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| Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne |
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| Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne |
When on holiday, I normally would set aside time to visit the local market. In fact, exploring the markets is one of my favourite things to do on holiday.
Do not underestimate this humble place. At the market, you'll get to see, smell and taste the local flavours, something you will completely miss out on if you confine yourself to just visiting the famous tourist sights or dining only at restaurants recommended by your tour agent. I know of some friends who do not even venture beyond their itinerary but rely entirely on the arrangements made for them by their tour guides.
My advice to you, if I may, is to take some time off your itinerary and visit at least one local market on each trip. You will be amazed how much enjoyment can be derived from a visit to the market. Local markets are known to be colourful - just as life is!
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| Chinatown, New York City |
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| Chinatown, New York City |
The market is not just about food and farm produce. It's about people, customs, culture and habits.
You get to see the locals dressed in their everyday attire, speaking their local lingo, letting their guards down and behaving 'casually', acting out their true selves. No one really bothers to dress up in their Sunday best for the market and with basket and bags of purchases in hand, it would be difficult to try to act genteel.
One of the things I enjoy most at the market is watching shoppers getting animated with the vendors - bargaining at the top of their voices, hands flying all over the place, tight fist occasionally - not caring who's watching them. I also like observing what the locals buy to get a sense of what their eating habits are.
For me, the market is also a gastronomical feast for the eye. And if you must do some food tasting, it's not going to burn a hole in your pocket either!
Next time you are on holiday, do something different - visit the local market.
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| Petchburi Soi 12 Market, Bangkok |
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| Naschmarkt, Vienna |
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| Naschmarkt, Vienna |
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