Since we visited our local farmers market today it got me thinking about the farmers market we happened upon in Havana Vieja. There are a few 'agros' around the city, generally they are in a permanent location and are run daily. There was even one right on the corner by our casa particular, it was very sad looking. But it is only at these agros that vendors can set their own prices, an experiment in capitalism that was started in 1980. Peeking into them whenever we passed by, we would see a few tables with some taro, potatoes and cabbage. Notice I didn't say "piled high". There isn't enough of anything to be piled high. But this market was different. Set up on the busy Prado in front of the Capitolio there were signs saying this was a special holiday market. And just like here in Ballard there were many street food vendors selling croquettes, pan con lechón, and ice cream.
One or two tents had tables set up and are selling pork. This really is a special holiday market as very few Cubans have the opportunity to buy pork. Lines are long, very long. It's the first time I am realizing that the Cuban people stand in line for a lot of things, it is a part of life here.
Costco would probably blow their minds...although the giganto bags of water crackers that filled the shelves later were kind of costcoesque. (although while better than totally empty shelves, when they were fuller it was pretty much crackers, crackers or crackers to choose from...no variety of anything else!)
ReplyDeleteI'm riveted to your Cuban tale - more please!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment Abra, I'm working on it! :)
ReplyDeleteGood write up Wendy. It is great to get to read your thoughts on what you saw and what you did! It also gives a glimpse into their part of the world.
ReplyDeleteThanks Della, I appreciate it!
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