Rallying again

3.55pm  Leave work early to go home (10 minute drive)
4.00    Major queue on Victoria Avenue. WhatsApp group says it is political rally in the park. Divert to  head back and into the market area to get past the park.

4.10    Arrive near market, traffic slow. Won't stop at cafe because it will close shortly and queue won't have died down.

4.30    Still in market but can see Police high-vis jacket up the hill. The President must be coming to the rally. Turn off engine.

4.50   No movement, BBC world service getting repetitive, no sweets in car, finished crossword.

5.00   Sirens, signs of movement at the crossroads, maybe President is coming and we can move.
5.10   More sirens but still no movement. Starting to rain. Bruce Springsteen's Seeger Years.

5.15   Thoughts of u-turns scuppered by minibuses forming four lanes on all available tarmac (and other surfaces).
5.20   Movement! Game of Chicken with minibuses to get into the lane I want.

5.30   So near and yet so far. Police at crossroads have let cars block the lanes so traffic can't flow.
5.45   Home!Call German colleague to suggest delaying our outing to the Christmas Fair, 4 minutes from home.
6.30   Can't get through traffic. Watch DVD at home.

Overtake any way you can.

8.30   Get through but find that very few stall-holders have arrived. Raining again. Electrician still rigging lights in the rain. Santa's grotto is lit but he's not at home.

Buy tasty mango juice from young friend trying to start his own business. Buy burger I don't really want (but it was good) and bars of soap to support the traders who have paid for their stalls. So, if you get soap for Christmas....
Decide not to vote for president.