Fabric Store

So today was the day that I went with some ladies to an area of town downtown. I believed they called it sempalo. They said to take off all your jewelry and hide your money in different areas of your body and do not carry a purse. The one thing I didn't know before going was that I should wear old...old....old shoes. After crossing the first muddy, nasty and I am sure urine filled road we made it to the sidewalk that contained a minimum of at least 500 people on 1 city block. We all know that not to many of them wear deodorant and with the urine and trash smell and people all around you can only image how good it smelled. It felt like when you go to a concert and leaving time the mass of people, that is how it was for the entire 4 block walk that was ahead of us, but they do not use dial. :-) So we walk down about half a block and then take this dirt alley to this little walk way that was big enough for one person to walk down but of course there were two lanes of people going opposite directions. You have to watch in front of you to make sure you keep up with your group and also look down so you know what you are stepping into. Once we got through this little walk through you get to another sidewalk and walk about another 3 blocks to building #19. The downstairs was very very very crowded with locals shopping for clothes. Once you make it in you go up a narrow set of stairs and enter a room that has about 4 long rooms and all you see if fabric from floor to ceiling one end to the other. Most fabric comes in either 6 or 12 yards already cut and cost anywhere from $9-$12. Most of what I got was 6 yards for $10. I bought some to have throw pillows made and some for dresses for my nieces and then some just because I liked it and didn't know if I would ever go back. :-) I would like to go back at least one more time before I leave because the ladies say they always have something different every time you go in. I think my maid will take me Monday to a tailor to have some stuff made out of the fabric. They say it is really cheap to have items made here also. I guess we will find out. Here is a little picture of the room where the fabric is...right when you walk in. I forgot to take pictures until we were walking out. Next time I will try and take a few more. I also took pictures of some of the fabric I bought. I got two others that I am splitting with another lady and she has them cutting them apart.

For the parents and grandparents...it was vey safe and I didn't feel unsafe at all just a little overwhelmed. Also, you always have a driver walking with you everywhere and helping you deal. :-)

After the fabric store we went to the local market and they have fresh fruits and veggies you can buy and baskets and tons other little stuff. I ended up getting a small basket for fruit. They said you have to put the basket in the freezer when you first get it to get rid of all the little bugs. :-)