El Mercado
BY Anna Tripp
January 5, 2019: The local market in Vedado was busier than the ration store adjacent to the market. “Tres CUC’s!” “Dos CUC’s!” The market was filled with noise, movement, and a fresh yet unappealing smell.
Walking up the first part of the market, some locals were vending there home grown produce to the other vendors. There was an assortment of vegetables and wheat.
It is difficult to resist oneself from buying everything at a booth. Each booth varied but they all had different types of food. This particular vendor was selling barras (bars) of guayaba and maní as well as a few sauces and vegetables. Victoria couldn’t resist herself and bought a barra de guayaba.
What bothers me and also surprised me is the currency the vendors are selling their produce with is a currency that they can’t even use.
Also, despite the salary limitations, local Cubans use the little money they do have to go out and buy fresh fruit. By doing this they not only enjoy the fresh fruit, or in this case Papaya, but they also help local farmers.
As I mentioned earlier, their was a peculiar smell in the air. The smell of raw meat was mixed with the refreshing smell of fruits and vegetables,
Finally, at the end of the market was the “Officina de los Declaradores” I am not exactly sure what the purpose of this office is but the direct translation is “Office of the Declarers.” I’m thinking it has to do with the vendors and their booths.