Tag 127 - Happy

I had arranged to go to Masaya today with Sarah and Shannon, one of the nearest bigger cities, within sight of the volcano of the same name.

The journey takes about 45 minutes. However, we had to wait for half an hour on the bus until the driver deemed it full enough and started. On the worn plastic seats in the retired American school bus, you quickly feel damp and sticky. It was almost unbearable today at lunchtime.

In Masaya, there is a huge, labyrinthine market right next to the bus terminal. Diligent readers may remember. It mainly offers food and everyday items. But in the heart of the market, there is a section with handicrafts and souvenirs. Shannon took out her list of commissioned souvenirs and started ticking them off. Here, in the middle of the market, the booths are so close together that no daylight enters. And there is no breeze.

My haul: a fridge magnet (a little tic of mine) and a very small, naively painted picture.

I liked the Spiderman piñata because the superhero was depicted with a big belly and stubby arms.

Piñatas are (or have I mentioned it already) handmade, hollow figures made of crepe paper (wow, four P's), which are filled with sweets on birthdays and other celebrations. They are then hung from the ceiling and the recipient has to try to hit them blindfolded with a stick until they burst and candy rains down.

No change in weather in sight.