My peeps

These are some of the real people I talk to in el parque central every day. From left to right, they are Mildred with her two niños, and Saida and Lilian. Not pictured are Ligla, Juliana, Carla, Lola, Lilia and Dorothy. The women are in traditional Mayan dress topped off with baby slings. Inside the baby slings are bead necklaces, tablecloths, table runners, potholders, and huipiles (traditional Mayan tops). But mostly necklaces. Usually one arm is loaded with necklaces, and when a potential customer walks by, they pull out the loaded arm to display their wares. Apparently they can spot a sucker a mile away, because they come running when they see me in the park. "Patty, you buy necklace?" And we proceed to look at the necklaces while we talk about our families, about the weather, about food--in Spanish! I'll admit I've purchased several necklaces, only the ones that I like, and only for about TWICE as many quetzales as they are worth. But you will not find Spanish tutors more willing or more patient than these dear ladies.