Traditional Markets

There are traditional markets all over Taiwan.  They are very popular places for people to shop.  Early in the morning, it is almost impossible to get through there.  You have to be alert, people are dodging in and out, stopping without warning, riding scooters through it.  It can get pretty crazy, especially in a wheelchair, because you travel below their line of sight. 

Taoyuan City has a great traditional market.  The one near our home is called Da Nan Market.  They sell pretty much everything, from live fish, which they will clean and fillet for you, to clothes, shoes and hats.  If you want it, they probably sell it, as long as its legal.  

This is one of my favorite places to go.  I can sit in the shade and watch people for hours.  If I get hungry there’s lots of small restaurants and street food available. 

We went over there this morning about 9:00 am to get baozi (steamed buns filled with pork and cabbage), and were greeted with a sea of humanity.  People were everywhere.  I used to go there after morning prayer all the time before we moved, but today was the biggest crowd I remember. 

It’s a fun noisy place:  People trying to attract you to their stall, yelling about prices and products, lots of colorful signs, people talking and laughing, and other general mayhem.  If you want a sense of Taiwanese culture, you don’t want to miss the traditional market.

The Sea of Humanity

Doing what I do best!

Photos by Crisel Joy Bringula