Monday, April 22, 2013

Early morning @ Cansaga Bay



I stayed with my friend J for a couple of days on Holy Week when I was in Cebu.  J woke me up early on Maundy Thursday and we took a 15-minute ride on her husband's motorbike to get to the new bridge in Consolacion.  This 1.25-kilometer offshore bridge over Cansaga Bay provides a faster link between the sea and airports to the northern towns of Cebu.

The above photo is looking towards Mandaue City.  On the left side of the bridge is a locally-owned shipyard.

 

By the banks of Cansaga Bay and under the bridge was a makeshift fish market where local fishermen bring their morning catch.  Fish and other seafood were sold on bamboo tables under a half dozen of huts.   It was Holy Week and J and her family, like most Cebuanos, observe the no-meat tradition. We were hoping to buy shrimps and crabs for lunch. It was about 7 am when we got here, and I thought we were early. I later learned that most of the action here happens before sunrise.  Most of the seafoods were sold out and fishermen were already taking a break, some were taking a nap, and eating breakfast.


Luckily,  there was still some fresh catch coming in and we were able to bring home shrimps, crabs, oysters and shellfish.  


This reminds me of the early morning walks with my grandmother when I was a kid. My grandparents' house was about a kilometer away from the sea, and Lola (that's how we called our grandmother) would take us kids to the shores early in the morning to wait for fishermen to bring in their catch. And while our grandmother was negotiating with the fisherman, we were busy choosing small squids, shrimps and anchovies for ceviche. And the fishermen didn't charge us for our ceviche ingredients. Ah, it was a gentler time.


Cansaga Bay is an inlet where the mouth of Mactan Channel and Camotes Sea meet.



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20 comments:

lina@happy family said...

Wonderful series, Luna. Lots of things to see at the bay.

HansHB said...

A lovely "blue" post!

Maria's Space said...

Great photos! My Link

Gerald (SK14) said...

never heard the term "cevige" but it sounds like a busy place if a bit early to go shopping.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful place and great photos for HMB ^_^

SmilingSally said...

What lovely, blue memories you have, Luna. Thanks for playing Blue Monday.

Happy Blue Monday!

Maria said...

Wow, I miss Cebu! I went there a lot last year. I even have quite an adventure on that bridge in one of my travels ;)

Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment on my blue Monday entry :)

Karen said...

What a busy waterway. Interesting to see that huge new bridge, and the tiny traditional boats.

Liz said...

Been to Cebu once and that was a long time ago. Sana makabalik ako. Have a fabulous week!

Liz (yacb)

Fun60 said...

Good to see the traditional fishing still continues with local people buying as soon as the boats reach the shore.

Unknown said...

Great area!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Photo Cache said...

i dream of being able to buy fish from the fishermen.

eileeninmd said...

Great post, I loved reading about your young days. It is nice to be able to buy fresh fish and shrimps. Great photos, thanks for sharing your world. Have a happy week!

Annesphamily said...

Lovely photos and such a wonderful story you weave here! Thank you for sharing. Beautiful scenery!

My Unfinished Life said...

i like the pic where the horizon is visible along with the fishermen and their boats in foreground!!

http://www.myunfinishedlife.com/

Indrani said...

Wonderful photo opportunity, lot of activities.

Anonymous said...

What lovely bright skies.

islandwonder said...

What an interesting place. Great photos!

Ann said...

Great photos of the bridge and all the fishermen working in the early morning, some interesting boats boats there too.

ExploreColorado said...

Beautiful pictures.