Jungang markets

When I’d returned from Bulguksa, the bus had passed Gyeongju’s markets and it wasn’t the vegetables and fruits on display along the pavement that caught my eye, it was the faces of the women.

First steps in Busan

I arrived by train from Daegu and walked to my hotel in a lively part of town — Texas Street. About 200 metres on was a market where fish swam in tanks, vegetables and fruit were on display and snack foods tempted.

Brisbane’s street market and beyond

Close by the Brisbane River, crowds lingered amongst the city stalls sprawling the pavement. Macadamia nuts and Kingaroy peanuts were displayed, fresh strawberries and avocados, small cakes and jewellery.

A drop of peace behind the chaos

At the end of Kyoto’s Nishiki Market or what might have been the beginning of Teramachi, was a small temple. Here was a little relief from the crowds. Some clapped their hands before bowing in front of a shrine; others wash their hands with well water.

A feast for the eyes (and stomach)

Nishiki Market was the ideal place to sample what Kyoto had to offer. From a variety of foods, to kitchenware and clothing, this long line of stalls had it all. I was there to taste the food after reading Bama’s blog on this very market.

To market to market

Queen Victoria Markets on the north side of Melbourne city, extended a couple of blocks. When I stepped through the main entrance, the smell of meats had me steering away to the specialized sections of cheeses and even a store that sold crocodile and kangaroo meats.

South Melbourne Markets

Markets anywhere offer an insight into the foods worth savouring. South Melbourne Markets were no exception. From the freshest vegetables, fish or meats to curry leaves, these markets had it all.

Grandville Island Markets

One large wrought iron building housed the markets. Fresh produce smacked me in the eye with radiant colours; jewellery sparkled from overhead lights; and the aroma of soaps wafted over me as I meandered around stalls.

Tanzania’s Fresh Food

Photo courtesy: Duniasikuzote — Wikimedia Commons

When I lived in Dar es Salaam, there were often shortages due to factory equipment breaking down or a lack of foreign exchange to import certain goods.

After nine months of abstinence, there’d be Kenyan cheese in the shops for a couple of weeks; or someone warned we should stock up on matches or toilet paper because parts for a broken piece of machinery would take months to arrive.

Foods I’d never tried (or maybe wouldn’t)

I didn’t notice any fruits or vegetables I hadn’t seen before as I wandered through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. As for meats, I didn’t want to go there, especially after walking past barbequed dog. When I approached brains or large chunks of meaty red legs, I looked the other way.