It's the little things...

It is the dry season and it's dusty.  So at least once a year... or maybe year and a half.... I manage to get it together and get a shine for my footwear.  Guys shining shoes are everywhere, so I really have no excuse why I let mine get so dusty.  I guess is kinda like the car.  Clean it one day and it's dusty the next.  However, when I do get it together, I always got into the city to the zocalo where there lots of men who are very good at their jobs.  And so it was a couple of days ago.  You can see how they looked as he began.

It was so much fun to watch him work.  He had lots of special tricks and techniques.  His polishes have different consistencies and each had a special use.

This man worked so fastidiously for well over a half hour to transform my dusty dogs into condition better than new.  I have no idea how much it cost, probably 20 pesos, a dollar at today exchange.  I gave him more than that because it was such a good shine and such a pleasure to watch him work.  An artist at his craft.

The sandals were probably more work than simple shoes, but I loved how much effort and pride he put into his work.  This is very typical of the Oaxacan work ethic.  I only mention this for those who have no idea how hard Mexicans work.  Hmmmm... who might that be?