SN: Before I found her shop, I went to the Farmer's Market section to look at produce. I had a short conversation with a young man who worked there, and realized immediately he was different from the family I had been seeing. He came off as if he felt too good to work there and I was turned off. It was also ironic that he tried to speak English with me, and I only wanted to speak Spanish. (Never thought that would happen) He's 23 and when I would try to ask about his work there, he would divert the convo to tell me how he couldn't wait to get off work to go to south beach with his friends and spend money. Yuck!
Anyway, I walked around for a while longer and finally found the warm familiar face I was looking for: Maria! :) This time, I moved up from a handshake, which I had received the last two times, to a kiss and a hug. She's so sweet! She seemed really happy to see me and I felt good. I brought some FIU goodies for her sons, since they have told me they want to come here for Engineering because I thought it would get them excited and motivated to graduate. They were extremely grateful and it warmed my heart. The oldest son is actually on his second attempt at the SAT, and is getting desperate. I consoled him by letting him know that I didn't pass it till my third time, and he should relax before the test and purchase a book with practice tests because it helps a lot. I also found out that the boys play soccer and actually have a game tonight after they finish work. I have no idea how they have the energy for that after 12 hrs of labor in the hot sun, but admire their passion.
I continued to talk with Maria, but she was busier than usual. This however made me happy for her because I know she's struggling with money. She told me how she just finished paying off her two cars' insurances and is basically left with nothing. Still, she wears a smile. In addition, she is so proud of her little shop. She started telling me how she wants to put up shelves and move things around to have more space, and when it talks about it, you can see her dignity and pride come out. Unfortunately, she doesn't have the money to make those arrangements right now so she is saving up. All the vendors are now also required to change the material they use to shade the sun, but that too is expensive. I helped her move around some stuff and clear up space before I left.
As I browsed the other shops, I noticed some teenage girls walking around in heels. Now, maybe it's just me but I felt like it was a bit much considering the dirt roads and lack of fancy in the place. But as I observed them and other teenagers, I realized that this is their hang out. This flea market is the equivalent to my Aventura mall. They get all dressed up and come hang out with friends, and browse for potential boyfriends/girlfriends. My plan for next time I go is to get to know some of these teens and hang out with them for a different perspective.
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