More fun with The Bootmen

There was a problem with the shoe I had resoled a few weeks ago, so I took it on Friday with its partner, and another pair of shoes only one of which needed a new heel leather, to my trusty shoe repairmen, the Bootmen.

I explained the problem with the first shoe, and then that I needed the 2nd pair heel to be level because if it's not, it makes my foot slide sideways and hurts.  Always smiling, the guys understood the issue, nodded their assent and told me to return on Monday morning.

As it turned out, I'd been crook over the weekend and couldn't face the walk down there in the heat on Monday, so it was Tuesday morning about 10 when I returned. "Ah, pretty lady, I was JUST about to start yours. Can you come back in maybe half an hour?" Sure, not a problem. This is Mexico, nothing happens on schedule.

It was about 2.30 the next time I came back, thinking he'd have to be finished. Well yes, the first pair was fine, he got me to try them on to make sure they were OK. That's great, I said, and the other ones?

Their eyes grew round and the 2nd man quickly found the other shoes, ripped off both the heels and set to work. Only one heel had needed repair but it was too late to argue. Off he went gluing, nailing and shaping the 2 heels. Meanwhile the first man was keeping me engaged in conversation. He explained that he spoke 3 languages because he grew up in Belize where English is the official first language, spanish widely spoken and creole spoken but not taught in schools. He told me about his father from Belize and his mother from Honduras (god rest both their souls!), and about the lovely cities, islands and Mayan ruins in his homeland.

At some time during this conversation, the other guy gave him one of my shoes and soon both of them were hand sewing the soles (I didn't even realise they were coming loose). I found out more about Ambergris Caye and the delightful city of Belmopan, and even an invitation to accompany them for a road trip to Belize when they return in September - because that's when all the best parties are! Of course, my mama always told me never to get in a car with one, let alone 2, strange men, so I think it's unlikely I will take up their offer, but maybe I'll see them there. I certainly want to visit Belize again and who better to give me tourist advice?

Finally, both shoes are finished and placed lovingly in a bag with the first pair. All those repairs, considerably more than I'd asked for, and 45 minutes' entertainment, and what did it cost me? 50 pesos $4.  My shoes felt like they'd been made for me, and I had a smile all the way home. So what if the repairs took longer than promised? In fact I wonder when/whether they would have started if I hadn't kept going back?  Maybe it's just their way of keeping people talking to them to reduce the boredom of their lives sitting in a tiny stall surrounded by 500 shoes (remnants of people who forgot to go back?).

Who cares, the Bootmen and I are now good friends and we all smiled a little more today - which after the ATM disaster, was a very nice change.