It was 2 p.m. and I was standing in front of the juice stand on the corner directly across the street accompanied by my sister in law. We were enjoying the orange/ mango beverages freshly squeezed moments before from the large bins of fresh fruit behind the counter when she seethed …….
“Este Hijo de Puta” said she in an animated description of her belief that her hubby was a “son of bitch“. He had failed to arrive to meet us earlier in the day as planned and was in deep shit because she was pissed . I personally didn’t mind lacking his company as I stood enjoying the colorful Colombian street scene atmosphere…. but it had embarrassed her.
Suddenly across the street and directly below the dance hall veranda a Police Officer barged through the crowded throng and latched hold of some one from behind and a struggle immediately ensued. The culprit swung wildly and broke free to begin his flee to freedom when ..…..
“ BANG “ …..quick as a bunny the officer pulled his revolver and amidst the crowd put a bullet in the back of the fleeing mans leg. Instantly the crowd on the sidewalk surrounded the scene all in fear that they might miss something worth seeing while I huddled low in fear of more gun fire. The cries of pain from the captured man did little to diminish the instant carnival atmosphere as every one seemed well entertained. The DJ up above, not to be outdone by the commotion below, increased the volume of his Salsa music. But this was better than dancing and no one was heading back to the floor.
Suddenly my sister in law wailed out…..
“ There he is !!….that son of a bitch !!” …. and there he was. On the veranda directly above the wounded man was my brother in law Nicholas looking down at the scene below. One hand firmly wrapped around a large rum and coke in contradiction of the other hand firmly wrapped around the rail in order to assist in his failing ability to perform his imitation of a standing man.
So there we were amidst the crowd on a Colombian street. Ninety people all jabbering away at the same time, the man on the side walk crying , the cop bellowing “Cajate ! Cajate !” ambulances wailing, Salsa music reverberating and above it all could be heard my sister in law…..
“ Nicholas !!….you son of a bitch…you better come down from there ! “
