Tag Archives: Shopping

Shoppin’ Again!

June 19, 2017 Munchkin

Shoppin’ Again…but, this time it was at Spanish Lookout which is located in the Cayo District of Belize. This time it was to get hardware bits for construction….not very exciting!

It poured down all the way on the trip so we reckoned that it was a good day to leave the farm. We would have been stuck inside feeling sorry for ourselves! Anyway it’s about 3 hours drive to this Mennonite Community.

This is a “modern” community that specialises in selling hardware…this is where you usually go in Belize if you are looking for this kind of stuff.

When it comes to shopping, I am always quite happy to get what is needed on the farm, whatever the animals need and even things like a new bowl for the dog. However, when it comes to buying anything personal for myself, I am really awful and would rather “save the money for the farm…or even one of the animals” than buy something “nice.” We’ve often talked about how to overcome this problem so this is what we have come up with. Since Gnome knows my likes and dislikes very well, he has agreed to buy a surprise gift for me whenever he finds something that he thinks that I would like. This is Shopping Therapy…Munchkin and Gnome Style!!

This is what Gnome found for me. It’s absolutely perfect. It is a mini (one gallon) version of my clay pot; I am so pleased with it!!

Anyway, back in Toledo now and it is sooooo wet. The wet season has started.

Belize, Saving Money

Shoppin’ in Punta Gorda.

June 10, 2017 Munchkin

Hello Every-one!! Hope y’all having a great Saturday. I ran out of photographs for the Blog posts yesterday and pondered upon what fun farm pictures to take. It then suddenly dawned on me that I haven’t taken any recent pictures of Punta Gorda. PG is the main town in Toledo District, Belize and we live about 16 miles outside this town. This is where we go for our shopping supplies. For all of our readers who haven’t been to PG before, you’ll be amazed at how “little” it is and the complete lack of shopping malls or centres (ie. there are none). The population of Punta Gorda is about 5021 (census 2010).

When I was walking through Punta Gorda yesterday thinking of what pictures to take, I realised that I was just “used to the place.” To many of you out there, you’ll just shudder at the “lack of facilities” and “lack of services” but these are some of the reasons why we are here. The place certainly does not over-burden you with a sense of consumerism! You can only buy necessities here. I think the place is conducive to adopting a healthier approach to living and there is a less of a feeling to “shop just because you want to buy something.”

It saves you a lot of money because there are no “nice things” to buy!! Gnome describes the items that you don’t need which end up gathering dust and occupying space in your house “kipple.”

Anyway, here is the centre of the town with the clock-tower.

When we first came here about 13 years ago, there were hardly any cars about. You could actually park you car in the middle of the road, run into a shop for 5 minutes and be back in your car without any car needing to get pass you. Now the streets are totally filled up with parked cars. This is Punta Gorda on a busy Friday morning. I know…I know…all you guys out there probably think that it looks dead!

This is the new Market Place. Not sure what to say…it’s just well, there. I’m a bit of a traditionalist and rather liked the previous market place which was just the road-side. But times are changing…and even Punta Gorda is changing:

Inside PG Market:

There are also stalls along the side:

If you don’t want to sell at the market, you can always just park on the side of the road and display your wares:

Clothes shopping is a tad dicey here. There are second hand stalls with clothes from the States. At least here you can attempt to find something in cotton but finding the right size is difficult (especially when you are wee like me). Also, the clothes aren’t cheap; cotton t-shirts go for a premium at BZD10 (USD5) and men’s cotton pants can go for BZD30(USD15).

I suppose you can always go to the Guatemalan stall to buy a dress instead…ooooh…I wonder which one of these would go best with my yellow wellies on the farm…

This is the Farm Supply Centre where we get our hard-ware and farm stuff:

This is Punta Gorda Post Office.

That’s all Folks…that’s Punta Gorda for you. It grows on you and it’s full of friendly faces!!

Amusing, Belize, Food

Shopping In The City.

April 20, 2016 Munchkin

Together.from.Front You might think that it would be exciting to go the capital city of Belize, Belmopan, once in a while to go shopping. But alas, our habits and lifestyle have changed so much that we don’t find thrills and excitement in grocery shopping. This is especially when our wants have become refined and we only want very specific things. My short list would be chocolate eclairs, smoked salmon and Yorkshire tea…dream on…can’t get any of that here!

Anyway, I did manage to find some Chinese stuff…

This is glutinous rice flour which is used to make mochi balls and Chinese equivalent.

This is wheat starch for yummy transparent steamed dim-sum. There is no gluten in wheat starch…I wonder if people with gluten intolerance can eat this?

Fermented black beans for black bean sauce. I remember my mum telling me that this stuff was for real Chinese people and that the black bean sauce jars were for “other people.” Anyway, I still consider myself Chinese so I will insist on buying the real deal! Incidentally we are making this stuff…it’s bubbling away in the corner somewhere…not ready yet to unleash the monster!

Dried lotus root…usually boiled in soups:

Oh we did find something for the Italian Gnome…although he mostly likes to be a Straits Chinese Gnome.

A big tin of olives:

Amusing, Belize, Construction, Farming

Gnome Premonitions.

January 19, 2016 Munchkin

Gnome.Another.Glasses.Shot

This morning Gnome woke up with a start. He had a furtive look about him like a squirrel and his eyes were kinda bulging as he said,

“I know it! We will find the air-compressor in PG!”

I processed his statement in with a pinch of salt as I tried to shake myself out of my sleepy state. I yawned and then cheekily replied with,

“Oh, Neo Gnome…has the oracle spoken?”

In the back of my mind I was thinking that he was just trying to find any excuse not to take the three hour drive to the city to procure this contraption for our well-pump.

He said it again,

“I know it! It’s at Mac’s!”

I yawned and patiently said slowly,

“How do you know that? Where? We’ve never set foot in that shop before…”

With conviction in his words, Gnome said,

“I can feel it…”

I rolled my eyes with my usual derisive Chinese woman look and thought to myself…oh to live with a sensitive Italian Gnome who can “feel” things…what next. I didn’t believe him but I thought it best to humour him.

And so off we went into town and enroute, I made him go into every hardware store to look for a portable air compressor. I wanted to delay the inevitable…the disappointment and then the long tedious journey to Belmopan. None to be found and the last place was Mac’s Shop which is a little run-down shop selling mostly second-hard hardware. The road was blocked so we had to make it on foot. Guess what we saw as soon as we entered…

Gnome rushed over the machine and said out loud,

“There it is! I told you!”

Well, there it was and there was no denying that he was right. Gnome’s premonition was correct. I laughed to myself and thought…all this solitary time in the bush must be activating secret Gnome powers…Ha-Ha. I’ve been watching too many crappy Super-hero movies!! If Hollywood ever make a film about Munchkin and Gnome, in the bush, developing special powers, I want Maggie Q to play me! Too Funny.

Anyway back to reality…

We now have a portable air-compressor and Gnome is putting together all the bits to make the Air-lift pump..

He has been messing around with PVC pipe, hoses, bits and pieces and stuff (oh, how technical of me) all afternoon:

Nearly accomplished but we are missing a connector. So, watch this space for the next thrilling installment! Will Munchkin and Gnome get their well-pump working again? Will they be able to do it before all the water runs out? Oh the thrills and spills of living on a farm!! Oh, and what if Gnome really has super-hero powers??

Amusing, Belize

Ready For Christmas?

December 23, 2015 Munchkin

Christmas.Gnome

Phew…another busy day today in town! Crazy day with patients, in between dashing into very busy shops. It was so funny, in the Chinese supermarket, waiting in line and watching everyone buy “Christmas Goodies” including Aunt Gemima’s lemon cake mix, marbles, Pringles and basically anything appearing “luxurious” and decadent.

I walked into the Chinese restaurant:

I looked over at the wall of beer and I said to the Chinese girl:

“Are you ready for Christmas?”

And she replied with a sheepish smile:

“Yeah!”

Well, I suppose with 1898 bottles of beer she is all geared up for Christmas! Are you Ready For Christmas?? Merry Christmas Everyone!!

Belize, Food

Fried Yum Yums Aka Duros.

December 5, 2015 Munchkin

Together.Eating

We have been buying unmarked plastic bags of these things for years from the local Chinese (Chiney) shop. We coined them “Fried Yum Yums” because we had no idea what they were called. Even if you are not familiar with the dried product, you may have seen street vendors selling this fried snack in plastic bags in Punta Gorda.

They look like dried pasta, either brown or white and come in all shapes and sizes including wagon wheels and twists. They are made from wheat flour, cornstarch and baking soda.

I can not find any documentation on the difference in ingredients between the two different colours. However, I think that the white variety has a “potato taste” compared to the “maize taste” of the brown kind.

They are deep-fried in oil and puff up when cooked.

Traditionally, this is actually a Mexican snack food called Duros. Apparently they are sold in plastic bags with salsa/ lime salt or hot sauce. We like to eat ours as an accompaniment to a bean stew and use the wagon wheels to scoop up the beans. Also, they make great mini baskets for hors d’oeuvre…just a little bit of imagination is needed to make a bite-size yum yum!!

Amusing, Belize, Food, Saving Money

Good Buys In Belize.

December 4, 2015 Munchkin

Together.Eating

Occasionally, we stumble across some good stuff to buy in Belize. Usually we don’t so that is why we make/grow and cook most of our food on the farm. Here are a few things:

Can you believe it…you can actually get some Italian Christmas Food at Save-U in Belize. Panettone is a treat because I haven’t summoned up enough courage to bake one of these yet…I keep on making the excuse that I don’t have a proper cake tin! Oh, and Torrone is Italian nougat which is typically eaten during the festive season. Gnome keeps on hinting that I should try making some…this one might be a project at some point. We both like the hard nougat as opposed to the soft type.

This is 20lbs of Basmati rice from Brodies. Normally, this rice is sold in tiny ridiculous amounts of about 200g (1/2lb) for stupid prices. This bag will last us a whole year.

This one is a surprise…Guatemalan pasta (linguini) has got the thumbs up from the Italian Gnome (he is Italian when it suits him). He says not to waste money on US imported brands because they usually contain more than just flour, water and salt and do not have the al dente texture. This stuff is really cheap and sold at every Chinese Superstore in Belize. One packet of 200g (1/2lb) costs BZ$1 and if you have a hoarding instinct (like Munchkins) you can buy a case of 24 for BZ$18. What a bargain.

Last but not least…something for the Duckie Bag. Vanilla and hazelnut coffee sachets for impromptu coffee stops by the side of the road with our trusty thermos flask.

Amusing, Belize, Farming

His and Hers For Christmas.

November 16, 2015 Munchkin

We're Happenin'!

Last week, we had to go up to Belize City so we decided to do some Christmas shopping. We passed by the Santa Claus Garden Models and Gnome said rather warily,

“They are not that useful on a farm.”

Then we circled around the Jesus decorations wondering what to do with them. There was a large one and a small one to choose from.

Christmas.Garden.Decorations.Are.Out

Gnome squinted his eyes, moved his head around and gave me a perplexed and doubtful look,

“What do we do with them…mmm…everywhere I look, their eyes keep following me!”

And I piped up in response,

“Oh really! The tall one or the short one?”

I think Gnome was secretly peeved because there were no Garden Gnomes!

Anyway, we both agreed that it was not in our best interest to buy a Festive Garden Decoration. We then proceeded to the footwear section and something caught our eye. It was a “Must Have” and we both took off our shoes with glee to try these beauties on.

New boots for Christmas…more Munchkin and Gnome paraphernalia. When we become famous minor celebrities, these boots will be much sought after so now is the time to buy shares in yellow wellies!

Amusing, Belize

I Need a Desk Lamp!!

October 1, 2015 Munchkin

Hi Everyone!! Gosh…can you believe it…in Belize, I can’t find a simple desk lamp. I am just looking for one of those normal lamps with the bendy neck and on-off push button. Yeah one of those cheap (C&G…Cheap and Good) lamps that you can buy anywhere else but Belize. How frustrating…

The reason why I need one is because I have started hand-sewing out of sheer necessity and I need a desk lamp for better lighting. I am in desperate need of good fitting clothes so I have resorted to buying second-hand clothes and altering them to fit my size and shape.

I think this is a good enough time to talk to you about clothes shopping in Toledo. Any brand new clothes that you buy here are usually really bad quality and made of material like viscose or polyester. In the Tropics, these are horrible to wear because your skin can not breathe through them. On top of this, the fashion is really trashy (yes, call me a prude) with see-through stuff and blouses with too many holes in the wrong places. Also, all trousers (or pants) are low riders and there is no other choice. Personally, the only people who suit these type of trousers are the skinny waif types. 5 foot 2 inch Munchkins, like me, need trousers that actually come up to the waist or else we look like fat squashed-up pears. In short, the clothes that you buy here are for flirting, showing off flesh and accentuating the size of your bottom (they like voluptuous bottoms here) and I am not into that at all!

And so I have resorted to the used clothes stalls. The clothes sold here are usually from the Goodwill stores from the States. So, all you guys out there who are giving away your lovely clothes, in the name of charity, note they are getting sold to us poor buggers in Belize. Tops, shirts and trousers usually go for about $10Bz ($5US) in the seconds market. Mens’ second hand trousers can fetch as high as $20Bz ($10US) and they look like they have been worn to death. I noticed that for a while there was a spate of seconds with sewn on “Dickie’s” labels (but were clearly not Dickies stuff) and because they had that label, they were all being sold at premium prices. And we won’t even mention shoes…not a single pair of decent leather shoes to be found in the whole country of Belize!! Wahhhh!!

Anyway, at least you can find some cotton stuff at the seconds stalls. Oh, and when I find linen, I grab it! Also, there is some classical, elegant stuff so I can at least dress like a doctor if need be. It is pretty embarrassing wearing tarty clothes on a medical house call!! It is certainly not the image that I want to get across…but the funny thing is that it is actually perfectly acceptable to wear a hot little number, whilst doctoring, and so the problem actually lies with me!!

There you are…I have had my little rant and I feel much better for it! Alas, if only I could find a desk lamp…

Amusing, Belize

Truck Chasin’ in Punta Gorda!!

September 16, 2015 Munchkin

Munchkin and Gnome have been super cool and happen’ today chasin’ trucks through the mean streets of Punta Gorda Town in Belize. Yes, readers, you can indeed live your life vicariously through the exciting exploits of M&G!!

Munchkin and Gnome Mission of the Day:

Find an unmarked white truck driving through Punta Gorda Town between the hours of 0900 and Anytime Now (Belizean Mountain Time). Secure 6 bottles of orange oil from the truck.

Tip offs: Driver goes by the name of Eugene. Able to procure the mobile number of truck driver but here in Belize, nobody answers their phone if they do not recognise caller ID. So, no chance of him actually answering the phone.

Munchkin and Gnome at 0900 Hours:

Detective Munchkin enquired at the Chinese Supermarket “James Shop” and asked if they had seen the white truck.

The Chiney Girl replied in perfect Kriol,

“Da truck no di come yet.”

Munchkin and Gnome at 0930 Hours:

Circled the mean streets of Punta Gorda in search of the white truck. No sign of any big white vehicles.

Munchkin and Gnome at 1000 Hours:

Watched and waited like hawks ready to pounce on their prey. Parked vehicle on the edge of town waiting for the appearance of the “white truck.”

Munchkin and Gnome at 1030 Hours:

Munchkin: Ooohhh!! White Truck!! White Truck!!

As soon as the truck passed, Gnome trailed behind in silence and anticipation. Always keeping a distance so that the truck driver would not get wind of the quiet truck chase. Meanwhile, Munchkin was on the edge of her seat brimming with excitement at the thought of “the catch.”

The truck finally came to a stop and Gnome surreptitiously slowed down and parked quite a ways behind to avoid detection.

Oh…but lo and behold:

Wrong one…this unmarked truck was selling eggs from Spanish Lookout. What a red herring!!

Munchkin and Gnome at 1100 Hours:

Back to the secret waiting spot.

Finally a second truck flashed by and they were hot on their heels.

When the truck finally stopped, Munchkin accosted the driver and he confirmed his name as Eugene. Six bottles of orange oil were procured outside the Jose Maria Supermarket. There was a silent exchange of money and Munchkin walked away cleanly with the goods secured. Operation successful.

So you might have found this true story funny but this is the reality in Belize (at least here in Punta Gorda). Wholesale trucks from Belize City, Spanish Lookout and Stann Creek have designated days in which they bring their goods down to Punta Gorda. Organisation of delivery of products is precarious at best and for all intents and purposes, practically non-existent. So, if you want something in particular from a wholesale truck, you need to go Truck Chasin’.

Casa Mascia Apothecary

Tag Archives: Shopping

Shoppin’ Again!

Shoppin’ in Punta Gorda.

Shopping In The City.

Gnome Premonitions.

Ready For Christmas?

Fried Yum Yums Aka Duros.

Good Buys In Belize.

His and Hers For Christmas.

I Need a Desk Lamp!!

Truck Chasin’ in Punta Gorda!!

Everything Handmade in Belize.