First of all, there are four different markets in Xela, and apparently they get more expensive the closer they get to El Parque Central. Three of them are within easy walking distance to mi casa, and by far the most fun is El Mercado La Democracia. I posted a few shots of this market a few days back, as part of the general feel of Xela.
But let´s talk about the shopping. La Democracia comprises a three-block by three-block area where you can buy.. well, everything. Fruits and vegetables are the most obvious items for sale, and it really does look like a lot of other pictures of third-world general markets you have seen around the world. All sorts of fruits and vegetables, including many types I do not recognize. In addition to produce, there are lots of beans, pasta, meat, and pre-packaged goods. It is a full-stop place to get all the food you need to cook. And although the vegetables look so fresh and delicious at times, Guatemalans never eat raw vegetables.. such a shame!
Vendors sell both on the side of the street, as well as in covered stalls in the interior of the block. "Stalls" is slightly misleading; in reality, a whole block is one huge covered factory-like warehouse, and vendors have carved out sections of the floor in which to sell their items. A lot of meat and other goods that might not be as delicious when covered with bus exhaust are sold inside.
But lest you think that the market is only for food, let me correct your misunderstanding. You can also buy clothing...
and shoes (notice the Crocs in front!)...
furniture...
appliances (notice the bikes hanging from the ceiling)...
other bikes...
books...
pets...
and... well... Tom´s not for petting... the family laughed when I took a picture!
I´m upset that apparently I didn´t take any photographs of all the handmade Mayan clothing stalls. I´ll have to get those next time!
Now, if a crowded downtown market isn´t your cup of tea, do not fret! There are still a few supermercados in town. And once you´ve seen one supermarket, you´ve seen them all...
too few cashiers...
Sue, you could work down here! (I know, no cereal...)
But the supermarket is less fascinating than las tiendas. It seems like on practically every block, there is a local convenience store which sells pre-packaged snacks and toiletries.. and that´s about it. I do not understand how so many of them stay in business! They´re absolutely everywhere. It seems that often they are attached to a family´s house, such as the one next door to my house. I really do not understand the business model here; it seems like the market would be way too saturated.
And they all follow the same basic pattern.. most of the merchandise sits behind a permanent gate. You browse with your eyes, not with your hands. The shopkeep gets you whatever you need.
Although these convenience stores have really caught my attention, I´d be remiss if I didn´t mention the other businesses throughout town that pop up everywhere.. bakeries, librarías (which mostly sell paper supplies... sometimes a few books), barber shops, and internet cafes. Without a doubt, I have seen more internet cafes in Xela than in the rest of my travels.
Anyway, I cannot believe it, but today is actually my halfway point in my time in Xela. I am actually pretty upset, because I´m having the time of my life. I´ve been really blessed with a lot of great adventures in my life, but this one may actually be the best. I´m not totally sure... that trip with Jason and Kate a few years back was pretty sweet too... but let´s just say that Xela is giving everything else a run for its money!
No comments:
Post a Comment