Driving to Isla Grande with a carload of lovely ladies, we suddenly come to a small 'tranque'. We slow down and I notice that all cars are slowing down. They're placing quarters into extended cups held by young men and boys dressed in bits of bright colored clothing and mismatched items. A thought clicks and a word pops into mind, 'resbalosos*'.
"Quick, get me quarters!" I yell, as I search my beach bag for my trusty little camera. The girls scramble for change as the group of boys descend upon us. Their faces painted black, they dance around us as we place quarters in their cups. I whip out my camera and 'piropear' them as they throw kisses back at me.
"Ey ey, posen pa' la camara!", I taunt, and they pose for me, this gaggle of mismatched kids, loving the attention they're getting.
I'm glad we were in a moving vehicle because as folk lore tells it, 'resbalosos' are usually covered in dirt, grime, water, mud, oil, etc. and their purpose is to rub up all over you if you don't give them change.
"Dame un besito mami!" and they crowded into my camara, drunk with the power of being 'resbalosos' for the day.
"Vamonos, vamonos!" I urge Laura, and she hits the pedal and we drive off, leaving the 'resbalosos' to harass/delight the oncoming traffic.
* I once had a roommate from Colon City who used to regale me with stories from her colorful hometown (which I in turn, loved to hear). We discussed many topics ranging from the famed 'congos' and the stories behind each character: the 'diablicos', 'la reina congo', el 'pajarito', etc. It's really interesting to learn these folkloric traits, because then you can recognize a magical, wonderful moment while still in it.