To market, to market
In the magnetized space between them they flew their thoughts like kites.
-Tom Robbins, Another Roadside Attraction
In the air is the scent of night-blooming jasmine and cigarette smoke, salt water and hot pavement. My bag is heavy with spoils from the market - a block of smoked cheddar, a jar of strawberry-rhubarb jam, bottles of rose and orange blossom water, a mysterious Italian beverage I was told by a friend I needed to have, and a barbeque pork humbow that, sadly, has seen better days. The world seems oddly quiet, as though I'm listening through ear plugs. All is well.