Ed and I bought this mola from Venancio and another one similar to it. They were Venancio's favorite ones, very intricate and tell a story about the various ceremonies the Kunas have. These molas are incredibly intricate and special. He insisted we buy at least one of the designs depicting either a ritual or ceremony but rather than feeling pushed by a fast-talking salesman, we felt honored that he wanted us to have something important to him and his culture. He gave us a deal on two that made it well worth it. We bought others as well and Ed kept saying, "Happy Birthday" but I know perfectly well my birthday had nothing to do with it. Today is my birthday and all the molas we bought are tucked away safe from moisture or salt air.

As a funny aside, in this picture I'm wearing a one-piece bathing suit that either one of my sisters or a close friend had in a give away box when I was in the US last year. I retrieved it before it could be donated, which I've been known to do more than once in my life. But I can't remember where it came from. I'm sure someone will see it and say, "Hey! That was mine!" and then the mystery will be solved.