Shoeshine?

Shoe shining is big business in Antigua. On average, we are asked if we want a shoeshine about 4 times an hour. Shoeshiners are always male, but they range in age from about 6 to 60. This lucky shoeshiner owns his own bench for customer comfort. Sometimes his dog, Inkie, relaxes there between customers. Most shiners stroll through the park with 

mobile shoeshine kits and offer shines to people sitting on park benches. Buzz accepted a shine late one Saturday afternoon from a 6-year-old professional who had polish up to his elbows and even some on his cheeks. The kid squirted brown oily liquid on Buzz's boot and deftly began some beautifully choreographed polishing moves before Buzz could even ask how much it would cost--BIG mistake. With one boot committed, the kid had all the power. Note: a shoeshine should only cost 3 to 5 quetzales. Buzz paid considerably more and left an oily trail as we walked out of the park. EVERYONE has polished shoes here, from people selling TV antennas in the mercado to police officers. My boots are suede.