Arrival Monday, May 27

Lima is a bustling metropolis. By the time we left the airport, it was well after 11:30 p.m. Our chauffer, Senor Homberto Negron from Torismo Total, assured us the heavy traffic in the city was nothing out of the ordinary, despite the late hour. Under the shroud of darkness, Lima brandished its neon lights and high rises. As we drove towards Mira Flores, the buildings gradually shrank into neat rows of residences sheltered behind fences and locked gates. Mira Flores’ affluence was apparent. The use of glass in the buildings’ architecture provided an appealing contrast to the palm trees that lined the streets. This was a beautiful and obviously expensive part of town. NAMRU-6 personnel connected us to a reasonably priced hostel at $20 a person per night, La Hostal Eiffel, located in the heart of tourist district in Mira Flores. Despite the modest facilities at our abode, we were mere blocks from the Pacific Ocean, the Marriott, and numerous casinos. Understandably, Lima aims to attract tourists and investors by highlighting the city’s beauty and attractions. The inclination to present to foreigners the best that one’s country has to offer also stems from a sense of national pride. However, it may be more beneficial for visitors to see and experience an accurate rendition of the economic and social aspects of the country. It would allow foreigners to better appreciate the triumphs and struggles of the country, adding to a more enriching vacation. Coming to Peru as a global health scholar, I am in the state of mind to learn as much as I can about the way of life for Peruvians of various socioeconomic classes. However, I wonder how much of the culture can I truly understand and appreciate as an outsider who has limited proficiency in the local languages. How does one achieve substantial immersion in a short time frame?