Shoe repairs

My favourite shoes got soaked when I got caught in a sudden downpour a few weeks ago, and the sole inside one shoe has started to break down. I've been wearing them anyway but now it's starting to hurt my foot. They are really comfy leather sandals and I'm reluctant to say good bye to them, so I took the shoe to my favourite bootmaker who has a tiny stall a few streets away.

He saw the problem immediately and told me I'd need a new sole. Digging around in his boxes he brought out a piece of soft leather and explained to me that he would cut it from this, was that OK? Fine, I said, shall I pick it up on Monday? No, no, he says, come back tomorrow, about the same time "when the sun is high in the sky".

Wondering whether I'd need to go to the bank again, I asked how much. "30 pesos senora", he tells me. That's $A2.50. I'm sure the piece of leather must cost more than that, and I can't see any self-respecting bootmaker in Australia getting out of bed for $2.50.

Ah, I love Mexico! If you had all your shoe repairs done here it would probably pay for your air ticket!