Tuesday, Jul 12, 2016
Heidi and I went to the farmer’s market this afternoon to stock up on fruits and vegetables. It was at Feria Libre, and the last time we were here it was on a Wednesday. There were vendors and people sprawled out for blocks. I guess Wednesday and Saturdays are the big days for all the vendors to show up.
Since today is Tuesday it was a much calmer experience shopping here. It is still big, but not out-of-control crazy, constantly bumping into people in the crowd. The fresh farmer’s markets are one of the things I enjoy most about living in Ecuador. I love the myriad of colors all mixed in together. It is fun speaking with the vendors as best I can as well.
When we got back home Heidi made some banana-zucchini bread from what we bought at the market. It was a great dessert for us after dinner. I also like the color the fruits add to our kitchen. It just looks and feels healthy.
We decided to try a new fruit that looks similar to a papaya. It’s called a babaco and is supposed to taste like a mix of strawberry, kiwi, and papaya. It is the large yellow fruit with ridges in the basket in the above picture.
My older son Chase is traveling through Brazil right now. He and some of his friends from the Peace Corp are making their way to Rio to volunteer for the summer Olympics. So far he has traveled by bus, boat, and plane and still has another week before arriving in Rio. My younger son Easton will meet him in Rio as he arrives. Here are some pics Chase shared with us.
Sleeping quarters on 4 day boat ride
Head to toe
Recife, Brazil
Belem, Brazil
Belem, Brazil
Chau.
I have never had Babaco fruit either. Can you save me the seeds. Perhaps it will grow on our farm in Bahia. It sounds yummy. There is other fruit in your basket that I don’t recognize. Great to see you experimenting. I bet Heidi’s banana/zucchini bread was amazing.
Heidi’s bread was great. I think she has a knack for it! The babaco fruit does not have any seeds in it. Heidi was cutting it up looking for them to give you but there were none. I looked it up, and it is a seedless fruit. You would need cuttings from a plant to grow them. The taste is very mild, great when mixed with other fruit in a smoothie but not so sure I’m a fan of it solo.
We are doing that market on Friday. apparently it is about 6 blocks from where are staying for the week. We have just finished a 10 tour and are now in Cuenca for a week. We are planning on returning next year for 2 months. Love your blog and photos as it gives us a good idea of this part of Ecuador…as well as your personal challenges of adapting after having to leave the coast.
Thanks Cheryl. If you plan on buying several fruits and veggies make sure you bring a bag or two with you to put them in. Each vendor has plastic sacks but it adds up fast and a big cloth or plastic tote type bag makes it easier to carry around. I think it’s a great idea to visit a couple times, and stay for extended periods of time, before deciding to move here (if that is what you are thinking). I didn’t have that luxury and I feel like it made for a steeper learning curve. So far though, I am in the adventure I want to be in. Thanks for reading!
My partner wants to apply for a 12-IX Visa to go to Ecuador for 6 months and do a little work in a friend s hostel. The visa process looks simple but she has one traffic conviction on her police clearance record. Do you know anything about whether traffic convictions effect business visas?
I don’t know the answer Samuel. Are you a member of Ecuador Expats on facebook? Type in Visa Facilitators in the search bar of that group and you will have several professionals you could reach out to and get this questioned answered. Joseph Guznay may be one who could answer this for you. Hope this helps. Thanks for reading.
Todd