I love perusing local markets whenever we travel—farmer’s markets, craft fairs, bazaars, souks in Egypt, flea markets, night markets. It’s even better if they are happened upon spontaneously. Some of our best meals while traveling have been at outdoor markets in Rome, Bangkok, Tokyo, Taipei, Berlinand Brussels.
While staying with my aunt in Kiev, Ukraine, we went several times to the local bazaars to look for souvenirs, clothes, household items, vegetables, and even wedding veils. It was definitely one stop shopping.
I was reminded that in a lot of parts of the world, people don’t go to a grocery store or a department store to buy the things they need. Going to an outdoor market and haggling for the best price is a daily occurrence and one of the best ways to experience a culture as a tourist.
I liked the texture of these knit shawls. I can’t imagine how much work it would take to make one.Wool gilets and fuzzy slippers. My mom bought wool socks for the whole family and a warm vest for me. I am a crybaby when it comes to the cold. Thanks, Mom!My cousin with me while I tried on a mink hat. It was very warm but… poor mink!Rows of colorful embroidered linen shirts. Some are embroidered by machine and the ones done by hand are more expensive (and rightly so!).My sister is getting married so we checked out the multiple aisles of wedding dresses and accessories. The dresses were about $100.One of the many aisles of the market, thankfully with a roof for the winter weather.Souvenir t-shirts. The ones in yellow and blue say Ukraine and display the three-pronged crest.These meat pies were baked in a clay oven. The dough is thrown against the walls of the oven and sticks to the side as it bakes. This is the first time I’ve ever seen anything like it.Bags and bags and bags of onions. My aunt says that people stock up and keep them in their cellars. This guy’s wife is probably telling him over the phone how many onions she wants.I thought it was funny this vendor had a couch in his watermelon truck.Everything you can imagine, pickled, brined or fermented and for sale!These look like colorful, waxy candles, but they are actually like dried fruit roll-ups.Every variety of shallot and onion imaginable.These winter pears were so juicy. There were lots of signs that said, keep your hands off!Trays of cranberries just in time for the holiday season.Peppers, onions, beets and more for sale in bulk.
