The Market

Here in the city of Barat there are multiple mini-marts.  There are two national chain type mini-marts and various mom & pop types.  We frequent these for items such as powdered milk, oats (though I have yet to find whole oats here or in the big city), candy, and spaghetti!

We saw this and thought, "Ok, we can live here."

Notice the Snickers, Kit-Kats, and M&Ms.  We were amazed, these are big treats for us, not found everywhere!

 The traditional market on the other hand is the place for all fresh produce.  Just about everything else can be found there as well.  It can be a difficult place to walk around as it is crowded, occasionally muddy, and the 'aisles' are very narrow.  Regardless it is the one crowded public place that I thoroughly enjoy visiting, even with the boys who always have to put up with constant cheek pinching and comments such as, "oh you are so handsome."  

All for $17, from top left: 2 bunches of bananas, 1/2 kg raisins, 1 kg green beans, 2 baking powders, 2 cinnamon pkts, 1 nutmeg, 3 ears of corn, large bunch of green onions and celery leaf, 2 bunches yard long beans, 5 carrots, 1/2 kg potatoes, and 1kg red beans.  Also included but not pictured one whole chicken (killed, feathered, and cut up while we shopped) and a packet of turmeric. 

fruits and vegies are priced by weight

Vegies and eggs, not refrigerated.  The blue ones are duck eggs.

From top left: packages of coconut milk, palm sugar wrapped in leaves, red and white rice, corn, and black rice. 

Left bottom is packaged margarine.  I have not found real butter here.  As far as I know there isn't a word in the language to distinguish butter from margarine either. 

The fish section.  Fish is the most common form of 'meat.'  It is much cheaper than chicken, which runs about $5 per animal. 

The sellers and fish all just sit out until sold or the market closes about 3 or 4pm

The various types of fish are just overwhelming to me.  I hardly know how to cook fish much less pick one out to buy. 

Fish sliced open and laid out to dry in the sun.  This is one way people far from the sea can eat fish.  But it is also a common way to eat fish when fresh fish is available. 

Various treats made locally.  These are often bought as souvenirs for friends and family, like when we return to the big city. 

Various tools with hand made wooden handles.

Packages of tamarind in the two bowls. 

Regular household items.  Bowls and buckets for cleaning and washing.  Baskets and containers towards the top for storing and carrying.