A Long Way From Walmart

Sunday.

The first day of the week.

The last bit of peace and restfulness before the rush of a new week.

The day to be thinking, "What do I need this week in terms of fruits and vegetables?"

In the Dingus household, that means a trip to Shui Nan market. Typically, Carl does all the shopping. (That's why his Chinese is so much better than mine.) But, on Sundays, he lets me go with him.

These shopping trips are not like the ones we did in Ohio.

The parking lot is slightly different than that of our American Walmart.

No wide aisles, or shopping cart etiquette exists in Shui Nan. Shoppers, vendors, strollers, bikes, and scooters all share the same space.

However, while Shui Nan market may not have all the amenities of Walmart, it has something even better- an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Corn- but not as yummy as fresh Ohio summer corn!

Some familiar choices.

Dragon Fruit

Some not.

Carl is the best fruit buyer I know.

Fresh Ginger

A variety of mushrooms

Carl has developed relationships with several vendors. This is his go to place for eggs, not because they are the best quality eggs, but because the grandmotherly vendor has taken the time and effort to get to know him. Last week, I was able to meet her. Another family member was attending the wares today, or I would've taken a picture of her as well.

Some vegetables we enjoyed in America are harder to get here or are only sold during their growing season. Zucchini typically does not grow well in Taiwan, so has been difficult to get. I have seen it more in the past year, so that seems to be changing. Fresh spinach is a winter crop, so I am trying to enjoy it now.

On the other hand, red peppers, which I love, were only 10NT each today, which is roughly 35 cents. I never bought them in Ohio until they dropped to $1 each. While living in Taiwan, there is absolutely no excuse to eat and enjoy fresh produce daily!

Like Walmart, you can buy a variety of things at Shui Nan: precooked food, meat, fish, clothes, shoes, cooking utensils, knives, noodles, pots and pans. The list goes on and on. There are many things for sale that I am simply clueless to their name and purpose!

After our shopping, everything was loaded onto the scooter.

Our next stop brought me closer to my food shopping roots. We stopped at PX Mart (or more commonly referred to as the Red and Blue Store) to buy bread, milk, and orange juice. 

Here there is designated aisle space. 

And carts.

And shelved merchandise.

And some more familiar items.

However, after our hour at Shui Nan market, it is almost too clean, too quiet, too easy. 

At Shui Nan, I get jostled, bumped, and knocked around.

I inhale tons of exhaust fumes as the scooters and pedestrians jockey for position.

I understand very little of what is spoken and am able to read zero of the signs.

But, it is all worth it for the yummy, sun kissed fruits and vegetables.

Come visit us in Taiwan and you, too, can fall in love with Taiwanese morning markets.