Over the years I have developed a good strategy for traveling new cities and new countries, and local markets have definitely made it onto the list of things to do when discovering a new place. I blame it on my students years, when travel money was short and spending it on admission tickets or eating in restaurants was rather a singular treat than a regular habit. Be it a big touristy market or ten stalls on a street corner, I learnt markets offer much more than what they sell.
Here is a list of things that draw me towards market places and why I’d recommend that every traveler should add markets to their itineraries.
The colors & the shapes
Bursting colors are a delightful part of every market – in the ‘life is fun’ kind of way. Food, spices, clothes, accessories, tools and any other kind of more or less useful stuff is piled up in colorful stacks. I walk around, soaking up the buzz, my camera ready for some great photos.
The Spice Bazaar in Istanbul is a classic all-colors display, yet pottery, fabrics, jewels, fruits, vegetables and fish offer no less of a show.
The food
Duh! This is a no-brainer! That exotic fruit, a gourmet snack, the dish that slowly cooks before my eyes and smells irresistible – let me have it! I am not going to leave with an empty stomach and something in my bag, that’s for sure.
Plus, most big markets have cafes or restaurants inside, that source on the fresh ingredients and serve excellent dishes and lively atmosphere, to round off the experience. My last stop: Cuines restaurant in Barcelona’s Santa Caterina Market. I waited about 15 min for an opening at the food bar, but it was worth it: some tuna, provolone and grilled calamari with asparagus later, I was much happier.
The vibe
The coming and going, the calls of the sellers, the buzz of the on-going trade all around, the abundance of sights and smells, they all make for a unique experience each time.
When in London, a nice start for a Sunday could be a visit to the Colombia Road Flower Market to get instantly energized. Join the lively crowd, smell the fresh flowers, bargain for a bunch and enjoy the sellers’ calls with a cockney accent: “Everythin’ for a fiverâ€, “Look at these beauties, two for a tennerâ€, but also “All these tourists, looking and not buying†with a big smile on their faces. I would have left with a bucket of sunflowers, were it not for the full day of walking ahead.
The characters
Interaction might not be too lengthy in a market, but some sellers are just picturesque. Just observe and contemplate. I also find going to the market a great opportunity to practice some phrases in the local language and take a few portraits – but be sure to ask first: an interrogative look and smile, showing your camera, is usually enough.
The shopping
Another obvious one… There is nothing you can’t find on a market (or two or three). Food apart, I love to look for bargains at vintage jewelry stalls, accessories hand-crafted by local artisans and generally any treasure that might have been waiting just for me to find it. Flea markets are also great opportunities to discover unique items or some just very cheap ones, if you allow time for a thorough search.
The discovery
Markets might just be one of the most intimate ways to take a peak into the local community life and generally get the feel of a place. Even if it’s a touristic market, the local people do good trade there, so there is balance.
Sights can, sometimes, be very different from what you’re used to seeing in your home country, but the beauty lies in the understanding of the reality of the place. And in accepting the interesting and fascinating in it, rather than being just startled by the different.
As much as I love markets, I actually don’t get to visit them too often when I’m at home. Too little time, supermarkets are conveniently open at late hours – I make plenty of excuses… But when I do go, I try to get more out of the trip than just buying stuff I need. I stroll around, enjoy the colors and shapes, look at the people.
You should try it too, at home or when travelling! Or do you already have a favorite market?
This is a guest post by Andra Crihana
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