I was walking to my neighborhood market to pick up a baguette to go with an appetizer of Dagupan mild hot bottled bangus aka milkfish.

On my way, I was admiring the intense fiery red flowers and what look like gumamelas. You may need to imagine them as I did not bring my phone. It was a hot 80F day, not too hot to squeeze your lungs but just enough space to enjoy the flowers.

A block from the store, I was detoured by the waft of spices of curry, cumin, coriander, which invited me in, welcoming me to linger. I bought some Sriracha and Bay leaves.

I requested Shuri (beautiful, petite Indian woman whose name means sweet music) to keep my staples after paying for them. My plan was to pick up a baguette at the market and retrieve the staples on the way back.

I got my baguette, raspberries and proceeded to cross the street, all buckled surfaces on San Vicente – it as if I were in an underdeveloped suburb of Makati, except Makati’s BGC, aka The Fort, is quite a highly developed shopping mall, with high end European and American brands, but much better planned with bustling plaza, decorated with lights and of course, the inviting smells of pastries and long lines at the ice cream shop.

Each time I smell buttery pastries, they bring me home.

As I was about to leave the counter, Shuri hands me a paper tray with 2 egg rolls.

“For me, I asked?”

Shuri said, “Yes, just like in my country, I welcome you with food.”

“Just as in my country, too Shuri,” and I introduced myself to her.

“I am happy you are in my neighborhood, Shuri”, repeating it so as to remember.

Tomorrow, I plan to walk again and try Shuri’s samosas and butter chicken.

#blessedbeyondexpectations