Sunday, April 6, 2008

La Joya

Yesterday was a crazy day with my going back and forth between the two hospitals, but things were accomplished which is always good! Last night a group of us went to a place called Zig Zag for dinner. It was amazing! I was brave and tried the trio of meats... I had Ostrich, Alpaca and Steak. Didn't care much for the Alpaca but everything else was great. Than we headed out to the disco, what a blast!! Our doc's, translators, nurses and I were all out in full form. Nonstop dancing for two hours straight. Zev, the surgeon, was a bit sore this morning from getting jiggy with it (LoL) and our cardiologist Phil gave us instruction on how to properly do the funky chicken. Pictures will be interesting to see :)
Today I went to La Joya. To get there it was about an hour drive through mountains, mines and the desert. I did not expect the desert to be so beautiful. The sand and mountains were multi colored from the copper and volcanic rock. Than suddenly in the midst of the desert we'd come across a patch of green lush farm land that was watered via irrigation systems. Apparently their water comes from the mountains (20 kilometers away) and requires much cleaning before drinking. It made me worry about the poor. We went to the La Joya hospital, last year this little tiny hospital treated over 40,000 patients. A doctor informed me that on a normal 12 hour shift he sees at least 40 patients. The hospital doesn't have proper supplies, drugs or equipment. They can't afford it. The equipment they do have is locked up and only the director has the key... he's rather rude and is rarely there meaning the life saving equipment (including respiratory equipment) is never accessible. The town seems so destitute. People make homes out of branches, cardboard, wood, brick or whatever they can find. One room huts, no plumbing or electricity of course. In the middle of all this is a beautiful resort with step horses, pools, and a green lush landscape. The difference between the poor and rich is outstanding. This is definitely a new experience, one that is unforgettable.

4 comments:

Jenny Patterson said...

Errin, keep up the blog! I am enjoying reading about your adventures!

PS Is the swat guy cute?

Anonymous said...

Keep up the wonderful work you are doing. Although, sounds like it's more fun than work.

Anonymous said...

Errin, your adventure sounds amazing and frustrating. As a retired paramedic I can feel your frustration over some of the "my way is the only way" attitudes you have gotten. I thank your mom for pointing her claying friends this way. I am living vicariously through your posts. Now....where are all the pictures and make sure you get one of the swat guy :D

Anonymous said...

It's hard to be the outsider with knowledge and realize that no matter how valuable your knowledge is, some people will see it only as an invasion of their territory or an attack on their own expertise.

Still, it is worth going there, and incredibly important for the patients you are able to help. Enjoy what you can, learn what you can, and come home safe!