Things, They Are A Changin'

We have spoken many times of how different things are here. That difference is part of what makes this country unique. Some things here are so "backwards" compared to our home countries and yet, when things change, we are not happy with that either. For example, the city has decided to relocate its center. Part of the domino effect of this decision is that many buildings are to be demolished. This includes a huge market that has been here for over twenty years. In the picture you can see there are two stories to the building as well as streets of tents and stalls. The top level are all homes of probably 1000 or more people. This entire area has to go. These people now have to return to their home villages and hopefully find a new line of work. The market itself has helped many of us get settled. Here you can find everything to set up an apartment and the men to deliver it, all for a fraction of the cost in the local Western stores. The people are friendly and talkative. They have their children with them all day long. They cook, clean, and do homework right in the shop. In only three months, we already have so many memories within these streets and alleys. We got our first lessons in Chinese haggling right here. We bought our bikes here, haggled for my first wok, set up my kitchen, found our phones here, and met so many nice people. But in a few days, it will be void of people and a few days more, void of buildings. Sometimes we are so grateful to see a Western store; a KFC, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Starbucks. But other times we are just as grateful for the Asian way of life. The simple tent and stall markets which can provide all of life's necessities, the beautiful smiling faces that want to know everything about you even if you don't buy. I am going to miss this market. Perhaps another one will appear to replace it. These markets are part of what makes this country different. They make it unique.

mandy