Bolivian Bowler Hats 8

Bolivian Bowler Hats 8

Marilynn and Karen got up early to make breakfast before Senora Cabrera came. Senora Cabrera came to work as usual and on time. The sisters told her they had made breakfast as went shopping early. They took Oscars large truck.

The sisters knew how to drive a stick shift. They stopped at all the best yard sales first. People were getting rid of many items at an inexpensive price. People wanted to make money for Christmas celebration.

It was close to lunch time so they stopped for a coffee and pastry. Marilynn listened to the travelers complain how hot it was in Samaipata. Silly people she thought. Why don't they carry a water bottle? While Senora Cabrera and Karen checked the newspaper for dishes she got up and walked around looking into shop windows. One shop door was open with a sign saying Venta Barata. Aha she thought “For Sale Cheap”!

She heard a shrill voice coming out of a doorway. A demanding English speaking woman was yelling at a man.

“It doesn't matter what your uncle has here. Sell this junk so we can move back to the states.

The woman noticed Marilynn and softened her voice.

“May I help you? We are selling everything in the shop. We will take cash or Visa card.”

Marilynn said she would get her sister and their friend and check out the shop. The three ladies looked around. Karen found some items for her home. Karen saw some tools so she called Richard to the shop.

Marilynn saw a Heavy duty snow cone machine in the corner of the store. The cups and cases of syrups were stored next to the machine unopened.

Oscar saw her checking out the machine. He went over to the gentleman and asked if he would take five hundred American cash for the machine and everything that went with it. His shrill voiced wife told Oscar they wanted one thousand. Oscar told her he lived here and could not raise anymore American cash. No he did not have a credit card. He then proceeded to walk out the door. The woman called him back and made the deal.

Oscar asked Marilynn to ride back to the house with him. Richard stayed and looked at tools.

Inside the Land Rover Oscar had a smile on his face.

“You were inside my head. You knew I wanted that snow cone machine. I was going to offer one thousand.” said Marilynn.

“Yes I knew you wanted it. I do not know the reason why. I offered five hundred. The uncle paid two thousand. I helped him put it in his shop. He owed me five hundred for delivery charges. I figured one thousand was a fair price. I wanted my five hundred. Business is business” laughed Oscar.

“I heard a tourist in town complaining about the heat. I figured if we sold snow cones during the hot weather we could make money for the orphans. We could pay off the machine in no time at all. The profit would go to the street children. They could have food everyday. Who knows there might even be enough left over for medical help.” said Marilynn.

Oscar pulled over to the side f the road and planted a huge kiss on Marilynn's lips.

“You are a true angel.” said Oscar. Marilynn blushed a deep red.

Richard drove the truck full of household furnishings to their house. Senora Cabrera went over to Oscars and started a late lunch. Karen and Marilyn unloaded the smaller items. The men carried in the large items.

A delivery truck drove up to the house with brand new mattresses for the two beds that were bought. There was also new bedding on the truck.

Richard said “Oscar we love your hospitality but we're sleeping in our own home tonight.”

At lunch Oscar and Marilyn spoke about the snow cone caper they were planning. Senora Cabrera was dining with them. She told them they could try it out on the corner lot of her and husbands home. There home was in a prominent place in town. Oscar said he would only if they would take money for using their electricity. Senora said only if you ask my husband first. Oscar agreed saying he would meet with Senor Cabrera tonight.

The next day with an official permit Marilynn and Oscar set up their cart. The permit was displayed in a prominent place. A wood sign Senora Cabrera's daughter had painted was displayed near the cart for all to see. The rest of the day was profitable. The sales slips and funds were taken to Karen who had agreed to be bookkeeper. The money was kept in Oscars safe in a special box until they could set up a bank account for the nonprofit orphan's fund.

©Julia A Knaake