Visit to Mercado Zapata

Visit to the Mercado Zapata

Sunday, June 04, 2006

This afternoon we visited Mercado Zapata. I wish I had taken my camera. The sights were incredible. First we stopped to buy carne. The butchers work right there in front of you. You tell them what you want, they cut it off the pieces of beef that are hanging there (no refrigeration), trim the fat off and package it up.

Freshly killed chickens are hanging from the booth just a few feet away, feathers still around their head. Several months ago my mom and I struggled to figure out how to cut a whole chicken and save the wishbone. These guys use these huge scissors and can cut a chicken into breasts, legs, wings, etc., all in about one minute. It was so cool to watch.

Next we went to Leticia’s favorite vegetable stand. We bought chiles poblanos, papas (potatoes), jitomates (tomatoes), cebollas (onions), tomate verde (look like tomatillos to me), and ejotes (green beans). Then we went to the fruit stand and bought papaya, melon (cantaloupe), mango, and plátanas (bananas).

The whole experience was fun. The people, the sounds, the sights, the smells, the colors, everything.

Mamá said we could go back again another weekend. Then I can take some photos.

BTW, I’ve been thinking and praying all day about going home after four weeks instead of staying for eight. It really seems like the right decision, at least right now. Those of you who read this blog, please pray that the right decision will be clear. I don’t want to decide to go home early, and then regret having left. I also don’t want to stay too long, and regret not being able to go home. I hope to decide for sure this week.