Nancy was down to the ocean for another fish this morning, where she attracted quite a crowd of advisors. Her intent was to cast her line out past the breaking surf and let it sit on the bottom. Her new Mexican friend advised her to cast continuously, something for which her reel is not designed. She gave a token cast or two, to indicate that she understood what he was telling her. A good time was had by all, but no fish.
We had spent a couple of days on the slowly-tighten-things-a-little-bit-at-a-time-so you-don't snap-the-plastic-fittings plan with our new water stand, but it continued to leak. With Dave's help. we disassembled it, did a concept review, reassembled it in a slightly different position, and presto!; no more leaks.
Nancy had a chat with Antonio, who now felt that it might be better if we went to the taller de carpintero to order our stairs, rather than wait for them to come here. Talk to Lourdes, he said, I've called ahead. So, off we went.
We found Lourdes at the carpenter's shop (well dressed, well jewelled, and with nails done in a fashion that would impress our Cuban friend Imelia), and started our transaction, all in español. Somehow, she immediately recognized us as the canadienses from the trailer park that Antonio had talked to her about. I showed her my drawing, and she carefully reviewed and confirmed the dimensions with me. She then offered us a seat while she went to consult the carpenter.
While we waited in the showroom, we had a look around.
The valuable plywood was stored in the showroom
Carpinteria Madereria
She returned and told us that the stairs would not be made of plywood, but of pine boards one inch thick. When I asked, she assured me that they would be very strong. Any thicker, she said, and they would be too heavy. Further, she said that they would be ready in a week, next Wednesday. (Sunday, November 20st is La Dia De La Revolución, and therefore a long weekend). She said the stairs would be $700 (about $CDN49) and asked for a deposit. I offered two hundred, she agreed, and wrote me out a recibo.
Well pleased with the results of our foray, we headed back to the park for a congratulatory beverage. (A surprise, I know) I stopped into la oficina to thank Antonio for the referral, and let him know that we had been successful. He congratulated us and said he'd have one of the boys bring a wooden set of stairs by our site tomorrow, and that if they fit, we could use them until our new set was ready.
Jambalaya with Mex chorizo, pork chop and shrimp
Warmer weather on the way.
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