The market place in Leopoldville was bustling with activity, even so early in the morning, and the air was thick with chattering voices, fierce haggling, laughter and song. Riotous colour flooded Antoine?s vision ? bright yellows and reds from the fruits and spices piled high on the pavement, and a thousand rich hues in the dresses and head scarves of the women shopping. The rains had been heavy during the night. Streams of water trickled down the centre of the streets, and wide puddles settled in the uneven dirt square that housed the market. The rain had washed the dust from the skies, and in the clean air that remained, all the aromas of the market were crisp and intensified.