Monday, February 9

A new week. and so I decided to do something useful. My old rolling duffle bag had gotten rotten sitting around waiting. The baggage handlers broke one strap on the Mexico City leg and the end handle broke by the time I got to the Apartment. Time for New.

A quick buscar of Mexico prices and the words involved.

Duffle Bag is Bolsa de Lona, or, apparently Bolsa de Duffle. With rollers is rododura.

So I want a "Bolsa de Duffle de Rododura".

I caught the collectivo to the Centro. Exact same trip as a week ago. For some reason, it looked different and I wasn't sure where to get off. The folks kept me straight. Way too many words, as usual, but the gestures told the story.

There is an information booth in front of the Mercado and it was staffed, so I asked if I could buy a duffle bag in the Mercado. He said no. He had a little English and was willing to try it on me. Would be better to go to "COPEL" (is what I heard). And nearby. just a few blocks up and on the right.

Off I went, three blocks---four blocks---no Copel. Doubled back and asked again. This man waved me to follow and turned down the second street. Half a block to the store.     http://www.coppel.com/

 It was kind of a "Big Box" store for household items. Electronics, bedding, furniture, etc. Price tags list total cost and the payments.

                             

I found the bag I wanted and asked if other colors were available. "NO" So I bought this one. Unlike USA, a clerk makes out a sales slip, you go stand in line to pay, then you are finally given your purchase. Cost was 650 pesos or $46.00

I went back to the Mercado for some food. bought rice, string cheese , lettuce and a small fish (called Mojarra). The sales woman scaled, gutted and packed it in ice for 7 pesos (60 cents or so). Once again, there was no white bread available in the market.  I'm going to have to adjust to tortillas I think. I then found the collectivo point and rode  home. Determined not to miss the stop, I got off one stop too early and walked a bit further.

Stopped at "My Bakery" but the bread was sold out there as usual. He did have sweet rolls, but I declined.

Cooked my fish for lunch

And ate it. The pan should have been hotter, but I was scared. Pretty tasty anyways. It always is when you cook it.