Do you know where your food is from?
Just a few days before this day, I was quite frustrated about my time in Sri Lanka. Accommodation was VERY expensive, compared to other living costs, and I felt like everything that was related to ‘tourism’ immediately segregated me and the people. I didn’t feel like traveling, or seeing things like I wanted to.
The last day in small town of Dambulla, we decided not go visit Sigiriya, but the whole sale market right down the street. I was never fan of attractions, but visiting Sigriya wasn’t really appealing to me, due to the high entrance fee ($30 USD). Dambulla is not much to see but the Cave Temple. But amazingly, I had the best time here. I finally felt like made connection with the people.
When we stepped into the big four half-dome ware house, everyone was looking at us like they’ve never seem such thing before. Most of them were bringing food from other cities by big truck, and unloading them to the shops. The place is filled with every possible fruit and vegetable we’ve seen around the country. The people were quite curious about two foreigners just walked into their world with cameras. There wasn’t anything historic or exciting things to see like at Sigriya, perhaps, but I enjoyed it quite a lot. We asked them where did the vegetable is from, took some pictures together, and tried to communicate a little. They enjoyed their time in front of camera very much. I’m guessing most of them never saw such camera before. Some man were calling their rather handsome friends or kids for the photo shoot.
I went in only with a camera in my hand, and came out with a bundle of banana, a chili pepper (didn’t know why they gave me but…), tomatoes, and pieces of watermelon. They enjoyed sharing their goods with us, and they were delicious (except the chili pepper).
I was glad I didn’t go to Sigiriya to see where the foods are from in Sri Lanka.
I often to to regular markets, but the vibe is a little different at a wholesale market. It sounds like an interesting change of pace from regular tourist attractions.
It was fun, talking to all the vendors. 🙂
Wow, those vegetable and fruits look so ripe and BEAUTIFUL! I think the first shot of the bitter melons already grabbed my attention to begin with, and it just got better and better. I thought the pineapples where only one was ripe and the rest were still green was an interesting composition.
Local markets are a great place to connect with locals. This one looks really interesting.
Awesome photos! I love the vibrant colors 🙂
I love the markets in Asia. Have never been to wholesale market. That must be even crazier!