Mostly Markets

In Vietnam there are many market types and here are a few that are part of the scenery. There is the brick and mortar market which is a grocery store with every need placed on shelves like we are all use to. There is the small brick and mortar shop, which is usually connected with the owner's home and is more off the back walkways and offers a smaller amount of things, but has a shop owner that you get to know and who recognizes you on the street. There are people who just set up at the side of the street. Then there is the large outdoor markets which offer all things fresh... here that usually means fruit, veggies and meat. Then there are the small vendors which occupy the same small corner on a street like the woman we buy carrots and onions from at the busy corner we end up after walking along the quiet back alley.

Today we went to the outdoor market to stock up for the coming Tet holiday. First was a visit to the woman who sells chickens. The live chickens I saw out on the street to the market...I know their fate!! We picked out a chicken and just before she is going to put it in the plastic bag, Mary asks if she could cut the head off (so WE don't have to do that later). She also had some cooked doggie, but we passed that right up and went on to the pork which did not have the feet still attached. The order was for a kilo and a half... then on to the veggies. They are beautiful and nicely arranged!! Some mushrooms, bean sprouts, carrots, potatoes, peppers, and some fresh ginger.....that ought to do it!!