Blockade

Last Tuesday, I was excited to see that Central Intelligence had made theaters here (though it is called A Spy and a Half) and The Rock is not The Rock; the sign really said Piedra (SPanish for Rock).

Anyway, as soon as I hopped on the bus to Plaza del Valle, it started pouring (this seems to be something that happens on Tuesday afternoons). I was still delighted by the prospects of heading to the “mall”( really a grocery store with some anchor shops, one department store, and the movie theater…) and seeing a movie. (I only go to Spanish-language movies, no subtitles; I justify my adventures, including ordering snacks, as language lessons.)

The first sign I’d be sorely disappointed was the practically empty parking lot. The grocery has a HUGE promotion going on all July (more on this later), so it was surprising to see such poor attendance at the sale. Then, I noticed the parking lot was chained off at the entrances. I pushed forward.

The cinema was dark as was the department store.

I approached the front of Soriana; the grocery store was being blocked by folks who seemed determined to stay.

I apparently was the only person who didn’t know about this. I need to listen to the radio here.

I had waited all afternoon for snacks, so, trudging onto the bus home, I was tired, wet, cold, hungry, and disappointed. These are not emotions I am accustomed to feeling in Oaxaca (and rarely in Sacramento). I ate and put myself to bed.