The day after returning from Pucón we went to a food market in Santiago that is kind of like farmers markets in the US. It sets itself up once or twice a week on a busy street near Sita's parents house and in other locations the rest of the week. One of the lanes of the street in each direction is informally turned into parking for the market. Also, as usual in Santiago, there is someone there to help you park and, supposedly, make sure your car is not broken into. You are required to tip this person at the end of your stay, as this is how they make their money. I say that they supposedly secure your car because sometimes these are the people that break into your car and paying them just ensures that they themselves don't break into your car the next time you park there. In this particular case the parking helper also had an additional service, he was carrying around large pieces of cardboard which he would put over the windshield of vehicles that didn't have sunvisors. This also may have been a way for him to identify which vehicles he helped park, or have people call on him, so that he could then return to collect money when they left. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of this scene this time, but I thought this would be a good time to introduce this concept to those unfamiliar with it. Those who have been to Mexico City would already be familiar with this routine as it's the same there. You always need coins in your car in Mexico City and Santiago, because there is a risk involved in not paying these people.
Us arriving at the market.
Sita giving me a look like, "you're already taking pictures?".
Some of the choices at the market and their prices.
Sita and Slyvia checking out the giant zucchinis at 5 for 500 pesos this is a pretty good deal (this is just under $1 USD).
Hari checking out the variety.
Sita looking around while Slyvia is searching for someone to ask about the bell peppers.
These cantaloupes were huge and you could get four for 1000 pesos (less than $2).
Another view of the market.
Some people took advantage of this venue to sell things other than food. There were cheap toys and other household items, but there was also black market media. Rather than having the DVDs and other media sitting on a cloth right there for you to buy as they do in NYC, they instead have a list for you to choose from. I presume that they fetch the DVD for you right then once you've made your selection, but it could also be that they burn it right then and there.
A little fancier than a text list is the cover art of DVDs and CDs.
Homer Simpson is a popular icon here as well, in fact maybe even more popular, I've seen more shirts and images of the Simpsons here in Chile than I usually do in the US. It reminds me of the early 90s when everybody in the US had some kind of Simpsons related article of clothing.
One last glimpse of the market as we were leaving.
Sita giving me a look like, "you're already taking pictures?".
Some of the choices at the market and their prices.
Sita and Slyvia checking out the giant zucchinis at 5 for 500 pesos this is a pretty good deal (this is just under $1 USD).
Hari checking out the variety.
Sita looking around while Slyvia is searching for someone to ask about the bell peppers.
These cantaloupes were huge and you could get four for 1000 pesos (less than $2).
Another view of the market.
Some people took advantage of this venue to sell things other than food. There were cheap toys and other household items, but there was also black market media. Rather than having the DVDs and other media sitting on a cloth right there for you to buy as they do in NYC, they instead have a list for you to choose from. I presume that they fetch the DVD for you right then once you've made your selection, but it could also be that they burn it right then and there.
A little fancier than a text list is the cover art of DVDs and CDs.
Homer Simpson is a popular icon here as well, in fact maybe even more popular, I've seen more shirts and images of the Simpsons here in Chile than I usually do in the US. It reminds me of the early 90s when everybody in the US had some kind of Simpsons related article of clothing.
One last glimpse of the market as we were leaving.
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