The four walls of classrooms can be uneventful for one who is learning about food of the world through a video or a textbook. But a visit to the four walls of a real fresh market brought everything alive and exciting to the eyes of a teen.
While most of the travelers were sun bathing at the white sand beaches, zip lining and souvenir shopping, we went on the authentic side of the island of Cozumel. Tucked away in one corner of town was the fresh market, one that we do not see in our hometown here in Florida.
There was a butcher chopping meat without wearing gloves right in front of our eyes. Fresh meat hanging on hooks and raw meat displayed on the counter along with the butcher’s block and knife. There was no refrigeration.
On the other side were the fish. Freshly caught fish with glassy eyes and firm flesh. It reminded me of the days a long time ago, going to the local fresh market for my mother in Malaysia, these words were ringing in my ears as I looked at the fresh fish in Cozumel.
“Remember you have to touch the fish and it has to be firm and the eyes glassy and the gills are still bloody. Don’t forget to bargain. If the fishmonger said, $2, you give $1.50.”
I felt for a moment as if I was somewhere in Asia. Then I was awakened by the sound of Mexican tune around the market….
Just a block away was a local tortillas making store. Hundreds of tortillas freshly made and pressed through a tortilla-making machine. Shoppers stopped by to get their daily fresh tortillas wrapped in local newspapers and placed in a plastic bag.
In Paris, the French do the same thing everyday, except they carry a loaf of French bread.
Fresh markets and food represents much of the culture of a destination we visit. I must admit, I did not see much of Mexico at all. Mexico the world's 15th largest country offers spicy fresh food, a multi-cultural blend of people and beautiful sombreros...there are lots to see , eat and do. We barely scrap the surface. Until next time!
Take a glimpse of the Local Fresh Market in Cozumel in the video below:
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Thank you Claudia for sharing...excellent pictures and video experience! ...Hughie
Great article and video Claudia! I love the learning that can take place out of the classroom! When I took a group of students to England, it was an amazing experience-so many things to take in! Thanks for sharing this!
Jennifer, will you be leading tours for students in the near future? You make a great tour leader and teacher.
Reading your articles and watching the video tour of your travels makes me feel like I am right there beside you. Thanks for the tour to the fresh market in Cozumel, Claudia. Where to next?
Thanks for the compliment Carla. Appreciate that.
Claudia, I know how the French carry their loaf of French bread under their armpit...they think nothing about it, but to me it is so distasteful 🙂 Every country has it very own and unique things isn't it? My country is well known for it cheese and the wooden shoes... Thanks!!