What would ruin a cool sunny morning on your vacation? What else but an afternoon full of rain. This is was we encountered when we were about to visit the Botanical Garden in Baguio, Philippines. Stranded with no umbrella in a small souvenir market near the garden. What else could you do but to check out the shops.

Stranded

As we were on our way to the garden. The sky darkened and slowly felt the rain coming down on us. The raindrops were getting bigger and we ran and found our way this small market place. We were hopeful that the rain would stop to be able to enjoy the Botanical Garden. We waited and waited and after 30 minutes but the rain never stopped.

We could see from the side of the market the inside of the garden. Just to think we are more fortunate.

Tourist were stranded in a gazebo and were also waiting for the rain to stop. From the looks of it there were a lot of them stranded. Some dashed for the market but got really wet as the rain was hard.

Since there is nothing else to do other than wait. We decided to go around the shops to have a look and let the time pass by.

I would say they have all the souvenirs form this city. Religious images, Shirts, decorations, sweet delicious treats and art work. Since my shirt got a little wet my wife bought me a tshirt as she did not want me to get sick. It was a nice looking shirt and says, "Baguio Tourist" I preferred another design but my wife said just to stick to the tourist shirt lol.

Among the souvenirs are hand crafted wood decorations which I find very beautiful. Very ethnic and you would want to buy the whole collection. If you could see the one right beside the guy holding a trumpet is a head hunter. Warriors from the Ifugao tribe were once head hunters until the 1980's. How would you like to buy that one?

Now this is very popular whenever you come up to the city of pines. The barrel guy as I call it. Pull up that barrel and you would be in for a naughty surprise. Sold for 150 pesos or around $3.00 would you want this for a souvenir? Something to give to your boss lol.

Key chains, pens and other little stuff. Buy any 3 for 100 pesos or $2.00 and you have something to give away to your friends.

I have been seeing this since I was little and probably the reason of my fear of frogs. A purse made out of a frog which I am not a fan of. For me it does not look right carrying a frog with you. Throw that at me and for sure you'll get me running.

Ok now what do we have here? Ornamental weapons? Something to wear around your neck for protection.

It's a tiny survival knife which is so cute but it is actually sharp. Just not sure if you would survive out in the jungle with that teenie weinie knife. Still a great souvenir to give to your loved ones.

What is it with weapons being sold here. We saw some knives and steel knuckles earlier. Now we have some nunchucks here, there must be a lot of Bruce Lee fans around.

This is something I like artwork form local artists. I would have loved to bring one home as it would look amazing hanging on the wall. A lot of local artists around who has amazing talent which are not given a lot of credit.

You could read thru one of our local amazing talents Capturing Life in 15 Minutes

Checking out the market made time pass by faster. It was a very interesting way to be stranded which made us check some fascinating souvenirs in this place. As soon as we know it the rain was almost gone and we could go on our way. Sadly we did not push thru the Botanical Garden with all the rain the place will be pretty muddy. Hope you enjoyed the little tour around the market.

As I go let me leave you with this shot I took near the entrance as it was pouring down hard.

Rain falls to give life and with life there is beauty around us.

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All photos are original and taken with

Lumix GX85 and 12-32 mm