in the little markets that are just a couple blocks from where I'm living.
In terms of my volunteer work, it's a bit different from what I expected, but extremely interesting. Janet and Willy, her husband, got in touch with Peru's Ministerio de la Mujer y Poblaciones Vulnerables (roughly translated to Ministry for Women and Vulnerable Populations). Just about a year ago, they started a new program called Vida Digna that focuses on the homeless elderly. From discussions, reading*, and getting to know Janet's big family, I can see how important family is for Peruvians--children serve as a major source of support in one's old age. And so those who don't have family to care for them are on their own. While nursing homes may have already been taking care of those on the streets, this initiative is a more concerted approach that also provides individuals with advocates independent from the homes. Those who agree to enter Vida Digna are placed into one of several nursing homes around the city (I believe right now there are around 6). Thus, they are cared for alongside those who are paying for the service, but receive additional attention from Vida Digna staff members. I am working most closely with a psychologist, Elizabeth, in two nursing homes a short walk away here in San Borja.
So far, I've only had three full days' worth of work, due to some time needed to pin down schedules and an unfortunate bout of illness. What I have seen has been really eye-opening, especially how little these facilities get by with. The vast majority of residents share a room with at least two roommates; I saw one room with six beds on the first day, and none of them have privacy curtains. Two of the three homes I've seen don't have elevators, despite being multi-story buildings. In one, I saw a male staff member carrying residents up and down the stairs, but with just one staff member able to lift residents, I'm afraid to think of what would happen in case of an emergency requiring evacuation.
Still, I have seen the bonds between some of the staff members and residents, and I believe that the nursing homes are truly doing the best they can. The activities that Elizabeth and I do with Vida Digna participants are quite creative as well; she has a deck of flashcards with common objects depicted on them, and during one session, we passed them out to the group and each resident had a minute to talk about what was on their card as a form of mental exercise. We also draw and color with the residents. I've also been thinking of some crafts that would work well for them, given how many have difficulties even holding a pencil.
My Spanish certainly has a ways to go, but as I become more fluent and I get to know the residents better, I hope to hear more about their stories.
*Before leaving, I did some online research and came across this field study. What I'm doing now nicely follows up on her "future directions" section, and I wish there were a way for me to get in touch with her!
I haven't been taking too many pictures (actually have yet to even use my DSLR, given how residential of an area San Borja is), but I will get back into shutterbug-mode soon! But for now, a shot from a one-on-one coloring session:
Monday, September 16, 2013
Goodbye, America!
Finally, after a month of being at home and working on secondaries, I am heading to Peru today for my first stretch, through early November. I'm still kind of in shock that this is really happening, after nearly a year of having the idea brew in my mind!
As a quick summary, thanks to the DRCLAS Reifenberg Fellowship, I have the opportunity to work with Help for the Andes, an organization that has quite a few projects going on, including the Human Touch program that focuses on those in institutions like hospitals, orphanages, and nursing homes. I will be living and working with Janet, a clinical psychologist and advisor for the Human Touch initiative. When I was putting my plans together, I figured that through HFTA, I would be able to connect with nursing homes in Lima, where I hope to understand elder care in Peru and help the staff, especially using what I've learned through Alzheimer's Buddies!
Until I get myself settled in--un abrazo!
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