Fēowertyne niht - fourteen nights

Two weeks under our belts and good reports on both the exercise routines and diet. We both have adhered to reduced intake and have been faithful in taking our morning walks. So much so that we have identified frequent walkers and miss them when they are not on task in the mornings. We also make two or three forays out of the compound daily down to the center of our village. Round trip (de ida y vuelta) can add approximately two or three miles to our trekking. So, on an average day, it is safe to say that we hie from three to five miles. I trust that the one pair of Keen San Antonio sandals that I have here will last for another five fortnights. Of course there are options available to us such as taxi, chicken bus and tuk-tuk. Chicken bus is the least expensive followed by tuk-tuk and then taxi. The going rate for tuk-tuks here is Q10 (USD1.20) for up to three persons anywhere in the central 15-square blocks of the city. If one desires to wander out a bit from the city center, an additional Q5 is added. Most drivers of the tuk-tuks are honest but some are in cahoots with robbers and one can be ripped off. Each tuk-tuk bears a registration number, clearly visible on the front as well as the back of the vehicle. There are lists containing registration numbers of the dishonest or those not to be trusted. So far, we have not used the tuk-tuks to transport our bodies or purchases on journeys about town.

There are vendors in Antigua, many of them using more than acceptable English, attempting to catch the eyes of tourists. Flutes, woven materials, jewelry and other hand fashioned items are offered on the streets and sidewalks as well as in the central plaza from early in the day until late at night. Most vendors have come to recognize us and ignore us as we do them. However, once one eyes an object and shows even the slightest interest, one can expect a gathering of vendors. Many are indigenous and are adorned with the specific clothing which identifies their village of origin and, in some cases, their marital status. Most male indigenous who come to Antigua are indistinguishable from any other male in the city but the females are almost all adorned such that they are set apart. However, indigenous males in areas distant from Antigua have specific styles of dress which are unique to their villages or areas of residence.

The female indigenous often tote large objects such as baskets laden with produce or other items atop their head. They arrange a cloth which is placed first on their pate and then lift the basket which is well balanced before they walk. Men, instead of toting on their heads, manage to lift their burdens onto their shoulders and press forward. John and I saw a man yesterday carrying a wooden wardrobe on his shoulders taller than he by several feet feet. He looked stressed but was able and willing to respond with a smile and a greeting of Good Morning in Spanish.

Delivery of fresh fish and other seafood to the front door of the house is available in Antigua. So, interestingly, is fresh goat milk. Except here it is done somewhat differently. To wit: we have witnessed a youngish lad with stick in hand leading a herd of four or five goats down the streets here. At least one of the nannies has a bell about her neck giving testimony to her whereabouts and to her availability.  We have also seen the lad and herd draw to a stop, the lad knock on a door, a matron appearing at the door and the next thing that happens is the lad milking the goat or goats before our eyes. Yes, that yellowy-white mixture is still warm when it is vended - squirted into the little can and given to the lady. Manual labor, indeed with no fine milking machines present. Fresh, yes. Pasteurized, no! I did not even see the teats being washed before the milking. La leche fresca y natural y sin afectación. For those of you given to organic, you've got it baby.