Mercado San Juan
The Mercado San Juan, located three blocks from my apartment, delivers a shopping experience quite different from your local Safeway. Though similar to a farmer's market, the mercado's hundreds of enthusiastic and vocal vendors create an interactive adventure wholly unique to Mexico. Heeding the requests of these marketeers results in a tour of fresh Avocados, Chile, handmade Tortillas, Papaya, Mango, Cactus, and recently alive and now dead and de-feathered chickens.
And the prices! Not even the biggest and best supermarkets can compete. Here in Morelia the best 'Super' is, dare I say it, Walmart. Sad but true. The reality is that people (including myself) buy fresh food at the mercado and everything else at Walmart.
Below are a few photos from my first, chaperoned trip to the mercado. I've since completed solo journeys but it is still a crazy experience. Kilos, pesos, Spanish, 20 vendors selling the same stuff - what's a guy to do?
And the prices! Not even the biggest and best supermarkets can compete. Here in Morelia the best 'Super' is, dare I say it, Walmart. Sad but true. The reality is that people (including myself) buy fresh food at the mercado and everything else at Walmart.
Below are a few photos from my first, chaperoned trip to the mercado. I've since completed solo journeys but it is still a crazy experience. Kilos, pesos, Spanish, 20 vendors selling the same stuff - what's a guy to do?
An aisle of fruit vendors.
Marisol picking out the best Mandarin Oranges.
(I'm still completely useless at picking out the best fruits and vegetables.)
(I'm still completely useless at picking out the best fruits and vegetables.)
Me and my reusable, old lady, shopping bag.
With a hundred little stores each giving you a tiny bag it is the only way...really.
With a hundred little stores each giving you a tiny bag it is the only way...really.
