Sunday is market day in Tlacolula de Matamoros, about 20 mi southeast of here. This is the second biggest market in the area, after the one I saw yesterday. Unlike the one I saw yesterday, although you can get turned around in this one too, things are more spread out here. Hopefully you'll be able to make some sense out of the pics I took. A lot of shots of the market in general, some shots of the indigenous women (most taken surreptitiously) dressed in their Sunday finest; supposedly, this market is for them, as they don't have these things available to them in their villages. Very interesting. I hope the pics will give you some idea of what I saw. Remember, this isn't just a day at the mall; this is more like their weekly grocery shopping (combined with a trip to the mall).

Caught the first bus at 9:30am, got to Tlacolula at 11:30am ($1.30). Got there and had lunch: some kind of sandwhich, and a coke, for $1.50. Later on I had a cream filled donut ($0.30) and a flavored water ($0.60).  

After two hours of walking around, I was ready to go, but I spent the better part of an hour trying to find my entry point, which is close to the bus depot. Went out the wrong way; I must have been on the totally opposite side: took me a long time to get to the bus, asking directions several times.  

Most of the non-local buses I ride are first and second class buses. Second class buses have no toilet, seats don't recline, little leg room, no overhead storage. This bus was the same, but it was brand new, gave a better ride, and the seats had more padding. Returning was quicker: less people getting on and off, less stops. On the way to the market, the bus had up to a dozen people standing, and the driver kept going to bus stops looking for more!  

Walked from the bus depot, on the outskirts of the downtown area, towards downtown looking for an ATM. Found one more quickly than I thought I would. Then headed to a bus stop: first one was the wrong one, but the one I needed was only a block away.  

Got back about 5:30pm. Was craving a beer; but at the bus dropoff, I saw someone with an ice cream, so I got a cone.  

When I got to La Villada, I put my stuff in my room, then went and got that beer.  

Went back to my room, worked on the computer, then went for dinner.  

Had a very good vegetable soup with a little bit of chicken in it. It was scalding hot, but was great, as it was getting chilly out: there were four other diners, and they were all wearing an extra layer. The main course was a thin piece of fried chicken breast with salad; unlike most places so far, here the salad has dressing. Fruit flavored water included. All for $3. Healthy, filling, and cheap: I could live here!  

Back to my room. More research, even though the internet is slow. Bedtime.