Pop. Pop. Pop. Like gunshots, the noise of fireworks somewhere in the vicinity made its way to my ears. My eyes opened to the morning light shining through the open widows.  After a few minutes, I made my way to the barstools out in the courtyard. The sky was ominous, with a promise of rain in the air. However, from my observation over the past few days, that promise was rarely fulfilled. Thus, I figured it was as good a day as any other to make my way to the Playa Las Peñitas, a beach just 20km outside of Leon. 

After eating breakfast (pancake, banana, and coffee), I asked Silvio for directions. 

A block to the left of the bakery I've been frequenting, in front of a couple food stands, was where I hopped on a cambio. A modified delivery truck with tarp covering the top and two sides, the cambio had metal benches lining its two long edges and bars at the top for those standing. For 4 Cordobas, ~20 cents, I jumped onboard and grabbed hold of a bar as the truck jerked its way through the city, picking up and dropping off its wearied morning cargo. We passed by a small procession on the street, with men, women, and children dressed in white gowns overlaid on top of another red one. Just as I was wondering how much longer I had to endure the noxious car exhaust that blew my way, we arrived at El Mercandito, where a dozen stands selling bananas, juices, and other goods surrounded my next ride.