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I only studied Latin for three days before quitting. So if you are like me and never really studied that language of dead Romans, you may not know that "ave" is an expression of good wishes that works for both a greeting and a departure. Now, if you stayed on the island of San Pedro, Belize, long enough to buy groceries, there is a good chance that you'd be warmly greeted by Maria. She runs a very busy vegetable and fruit stand on the main road.
San Pedro's fruits and vegetables are not grown on the island. Only coconuts and bananas seem to grow there. Most vegetables and fruits come from the mainland every Tuesday by boatloads, grown by the Mennonites who produce most of Belize's food. So, it's very possible to go to the Tuesday market in the early morning to select your goods. I preferred not to get to the pier early enough for the best produce. I'd rather purchase my groceries from Maria. She has a warmth that is just so inviting.
I have no idea how long Maria has been selling her fruit and vegetables. But, she knows her stuff. I don't bother picking out what I need. If you tell her what you want, Maria will select the perfect watermelon, pineapple or vegetables to meet your needs. And, the pineapples in Belize are the best in the world.
However, it was her kindness that really won me over to this kindly grandmother. I might have been in paradise, but I arrived there with a cold. I didn't ask Maria for any help, but she saw a need and had to take care of it. She crushed fresh ginger and tossed it in a bag with lemons, some branches of fresh chamomile and what appeared to be oregano. Instructions were to boil it up and sweeten the concoction with honey. It may sound delicious, but it tasted like pine sap. Still, I drank it all and savored the kindness.
So now, you may understand, when I am on San Pedro Island there is only one place I want to get my vegetables.
Ave, Maria.