Festive Times

Christmas decorations have now gone up around Sucre (one week beforehand) and we are getting in the festive mood! Sinterklaas brought us a great box of goodies for the Fifth of December when Dutch children receive their presents from the Saint. These included pepernoten (tiny spicy biscuits), marzipan, chocolate coins and cigarettes. We had great fun when two of Henry´s cumpadres from Kalinkera, Paulino and Ascenzio, came to Sucre and stayed for a couple of days. They had never seen anything like it, but loved them. Moreover Paulino had never been to town before with all its mod-cons such as cars, showers, tables, chairs and cutlery and it was a pretty nerve wrecking experience to him! The idea of chocolate cigarettes must have been quite absurd to them, but made for a nice cultural exchange. I imagine they had many stories to tell when they got back to the village!

Paulino was badly injured in a fight two years ago leaving the left side of his body paralysed. Fortunately he is now able to walk again, but moving his left arm and leg remains difficult. Henry took him to several specialists to see if anything could be done. As doctors don´t speak Quechua, the only language in places like Kalinkera, and charge for all their services, as a national health service does not exist, Paulino and Asenzio very much depended on Henry´s help. The consultants at the hospital did not think that there was much they could do at this stage and he ended up with acupuncture treatments. We hope this will make a difference!