An Unforgetable Shopping Adventure

 
    I am embarking on another adventure.  Although most of my travels have been solitary, this adventure will be different.  I will be traveling with two of my co-workers, Anne and Kelly.  I am excited to have the company on a trip and to be able to share this experience with one another.
     We had a groggy start.  I woke up at 3:45 a.m. to a beautiful city, blanketed in snow.  I took it all in and then panicked.  I had to drag my luggage through this winter wonderland!  After 20 minutes, sweaty and cold, I arrived at the bus stop.  I shouted good morning to Kelly and received a warm good morning from a stranger.  It was from that moment, that this was going to be an interesting vacation.
     The airport limosine bus arrived, and to our surprise, was completly full.  I had to wait 20 minutes for the next one to come...outside.  Besides, this bump in the road, I had a great flight.  There was not any turbulance and three hours later, I was in the Philappeans.  We were greeted by Ann's aunt (who we will be staying with).  She whisked us into the car and the driver placed our luggage inside.
      Along the way, I saw many tin shacks built upon one another.  This was very similar to India.  There is not much of a middle class.  It is either high class or low class.  Ann's relatives, Lola, and Tita Josie reside in a gated community.  The gate guards have guns and do not allow anyone into the community, unless the vehicle has a permit.  There is even an ex-president who resides in this community!  Each of her relatives, aunt and uncle, have a personal maid (helper).  They reside in the service quarters year round and do the shopping, cleaning, laundry, cooking, and errands.  As her aunt put it, it is nice to come home and relax.  Everything is done for you.  I find it very awkard, to be catered to.  If I want something, I just ring a bell.  If I need to go anywhere, the driver will take me.  So, this is what it is like to live the "good life."

The city bus

   

     The first stop: Duty Free.  We went to a very large Duty Free store.  It had everything and accepted US dollars.  It was two floors and a few times, I got lost, trying to get out.  The biggest highlight, was the American grocery store.  I forgot what that was like.  I was in heaven, although I didn't purchase anything.  I couldn't take anything frozen.  How I am craving for a Sarah Lee cake!
     After the Duty Free store, we went to a local shopping area: Green Hills Tingge.  Bargain, bargain, bargain.  I was quick to learn this process, with the help of Tita Josie.  Everyone speaks English here and she was able to get me three scarves for 6 dollars.  That is a bargain for Parshima.  You do need to be cautious.  There are many people and hagglers.  Keep your purse close, because there are purse slashers.  I did feel completely safe.  There were police around and I everyone is very friendly.

 I like to bargain for scarves!

You never know what you will find!

     In the evening, I took a nice walk around the neighborhood.  It is about 82 degrees F.  It was refreshing coming from such cold weather.  I took pictures of the houses decorated in Christmas lights. It was nice to see palm trees all decorated and the Philappean star (Parol) decorations.

parol lights

 
  I relaxed on the porch eating purple, yam ice cream!  It was very different.  It was not very sweet, but still quite tasty.  I am looking forward to the events of tomorrow!

Tita Josie