Day 33 - Today, we needed to do some grocery shopping. We've really not gone to downtown Minuwangoda yet. Generally, although about two kilometers, we call a tuk-tuk driver to come for us. The main road into town is often very busy with no sidewalks and very skinny shoulders. I would happily use PickMe, a Sri-Lankan-specific, rideshare app for 3-wheelers through 10-passenger vans. However, Jay's sisters maintain a relationship with local drivers and prefer to call to see who's available when they wish to go.
We headed towards downtown but rather than the usual supermarkets, we visited a new ARPICO Supercenter. It was under construction during our last visit. I remember that company when they sold primarily plastic and rubber products. The company has obviously expanded its business into a chain of department stores.
First, we stopped at a favourite fish shop. I see that it's nestled into a space near two new pizza places. I'm not exactly sure how I view the new propensity for western, fast food franchises here. I guess it's not up to me to have an opinion, really.
I wasn't super impressed with the groceries at the Supercentre. However, having more options is never a bad thing, is it? We really didn't get to the downtown area as the ARPICO sits off the road about a half kilometer this side of the clock tower.
Today there were variable clouds but the temperature reached a typical 31C. I think the dry December weather has arrived! You may wish for a white Christmas, but I'll happily take green, tropical vegetation any day.