Bizarre Bazaars
(Jolie) There are lots of strange items in markets in southeast Asia. We have traveled through markets in Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and India. Every market has unusual objects that we would not find in America. All of the markets are outside and many of the stands are no bigger than a closet. They are all lined up right next to each other and the markets are always crowded with owners of the stands ask you to buy what ever they are selling.
Yummy crawly snacks
One of the most bazaar things I have seen in Cambodia was fried tarantula, fried snakes on a stick, and fried cockroaches to eat. Nobody wanted to try any of that. In Myanmar we saw a huge fish about the size of a baseball bat. Every vendor would say the same thing to us. “You first customer (which was not true), I give you good price”. Then they would say “lucky money, lucky money” which we have no idea what that means.
Bangalore, oops I mean bangles galore
In the Indian bazaars it gets really busy at night because the temperature rises to over a hundred degrees during the day. In India most women wear saris, which are brightly colored fabrics that wrap around their whole body. There are hundreds of sari stalls in the markets in India. Also to go with the saris women need bangles, shoes, hair clips, henna and jewelry all of which are also sold in the markets. We walked up some stairs of a bangle store and saw how bangles are made. First they make different sizes with golden wire circles, then they put the color on and hold them over a small fire. Next they place the beads on them and then they are done.
Samosas and saris
The shoe stores have no walls because there are so many shoes and not that that much space. The owner ties the shoes together and hangs them from the tent ceiling to the ground. Most of the shoes are bedazzled in sparkles, which makes them look ugly. Also being pushed around on carts in the crowded streets are ice cream carts, coconut carts, samosa carts, pearls, gems, fruit, purses and much, much more. All of these bazaars are very bizarre which is just what makes them so interesting and fun.
Hi JoJo,
It is 4:25 in the afternoon here in Barrington and I was just wondering what to serve for dinner when I read your post. So of course I am running out right now and getting the ingredients to make snake on a stick and Fried Tarantula. Kate will be so excited that she gets to try the foods you are “trying” on your trip. I will save the leftovers for your return. Xo Mrs. M
I love all your family’s posts. The descriptions of the markets makes me miss Asia. Keep writing.
Hi Jolie,
Loved reading your post on the bizarre bazaars!! I am disappointed that none of you tried the yummy crawly snacks in Cambodia! They are a very good source of protein, so I hear. Do you think Matt and Dan would like them for dinner one night? Maybe I can get Uncle John to find us a snake in the backyard.
Love,
Auntie Susan (Uncle John, Matt, Dan, & Laura)
Hi Jolie,
I loved how you have weaved your bazaar experiences into a coherent bizarre piece. I think the pictures are perfect, and, in particular, I like the creative captions. While others in the family were not interested in the yummy snacks, did you quietly try one?
Keep on writing!
Papa
I bet your dad tried some of the creepy crawly food!!!!
Miss you
Love Aunty Francine
Jolie,
I love your descriptions – I can easily picture what you are telling us about. Amazing! But why didn’t you want to taste the fried snake?
Hi Jolie,
It sounds like you’re learning quite a bit about Indian culture. I certainly don’t blame you for not eating the tarantula. I don’t think I could bring myself to eat that either. It’s wonderful to read a post from you. As a teacher, I have to comment on your writing – it’s wonderful!! Very descriptive and great word choice. Your classmates are learning so much from you and love the days we get to look at your pictures and read about your experiences. We look forward to your next entry.
-Love,
Mrs. Spaight
I was eating breakfast when I opened the bugs on a stick. Snakes. Tarantulas?! GROSS!!! Warning next time!!!!
Great post Jolie.
Yummy crawley snacks not-so-great.
Hi Jolie,
I enjoyed your description of the markets. I must admit that I don’t think that I would want to try fried snakes and bugs either! You are learning some very fascinating things about different cultures. What do you think that people from southeast Asia might find strange or unusual about our culture? Love, Grandma