After I was rejected entry to Mexico I had few more days back in Huehue. While I was figuring out what to do next I had few days of chilled down time back in Carlos' place. Local celebrations were taking place and we wet out for our shopping spree two days in a row. Not necessarily knowing what we are looking for we were scanning thrift shops and second hand stores like there is no tomorrow.
I call Huehuetenango a shopping city. Sure there are awesome mountains to go to, but the city is boring. That is why it is more economical hub than tourist place. And we took great advantage of that.
Kicking it off with fresh coconuts we started around the open market getting some food for the day. As the town was going through their celebrations somebody was selling colored chickens. That was beyond weird...
Not sure what are these celebrations about but local kids have to train for them in schools. Than wearing some uniforms they perform a parade waving flags and singing or dancing. If you ask me I am happy I didn't had to go through similar torture when still a child.
Next thing you know we're helping somebody collect spilled strawberries. Not just us, many people helped but Carlos was the first one to give a helping hand. I did my part too, but than lot of people joined so I had time to take some pictures instead...
I was mostly looking for some kind of a hat but couldn't really find anything that special. Carlos instead got lucky very early on. He bought an Italian designer dress - made in China :)
His negotiation skills allowed him to beat the price down almost a half!
Than was time to check one little cafe turned enthusiast museum of motorcycles, bikes and other random collections.
After a cafe break we've headed to a shopping center outside the city center. It is a usual mall, but they do have Megapaca! It is a mega second hand...
We have both found many things needed for our arsenal. Namely surf shorts and a beanie for myself and some handmade pottery for Carlos.
It was so cheap you can't imagine. 20 Quetzal each. That is about three dollars. Not bad for Hurley shorts and Levi's beanie...
Full of excitement and happiness about our successful shopping spree we have headed back to hostel to cook dinner. Joined by an Italian travel girl we have ventured out one more time to see the celebrations and spend some more money. This time rather pointlessly on beers in a local music bar. However the atmosphere inside was very vibrant and it was well worth it too. We even got a free shot of tequila from the owner - not Carlos though even though he tried his best to pretend he is a Mexican tourist...
All the best,
Global Local