Shopping @ the Feria

Shopping in Chile is...well...different.

Next series of posts entitled "Shopping @______", I want to explain why. Back in the States, one can get everything at a Super Wal-Mart or Costco, but here in Chile, one needs to drastically change HOW you buy food.

One of the first things to understand about the average Chilean home is that their refrigerators and kitchens are typically half the size of those in the US. When buying food, Chileans cannot store a large amount of food. They buy food more often and in less amounts. There are no runs to Costco, no extra fridge in the garage, and no large stash of frozen meat in the freezer.

Every Tuesday and Friday mornings there is a local neighborhood outdoor market (called a feria). The feria is around 4 blocks away. Fruits, veggies, spices, and other stuff can be bought there. All these things CAN be bought at a large modern grocery store, but you typically pay more money.

The fruit is very fresh and extremely good due to the summer growing season being in full swing. Can you see all of the green plastic bags at each stand? You grab a bag and tell the stand owner what fruit or veggie you want and how many kilos.

Above: The guy is weighing the carrots that Kristi picked out. Cost: 1 Kilo = 300 pesos (or 2.2 pounds of carrots = $0.50) By the way, carrots taste WAY better here than in the States for some reason.

Cucumbers cost 100 pesos each (or $0.16 each)

Plums cost 200 pesos per kilo (or 2.2 pounds of plums = $0.33). Compare these prices to your local grocery store the next time you walk through the produce section.

Besides fruits and veggies, you can buy cleaning products, clothing, and used items. As a rule, we only buy fruit and veggies at the feria. This is where you should start to understand why shopping is different here in Chile. It takes more time to shop...it takes more effort to save money. We desire to be wise stewards of our money, so we have attempted to shop like the Chileans.

The stand above sells peppers, flour, garlic, and other spices.

Then there is this guy who sells powdered spices in small plastic bags. Also in the background, you can see someone selling used and new clothing.

Shopping at the market is good for the ministry. You get to know the same vendors and develop relationships. It tells the people in your villa that you want to be like them...that you like the Chilean way of life...that you want to be a part of this community. I will gladly walk five blocks weekly to interact with the same people. While shopping is different here in Chile, there is a beauty to it that lends itself to more personal contact with the same people. As I (David) develop in language skills, daily shopping will be intentional and have duel purpose (buying the fruit and talking about my Savior).

In the next "Shopping @" post we will expose you to the wonders of the Chilean bread store!