Our last post reflected on the comfort derived from our familiar foods, most of which were brought from home. But those won’t last forever, so we’re trying to learn to shop locally for things we need. As we’re staying in the hotel, our “local market” happens to be a convenience store in one of the stalls beneath the neighboring apartment complex. If you’ve ever wondered where out-of-date food ends up, well, your curiousity can be satisfied by stopping in here.
On Friday, we joined a new friend in the open-air market near an apartment complex that we are considering. Fortunately for us, our friend speaks very good Chinese and understands the challenges faced by newbies like us. When you’re having trouble communicating, there’s nothing like an advocate who can stand in the gap!
There is a lot to see at the market, even on a slow Friday afternoon. You can select your own chicken or rabbit for dinner (remember, this is not a pet store):
There are all kinds of interesting people here as well, including three generations of sales ladies (it’s hard to see the littlest one in the papoose pack):
And there are people selling, people buying, people cooking, and people chillin’:
After shopping in the market, we stopped in at a local “cafe” for lunch. Our friend shared some wise counsel about selecting restaurants in China – if you like the food and you don’t get sick, it’s probably a good place to come back to. It’s been 30 hours and we’re still OK, so this one might be a keeper!
I enjoyed reading your input. Not only does our Father put us in places we have to adapt to He makes it interesting as well.
Welcome to your new city! and hello from Angie’s mom.
I enjoyed your diary. Best wishes to you in this exciting adventure.
Wow! I remember learning to shop open air food markets when we lived in Jamaica. Looks the same as China, but you have the language barrier. We can thank our Best Friend he brought another sister your way to help!