There are markets, and there are markets....

Buying and selling pandanus at Talamahu Market.

Back in March I wrote about Talamahu Market, located in the heart of Nuku'alofa, and full of fruits, vegetables, handicrafts, and a flea market and clothing, too. Open Monday through Saturday, the main days for selling are Friday and Saturday.

Ocean bounty.

Octopus and eel.

Clam

There are other markets, though. The fish market and the flea market down by the waterfront are a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning. At the fish market you see all the gifts of the sea. The astounding shapes, sizes and colors never fail to amaze this mid-western woman. 

 If you keep walking (after coffee at Cafe Fresh, which my feet just can't get past without stopping) you will come to the Flea Market. Here is a garage sale lover's dream. All the world for sale in booth after booth--clothing, toothpaste (if you want Crest or looking for Jif, this is the place to buy it!), shoes, tools, jewelry, housewares, cake mixes--well, you get the picture. There is chicken grilling and other ready-to-eat goodies, and bakery, too.  It has a festival/fair air about it. People watching here is great.

Flea Market booths

People out enjoying the day at the Flea Market.

Can you smell it?

Some markets, are yearly events, like the Wesleyan Bazaar, which is held at the end of September.  It's women's month in their church calendar, a time for rededication and an acknowledgment of God's work in their lives. The bazaar has foods to buy, handicrafts, kava circles, and vegetables. Different Wesleyan schools have booths and sell goods as a fundraiser. As I was leaving the bands were getting warmed up to play.

Baskets of vegetables for sale at the Wesleyan Bazaar.

Root crops. The long root is 'ufi (yams).

Baked goods. Kiekie hanging in the back.

Kava Circle.

There are always roadside stands that someone has set up to sell fruits and vegetables. 

Yes, there are markets, and there are markets!