This past Tuesday we had our first experience in a Paramaribo market. Right as we walked into the warehouse sized building, I was immediately surrounded by the smells of rain, sewage, sweet fresh fruit, exotic spices, tobacco, cooking food, and the aroma of new, starchy fabric. Rows of tables lined the floor, with vendors crammed into every corner. Downstairs, people sold everything from fresh fruit, dried food, hot peppers, and exotic vegetables to fabrics, perfumes, hair products and various other knick-knack items. Upstairs was a colorful maze of clothes, tapestries, shoes, toys and, once again, other random products. People crowded around and bombarded me at every turn. I was very overwhelmed at first, but with a few “nee dank u”s, I felt a bit more at ease. I have a feeling they were hassling our group a bit more because we were obviously new to the market scene. While there, I mostly scoped out the place and eyed a few potential items to come back for ( it was pouring rain, like cats and dogs falling from the sky, and I didn’t feel like carrying a huge load back through the monsoon ). Next time we go back I plan on bringing back fresh lychees, papayas, pineapple, and any other irresistible goodies.
Tot ziens!
Alex