As part of our last day in Istanbul, we went back to the Egyptian Bazaar for some last minute shopping. Below is a short movie of what it was like in the alleyways outside.
Nylon12 - To Ed's point below, bags can be problematic in such a crowd, both from the durability and practicality point of view. For practicality, I may end up spending two hours in such a market; hold something in my hands all the time and having to remember to pick it up every time when I put it down become a bother (and risky, if you lose your purchases).
As you know, that sort of alleyway market setup is quite common in many foreign countries. The ones in the Philippines are so crowded, that one has to shuffle along as there isn't enough room to take a full step. The ones I have visited in Greece though were more like that one, crowded but not touching.
Backpacks are mandatory Nylon12. That is how we get all out grocery purchases home on mass transit to consume. Plastic bags don't hold up well in crowds and constantly being jostled.
Ed, we went to similar sorts of markets in Phnom Penh and Saigon and it was a very similar experience. The market side for groceries, obviously for the locals, was somewhat less crowded, but it was still pretty narrow.
It was my first experience with wet markets as well.
Wet markets are definitely a polarizing place. I like them and the smell of all the fresh meats on display but in our sterilized and individually wrapped world, many find them repulsive. I have never been too concerned with the sanitary aspect as most foreign cuisines utilize a lot of cooking techniques and ingredients that kill off any contaminants.
Ed, our guiide in Phnom Penh had the standard rule that the locals use: If there are no flies around or on it, it is fresh. If there are flies, do not buy. I will say that for my observations at them, there were never any flies.
But yes - I imagine many modern world dwellers would freak out at the sight of such things.
Comments are welcome (and necessary, for good conversation). If you could take the time to be kind and not practice profanity, it would be appreciated. Thanks for posting!
Carrying a backpack in a crowd........not my choice TB.
ReplyDeleteNylon12 - To Ed's point below, bags can be problematic in such a crowd, both from the durability and practicality point of view. For practicality, I may end up spending two hours in such a market; hold something in my hands all the time and having to remember to pick it up every time when I put it down become a bother (and risky, if you lose your purchases).
DeleteAs you know, that sort of alleyway market setup is quite common in many foreign countries. The ones in the Philippines are so crowded, that one has to shuffle along as there isn't enough room to take a full step. The ones I have visited in Greece though were more like that one, crowded but not touching.
ReplyDeleteBackpacks are mandatory Nylon12. That is how we get all out grocery purchases home on mass transit to consume. Plastic bags don't hold up well in crowds and constantly being jostled.
Ed, we went to similar sorts of markets in Phnom Penh and Saigon and it was a very similar experience. The market side for groceries, obviously for the locals, was somewhat less crowded, but it was still pretty narrow.
DeleteIt was my first experience with wet markets as well.
Wet markets are definitely a polarizing place. I like them and the smell of all the fresh meats on display but in our sterilized and individually wrapped world, many find them repulsive. I have never been too concerned with the sanitary aspect as most foreign cuisines utilize a lot of cooking techniques and ingredients that kill off any contaminants.
DeleteEd, our guiide in Phnom Penh had the standard rule that the locals use: If there are no flies around or on it, it is fresh. If there are flies, do not buy. I will say that for my observations at them, there were never any flies.
DeleteBut yes - I imagine many modern world dwellers would freak out at the sight of such things.