Going to the Fresh World International Marketplace today was an emotional experience. As I walked up and down the aisles, a minority amoungst the mass of Asians, and saw familiar Philipino foods, I had to hold back my tears. Most people might think that my emotional state is quite ridiculous, but I felt that I was back in Southeast Asia and loved every moment of my shopping experience. I saw some foods in there that I haven't seen in the 6 years that I've been home from my mission. And here's what I bought!
Macapuno (young coconut), Halo-Halo mix, Ramutan and Langka (Jackfruit)
Pancit Bihon, Pancit Canton and Lumpia Shanghai
Ang saya saya talaga!!
I've gotten emo back in the states when I've found sweet Asian markets, too. Funny, I used to think that they smelled stinky, but after living in Taiwan I went in one, took a deep breath, and was like "Ahhhh!".
ReplyDeleteAdj, This is Dad in Salalah, Oman (Arabian Pennisula). Still here another couple of weeks. The people here are nice and friendly. The land is strange. Dry & brown most of the year, but wet & green during the monsoon rains of the Indian Ocean in the summer. Lots of Pakistani and Indians here working the cheap jobs. The Omanis dress in such an unusual way. Guys wear a dishdasha which is usually pure white, dress like with long sleeves and a cap or coiled cloth turban on their heads. Married women and young women above 16-18 years where all back dress covering with long sleeves, have hair (I thinnk) tied up in a bun behind their heads, and a cap and veil over their heads and face son that only their eyes can be seen. That's the way the husbands like it. Some of the liberated women show their faces under all that black. Boys play pick-up neighborhood soccer games, usually in their bare feet. No one wears shoes hardly, sandals rule. No Walmarts, so there are many small shops on every street. So glad you still enjoy the thoughts of Philippine life. Keep up the good practicing on the Harp. Love you. Dad
ReplyDeleteWoollster, this is a great post! Langka and rambutan in cans though? not even close . . . but what are you going to do?? I know exactly how you feel about finding stuff here from over there. I am now living in a more international area of Seattle. Woot woot! Lots of Asian markets.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to go back this year! I think you know I went last May. I have to say being in the palengke was the best part. Probably because it reminded me so much of p-days . . . .
but I did not get to visit my old areas, so maybe that would have been better . . . .