El Mercado

After weeks of Spanish classes and several days of self-study at the villa, Daryl and I were set to conquer the local lingo -- and no better place to experience Acapulco in all its native linguistic glory is at the central market.

Lesson #1: Don't give the cab driver general instructions for the market like "Take me to a place where there's lots of good shopping". He'll take you directly to his family's shop where you'll be shown every possible item in the city's inventory.

After finally escaping the taxi driver's family store we walked the streets in the hustling Zocalo. I was was interested in translating every sign and banner in sight. We came across a sort of Conn's-like appliance store and were intrigued by the cylindrical washing machines.

We finally happened upon the huge central market district. This is a huge market comprised of lots and lots of enclaves, table setups, booths, and store fronts. Some sections appeared to have a common theme: vegetables, meats, clothes, jewelry, etc. Other areas were just a jumble of anything and everything. The girl at the left was selling churizo -- Mexican sausage.

We took particular note in the meat and poultry area of the different sanitation standards between the US and Mexico. You won't see any sneeze guards, coolers, hair nets, or white butcher's coats. What you will see are giant paint chips dangling from the ceiling.

 

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