In our first few weeks here, we went to the jumbo Jumbo, like a Super Target, and there was an entire isle devoted to smocks for nanas. Granted, we were in the wealthy area of town, but women wearing these checkered gowns can be seen everywhere.
Both maids and nannies, these women walk the dogs, clean the house, take the kids to the park, and do everything. In the summer the nanas in our area would take their lunch break together outside our apartment, each in a green gingham jumper, five seated on a bench chatting among themselves. The smocks nanas usually have to wear are really awful. I hate any job that requires people to wear humiliating uniforms, and the unflattering gingham immediately announces to people your profession, since no one would willfully wear one of those smocks without being a nana.
These jobs are often occupied by Peruvian women. A friend of mine said if you are the cleaner, or the one left with the ironing in the family your family might call you "the Peruvian".
On a recent job interview in a very nice part of town, I saw these women all over walking the dog, carrying the groceries home, pushing strollers.
Below is a clip from a Chilean film that made it to Sundance last year about nanas.
-- Lauren
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