Tropical Storm Cosme

A tropical storm in the area has wreaked havoc on our weekend plans. We weren't able to go see the volcano as it would require taking a boat to the island and the water is too rough and the weather is too bad for us to do so. It's also impacted the weather in Manila. Lots of off and on rainstorms for most of the week. :-( NOTE: Cosme killed 8 people in the northern part of the island we are on (Luzon). My sympathies to their families for their loss.

When the weather is bad, we shop. We returned to Green Hills Mall on Saturday to buy more pearls. Green Hills has a middle section of the mall where it's 2 floors of stalls of vendors selling stuff - knock-off purses, tourist items, clothing, cell phones and accessories, furniture, and pearls. The photo below doesn't quite convey what it's like, but just imagine the image x 50. There are lots and lots and lots of vendors. Everything looks the same after awhile, but upon close inspection are some product differences between vendors.

Bargaining is expected here. I admit, I'm not very good at it. But to me, when you're haggling over a one dollar, it just seems silly. It's still cheaper than what you'd pay in the US.

I need another strand of pearls like I need a hole in my head. Shopping tip - go to Shanghai if you want to buy inexpensive freshwater pearls, especially since the designs are more creative than they are in Manila. But I did buy a bunch of bracelets for gifts.....now let's see who will be on the receiving end???