Shopping Cirebon Style

Yesterday, Tuedsay June 23rd, the principal of my school, Ms. Regina graciously offered to take me food shopping.

We arrived at the local grocery store and upon entering it were surrounding by bins of clothing for sale. Shirts, socks, - it remined me more of a five and dime.



As you went back to the grocery section you first encounter the fruits. Many of them were familiar to me - but others were very unique in color and texture. I decided to try a new fruit each week - so I 've chosen papaya, which I know we have in the States, but I have never tried.



Vegetables also were familiar and unfamiliar. Regina was surprised that I knew what bok choy was, but I had never seen baby bok choy, so I purchased that. I also am trying lemon grass - which I have eaten at home, but never cooked with.



The fish section consisted of many types of salted fish (which you cut into small pieces and mix with rice) and tiny fish wrapped in plastic, with the little eyes peering out from the container. I picked up one small plastic bag which held cloudy water and what appeared to be small cheese pieces. Regina explained that those were fish balls!

Yes, they have chunky peanut butter - so I am quite content. Skippy is the brand and it taste very similar to ours. So I made sure that I boughts some - when I come home too tired to cook.

It's interesting that as poor as this city is there are scanners at the checkout counter- and much to my surprise- I didn't have enough rupiahs for what I had purchased. It looks like so much money when I see 1000, 5000, and 50000 on the paper bills; but I was quite short. Regina payed for it - and I paid her back when she took me home.

I met my new co-teacher today, a young Cirebonese woman by the name of Meidy. She has only taught kindergarten so teaching second and third will be a challenge for both of us. She will be getting married on July 4th and has already asked me to come to the wedding!

I hope all are well in the States.