March 12, 2019 - Puerto Princesa, Philippines - Tuesday , Day 65

March 12, 2019 - Puerto Princesa, Philippines - Tuesday , Day 65

We were greeted at the dock by the very energetic grammar school band and dance troupe. We watched them perform and the gangway open before going to breakfast. Our plan was to take the free shuttle to the mall and get haircuts. Since we visited here last year we would play the rest of the day by ear. That’s exactly what we did. 

 Ready to Give Us Welcome Necklaces

Breakfast fast went smoothly, and we were getting off the shuttle at the mall at 9:50. On the way we had passed the Cathedral, Chinatown and the very large campus of the grammar and high schools. Chinatown and the Cathedral were just as we remembered them. 

We had not seen the school grounds before. They were huge. Many buildings, each signed with its purpose, science, language etc., formed the perimeter of a large assembly and recreation field. The whole are was about 2 blocks square. We saw students crossing the field between buildings, and we could see some in classrooms. A/C was not apparent.

Some New Construction

It did not take long to get to the mall. It would not open until 10:30. It was just 9:55. What to do? Many passengers were just milling around the door. Across the street in a large dusty field was a local market. We went right over. We walked through aisle by aisle. We had seen many of the produce items before. Here there was an abundance of dried fish for sale. There were many types available. They were piled up on the tables.

Colored Eggs Are Hardboiled

Bottles of Chili Vinegar and Bags of fresh Fish Paste

Yes, That Is Watermelon

At the far corner of these stalls we saw 2 ladies selling fruit. We went over to them and they greeted us in very good English. We asked about the dried fish. The younger of the 2 ladies was more talkative. She explained that they soak the fish in water to make them soft and then they fry them. This allows them to have fish whenever they want without needing refrigeration.

We asked how so many vendors can survive while selling the same things. She explained that some are more friendly. Others have better quality or fresher stuff. She also told that they pay rent to have space here. She moved to her stall down the aisle. She had been helping her friend. At her own stall she sold bananas for 35 pesos per kilo. That is 66 cents for 2.2 pounds or 30 cents per pound. Her customers buy large quantities of bananas and resell them at twice the price to hotels and restaurants. She does this to augment her income to pay for tuition.

Before we left this market we visited the food stalls at the opposite end. Here a woman showed us fish she had fried and confirmed that she had first soaked them in water.

Rebar and Stainless Sheets Transferred to Truck

Transport By Head

WE had spent 45 minutes in the market. The mall was now open. Our first stop was at the barbershop we had visited last year. They were not very busy. Unless you are a regular you are assigned to the next barber free. I was sent to Boy. He is the same barber I had last year. 2 other barbers remained idle. I had really hoped to get Boy again even though I realized he might not even work there anymore. Great luck. I got a haircut as short as last year and a little better than the one I got earlier in Colombo. Alice got one of the other barbers to cut her hair. It is short, but good as well. This cost just $10 for the 2 of us including the tips. That is twice what we paid in Colombo, but the $15 combined is less than the $28.75 One haircut would have cost me onboard.

Now we did some shopping. Alice found another pair of sandals in the large department store. Then she found a very nice highly colored bag with unadjustable strap to carry it by hand or over the shoulder. After bouncing between 2 stores I purchased a Barong Tagolog, a Filipino dress shirt. I will wear it to the upcoming Filipino Night in the dining room. We surveyed the rest of the mall and took the shuttle back to the ship.

 Drop Off Your Kids

Mall Security Outside the Entrance

Our plan was to have lunch and go out to walk around near the port. After lunch we went out on deck and decided that it had gotten entirely too hot for us to go out. We were grateful that we had been here before and that what we saw from the shuttle showed little change and brought back fond memories. 

As we prepared to go to Mass at 5:00 we heard music coming from outside. We stepped out on deck 6 and found that several music and dance groups had gathered to send us off. All aboard was 5:30 and sail away was 6:00. They all took turns performing for us until we were well away from the dock. 

While we stood watching the entertainment, we saw passengers and crew returning to the ship. Crew were burdened down with many bags of snacks and personal items. In conversation with them later they explained that they were stocking up for the next 3 months because this was the last port with low prices until then.

 Final Goodbye to a Crew Member

We were an hour later to dinner than usual because we had stayed out for the sail away. Our haircuts were well received. Our wine attendant had seen us in the mall. He had his hair cut at the same place.

We have enjoyed our return to Puerto Princess, and we have made a list of things to do next time.