Living like a local (2)

So now we have moved into the apartment where we will be for the next month.  I say moved in, because it doesn't feel like a place we are visiting, but rather a second home -- like  we used to feel about the Collingwood condo.  The same lady checked us in as in previous years.  She even had the extra teapot and sheets that we always ask for, waiting for us in the apartment.  It really feels like going home.

There is great deal of building happening.  Fields within the city, which even last year had grazing cows, are now getting multi-storey buildings.  There is a huge new retail space going up next to Decathlon.  The access is even changing the road system in the area.  But we also hear that a lot of the little old shops, especially in the old part of town, are closing.  I guess it is a generational thing.  We have no idea as to the economic state of this island, or the future prospects.  

As part of the 'living like a local' idea, I have bought flour, sugar, baking powder, etc to do some baking.  I tried a quick bread this afternoon, and it was fairly successful.  It will be interesting to see how the different ingredients change some of my basic recipes. And, having 4 weeks here, it made sense to buy the ingredients to have on hand for future experiments.

There is a new ship in the harbour -- in fact two of the same -- huge cable laying vessels.  The look very different from what normally comes into the harbour.

Tomorrow I pick up the bicycle!!