Armed Men

As I approach the end of this one side of the 8 blocks I've decided to include in my hunt for veggie oil, I begin to see several soldiers strategically placed in and around a huge hotel that has a starbucks attached.

Macdonalds and burger king are nearby too.

I do not look at any of them but it feels like I am part of a ridiculous and terrifying stage. I am sure they are there in the belief they are making their tourists feel 'safe' but to me they just alert me to the potential of violence.

I want to ask them if they've ever shot that stupid machine gun at someone in their lives. They are standing a few feet from laughing children and women selling jewelry they've made.

And important men in mercedes and jaguars.

I forget momentarily that I'm searching for veggie oil as I hastily - but calmly - cross the street. As calm as a pedestrian in Mexico can possibly be.