Mercado da Vila
Oh What a Joy
We moved into our new temporary apartment on Monday, 15 February. The first thing the next morning we headed to the Mercado da Vila.
On Tuesday
On Tuesday morning we walked into a large, empty tent with just a few open shops
around the perimeter. We learned, though open, the market is only fully operational on Wednesday, and Saturday. We did buy a whole red perch for 3 Euros from the woman in the fish market waving above. The fish market is open every day offering fresh catch from the local boats. There were also a few butcher shops open as well as a florist. But other than that…nada.
Wednesday and Saturday
We returned on Wednesday … what a difference a day makes. Though the restaurants that circle the market were closed (due to Covid precautions), many of the vendors were doing business. I suspect there were not as many vendors or customers as on a
pre-Covid day, but we were still pleased by the selection. And while the prices are shown by the kilo (2.2 pounds) most of the items are loose enabling you to purchase just the quantity you need.
Mas, Quanto Custou?
When I lived in St Davids, PA in the 80’s I loved to go to the Farmers’ Market in Wayne on Saturdays. As much as I loved this yuppie indulgence, each trip caused considerable bank account shrinkage. By comparison, during our visit, we purchased all the items artfully photographed above. We purchased: 3 seeded rolls, strawberries, 3 oranges, 2 clementines, 2 apples, a red pepper, 2 onions, broccoli, 5 tomatoes, escarole, turnip greens, cauliflower, 1 russet potato, 2 eggplants, 2 avocadoes, ginger root, and a bag of Brussel sprouts. We left having spent 23 Euros ($27.87). Had we not purchased the Brussel sprouts and strawberries (items I suspect are not locally grown) we would have spent only 16,30 Euros (less than $20).
New Questions
When you move to a new country you tend to ask yourself “new” questions. Questions like: Why is it that the life expectancy in the US is lower than other “rich” countries despite the amount spent on health care? There are clearly many factors. The US has a high homicide rate and increased stress levels. But perhaps it is as simple as diet.
After living in PT in 1990-91 ...being used to the feiras (markets) where everything was so much cheaper than at any store, I had sticker shock when I went to a farmers market in US. WTF? Why was it so freakin expensive? Growing up in Wisconsin....back then we didnt necessarily have farmer's markets...it was more like road side stands....where the farmers would put a selling station near the end of their driveway. Sometimes the payment was on the honor system....toss the listed prices in a coffee tin and if needed, make change for yourself if possible...and you take your item. It was only after I was in college that I discovered farmers markets. But I still say...why are they so much more expensive than the grocery store as well as in PT everything at the markets is so much more economical than other places?
Part of the problem in considering the overall health in America is that at least 20% of the population doesn't get adequate health care. Another significant percent can't afford it. There is no equality when it comes to health in America. Diet plays a role because obesity is a serious health risk and we are fatter than ever. I'm going on a diet today. Anyway, can't wait to have you guys cooking for me again.