11-17-10

102- yr old patient of MediSol clinic (not our pt.)
Peruvian street seller
love that smile!

Just as our spirits were beginning to flag after a somewhat frustrating day near the end of my 3 weeks in the trenches...our beloved Jefa carol gave us a wonderful surprise: reservations at the famous L'eau Vivre french restaurant (run by a French order of nuns)...in a restored 1824 Spanish Colonial mansion in the heart of Lima near the presidential Palace and Plaza..

The order of Senora Del Carmen (their saint of the poor) The nuns cook and serve in the restaurant and live above it. The proceeds are used to fund a "bazillion" projects for the poor here in Lima.

After being served drinks - a flawless vino tinto- the 8 nuns fanned out around the perimeter of the dining hall and gifted us with a song, 'Ave Maria', the achingly sweet voices rising above us and echoing off the ancient wood rafters 20 ft. above our heads. (see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKC8RH0djIs )

Each plate served was met with rave reviews...the poisson, the poulet, the pomme frites., all cooked to perfection...finished with creme brulee, mousse and crepes flambe.

I had to keep pinching myself to be sure I wasn't dreaming ("ok, I am still on a PINCC mission, right?!). It was one of those unforgettable evenings one keeps in the memory box for life. Thanks Carol.

Back to reality at the clinic tomorrow.

xox,

Mai