At the Market

The sales woman walks away with my sandals after handing me a slip of paper that reads "74 MIGE NE 28". I don't get it.

I'm in the grocery store picking up the essentials: beans, rice, chilis, michelada mix, and hot dogs. At the cash register I hand the cashier my slip of paper I'm directed to another line to wait in. I don't really want the sandals that bad.

I comb the market loading up on herbs, spices, and vegatables, hagling my way all along with the shrunken women. Week's grocery bill: $20 (Later I find out I was splurging at that!)

After the hours of shopping, I am ready for a cold beer. Restaurant Bar Los Amigos. Two mariachi bands travel from table to table playing specifically for paying customers, but in general for everyone. No menu can be found as the waiter come up for my order.

"One beer please."
"and to eat?"
"The snacks are fine for now."
"You have to order something to eat..." he lists a series of items that I don't understand.
"Carne asada?"
"Bueno"

He returns promptly with two cold Negra Modelas. I glace across the table at an empty seat.

"One is enough"

The waiter shakes his head and points to a sign on the wall. "2X1". I had just assumed that everyone was just thirsty...

Plates quickly filled my humble table: spiced peanuts with limes, a basket of chips, carne asada, and a salad. I see the other food options taken to other tables: whole fried fish, ceviche, mini-grills heating dips and soups, along with others.

I sit for a while enjoying the atmosphere, food, and beers. Rugrats is on the television, but noone else is watching. The longer I sit, the more food arrives. Guacamole with more chips and salchicha (a condiment made of chopped hot dogs, mayo, and chilis.

Finally, I decide it's time to move on. The bill? 35 pesos- about $3. A sum that has found its way onto my weekly grocery budget.