We wave hello and fly into the puppet world.

This self-promoting thing is kind of fun. Mariela now has her picture on Facebook, on a few postcards, a t-shirt, and a shopping bag. And all she can do is wave her hand and take a few steps.

As I wait for the shuttle driver to take us to the airport, I take a final look at the stage made of PVC pipe and cotton fabric. Mariela's house.

And now we are off. Off to the Great Plains Puppet Train Festival.