Page 163 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL FALL 2024 SPAIN

Also on site, the Peruvian Navy, Army,
and Air Force and the municipalities of
Maynas and Punchana had joined SIA to
lend assistance in serving the patients.
Throughout the week, the Peruvian Navy
ship “Corrientes”, part of Buque de la Ar-
mada del Peru (BAP), a ship equipped with
medical facilities, kept watch from the river
bank. Twenty-eight year-old Lieutenant
Commander Fernando Galiano, the dapper
young officer in charge, couldn’t hide his
excitement at being part of the mission.
“We patrol the Amazon and its tributaries
to provide basic medical care to tribes
along the rivers,” he explained. “This mis-
sion is always a highlight for us.” He invited
me into the galley, where the ship’s cook
offered me a taste of the Peruvian classic
huancaina sauce, and the cilantro flavored
salsa huacatay. “This is the best chef in the
Peruvian navy,” exclaimed Lt Cdr Galiano.
These cultural and medical exchanges
went on for 7 days led by Dr. Luis Espinosa,
SIA’s medical director, until close to 700
patients were served. At our farewell dinner
in Iquitos, in an unusual restaurant set on
stilts over the Amazon, SIA member Dr.
Melany Rodriguez reflected: “This is my
first time with SIA, because I believe this
mission is important for people in this area.
When I see this, I know we have to do
more.” Most of the young Peruvian medical
staff echoed her feelings.
We were exhausted yet exhilarated at
having accomplished our mission. Many
members were making plans to return the
next year, some bringing friends along. We
parted ways filled with hugs and emotion.
Anita, already was already at her laptop
and working her iPhone. The 2025 SIA mis-
sion was only 11 months away.

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