Davoll Family to Ecuador

Market Day



Every Saturday is Market day-- which is a highlight of the week for Deanne and Lukas. We wake up knowing it is time to go and "fill our cart". We purchased our shopping cart from another student who had completed the language program. (it reminds Jeff of an "old lady" shopping cart.) We make sure we eat a hearty breakfast on market day because we walk to the ferria which is 3/4 mile from our home. We carefully select our fruits and vegetable for the week. We have our normal list of string beans, cucumbers, lettuce, red and green peppers, garlic, bananas, pineapple, apples. Every other week we buy potatoes, onions, carrots and celery. We have enjoyed the abundance of fresh cilantro-- although Deanne was accussed of putting it in everything including cereal. We are anxiously awaiting mangoes to come into season. We occassionally enjoy watermelon and a bright red spikey fruit that you peel open and eat a small melon ball type fruit out of the center.

On the way home from the ferria, we have been known to stop for a postre (Pastry) at the bakery. All that shopping works up an appetite! We are trying to make sure we get the full cultural experience and not miss any of their culinary offerings in the postre department.


When we get home, the real work begins. We must wash the farm dirt off the veggies and fruits. For example, the cilantro will be packages with the roots and dirt included at no extra charge. After the soil has been removed, then the disinfecting can begin. All of the items that are not to be peeled must be soaked in a disinfectant solution for twenty minutes for our safety. Then they must be dried and properly stored for the week. We have found that this process does speed their deterioration; so we are still learning about the proper storing techniques. So, this is a true "taste" of life in Latin America. We are so pleased that the Lord is allowing us to learn this whole process now, as we will need all of this practical living information in Ecuador. (Now-- put down that yummy New York apple, did you soak it first? )