Friday we decided to go to Bacolod and run errands again. We try to get going early before the heat of the day.
First stop is the shoe store. Riza has had a pair in for repair and they are ready now. Dan is returning the sandals they made him last trip. The sole was made of two pieces of rubber tire glued together. They did not have one whole piece large enough for his foot. Soon after we got home, the two pieces separated and he has not been able to wear them. They took them back and we will see what happens this time.
Next we visit Libertad market. I remembered the smell immediately! We picked through vegetables loading our bags with potatoes, onions (red and white), tomatoes, squash, carrots, ginger, garlic and a huge bunch of greens. From the fruit seller we got mangos, guayabana (soursop), Chinese oranges and apples.
I visited a store with every possible plastic container and got a bright pink wash tub, very expensive, made in Thailand the lady told me. But it was stronger than the local plastic tubs so we agreed on a price that made both of us happy. It cost me 150 pesos or $3.50. It will make a good and useful gift here.
We went by the fish market but by 9:00 AM they were closing up and there was nothing much to choose from. We will go earlier one day.
We arrived at Robinson Mall just before opening and chose a good parking spot by the entrance. Good means find one by the door or in the shade! Fantastic is both! We were in need of a cold drink – iced tea was first on the agenda. Riza and I wanted to check out their refridgerators. My plan was to hit all the shoe stores. We had to get groceries. The men must have hidden communication when shopping is on the agenda. Steve called to say he and Kathy were in town. Let’s meet for lunch at 11:30. That meant no time for fridges or shoes – just time for groceries!
It was nice to see Steve and Cathy again. Steve is working on a project in Vietnam so he only has a short break at home. Just in time to meet their new baby girl. Her name is “Chelsea” if you ask Kathy but it is “Manchester United” if you ask Steve. She is a doll! The specialty of the restaurant is Baby Back Ribs. Note to self: Baby Back Ribs in Bacolod bears no resemblance whatsoever to Baby Back Ribs in Central Florida! Order something else next time.
I dug a section of the garden Saturday morning and made several trips to the river level for sand. It was left in drifts by the total flooding of the lower level before we got here. I thought it would be good for the garden. It will add the nutrients of the silt and the sand will lighten the dirt that is very heavy here. It is healthy in the garden - lots of worms and the dirt is dark from all the compost so it should grow well. I was thinking of my dad as I dug. I did not have string and sticks to mark out the edges of my plot so it is not exactly straight! Riza and I started by 8:00 AM and were done in by 10:00. Dan and Leroy were in the shade with a gin and tonic shortly after. Crazy English!
Saturday afternoon and Sunday were quiet. Riza and Leroy went to church and ran errands in town. Dan and I relaxed at home. Puttering around with whatever caught our attention. Monday we continued the errands that were interrupted Friday.
Riza has a fridge she needs to defrost manually and very often. It is a local brand and Riza did not realise they still made manual defrost fridges when she bought it. So our search for a fridge continued. We found one Friday at SM Department Store but they would not deliver to Murcia so we went to a local appliance store. They had an amazing selection of everything. We found a really nice Samsung, larger than the ones we saw elsewhere, and they do deliver to Murcia. Riza managed to make a deal for this fridge that was less than the others including delivery! She is good!
Dan was looking at their photographic equipment and found a Sony tripod he liked. He can leave it here so that he does not have to add to the weight of his pack when travelling. While he was doing that, the Chinese Dragon team arrived complete with drummer. They came into the store and while I was filming, the Dragon climbed right into my face! Kung Hai Fat Choy, everyone!
We were stopping at various places to look for parts for the motorcycle Leroy is restoring. No luck. We made a short stop at Libertad for fruit and coffee. The coffee is locally grown, roasted and ground. We really enjoy it. All these little stops were very hot and tiring. Traffic is crazy here with so many vehicles going one way, you would wonder how those coming in the opposite direction would find space!
We were glad to go to Imay’s restaurant and sit in the shade for a very nice lunch. Riza and Leroy have their favourite dishes they order. I decided to add something different, Shrimp with Chili and Garlic. I can’t explain it but was it ever good! It was a toss up who was going to lick the bowl. Add that to the list of favourites!
One more stop on the way home – I asked if we could go to Panaad Market. I love that place! It is a long block of tiny stalls selling garden plants. They are beautifully set up so you feel you are walking in shady green gardens. There is a long narrow path between two other stalls, sloping down, down, that opens out into the largest garden. It is the home of the fruit tree seller. I walked up and down looking at trees. A tiny puppy was barking valiantly, taking his job of guard dog very seriously, but no one came. Finally Riza was able to get the attention of the owner. Dan managed to round up Guilbey’s gin and even some Schweppes tonic at the grocery store but I have had no luck finding Persian limes. I solved the problem at Panaad market. I bought a lime tree!
It was good to get back to Calibago, and just in front of us at the gate – the delivery truck with the fridge! How was that for timing and excellent service! They brought the fridge in, unpacked it and set it up. Then they moved the old one over to our little house. Now we can have cold drinks too – not necessarily alcoholic! Even I drink cold water in this heat!
I jokingly said that the huge cardboard carton would make a good playhouse for Anna’s kids. But Anna has already requested it – to use as a bed. Her brother carried it home for her immediately. A piece of cardboard on the bamboo floor makes a good bed. What a different reality.
Alex has dug the second part of my garden while we have been gone. They don’t like to see me work here! It seems to worry them even though I try to explain I need the exercise. All that is left is for me to plant my lime tree. Reza got busy and planted eggplant and greens. After two days her bitter melon has jumped up and sprouted leaves already. It is looking like a garden!
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