Mission: to rid winter of imps and karakondžula. I had no idea what the sign meant, but I applied. I needed work.

It was never easy going back. The gloom was as thick as the damask drapery, and their enormous dusty tassels seemed symbolic somehow, ornamental bonds.

The start of the sound, Sunday salsa in the square. The ice xocoatl is my only relief from the oppressive blaze of the sun, but the locals don’t seem to notice or mind.

"I saw the angel in the marble, and carved, until I set him free."