Hi, Hivers in Market Friday. Hope you're well:) It's been a while since I posted here and today I will share with you another interesting local market in Valencia Dumaguete city. It has a huge plaza with ancient acacia trees lining up the perimeters of the area, it has a children's playground that makes it ideal for family outings, and many benches scattered across the plaza amidst the blooming flowers and beautiful landscapes so inviting for anyone to sit down to while away the time.Variety of stalls sells fresh produce, various dishes, beverages and delicacies.
" Chada" means nice, good, and beautiful in the local dialect.
Geographically, Valencia is located in a mountainous area of Negros Oriental, home to the famous Pulangbato and Casaroro falls.Oh, I just realized that I haven't posted Casaroro falls yet. I will definitely post it here one day. Basically, Valencia has many places to explore and adventure. Above all, the abundant greenery. In fact, this place is voted as the cleanest and greenest town in the whole province.
My! Look at that crowd! People are strolling around, foreigners and locals alike, flock to this market. What a lively atmosphere. I don't usually like being in the crowd but this place and time are an exemption. Everywhere I look I see families and peers, all with happy faces.
This Sunday food and agri-fair are attracting more visitors for usual reasons like getting fresh farm produce to enjoy local and international cuisines. Both local and foreign delicacies are available here. It wasn't crowded like this before. I could only see local farmers selling their products but recently, the Valencia association allowed food sellers outside Valencia and started to penetrate hence, many famous restaurants and even foreigners join the Sunday fair that operates from 5 am until the afternoon.
One of the things that excite me every Sunday is cycling in the early dawn all the way here, finding myself in a higher elevated spot and enjoying coconut water while watching so many things happening around. I'm not the only on-looker just so you know. But it is just so good to see happy people. Though I did not come here on a bicycle because my sister wanted to witness it too so we were on a motorbike and had a great time. So I was a bit envious upon seeing those cyclists' team :) By the way, I caught them sharing food, that is just so sweet, isn't it?
My sister and I are both coffee lovers and love tasting coffee. Coffee lovers know that coffee has many varieties. Taste and smell vary as well and glad this Vietnamese coffee did not fail us. I always prefer black coffee also with no sugar and creamer, these two add up can cause the stomach acidic.
One of the hit snacks. Of course, I took this stall photo fast when there was no one in a split second. They serve salads and other none junkies.
To the plant section, we go! My weakness is I always have money and room for herbs. I bought 3 kinds of herbs, only 3 because my sister was complaining behind me :D I hope she won't read this part of the post :)
Finally, so glad we found real honey. Green is expensive because of its known food grade, and healing properties and it's rare to find.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are available at lower prices, much cheaper than in supermalls. I hope we as locals support our local farmers for they only depend on their little income to survive.
This place also is a known supplier of indoor and outdoor plants. Many plant vendors come here and load their trucks. The prices vary for the type and size of the plants. Local vendors are friendly and kind that their customers get a negotiable price especially if they buy in bulk. I don't even need to bargain when I buy herbs because the person in charge knows me already that I'm their regular customer:) Of course, you may give tips if you want.
It was a sunny Sunday and Valencia is cooler so that didn't stop us from having an enjoyable outing day. We bought wine, honey, herbs and a couple of different fresh fruits and veggies. I hope you enjoy my post; the place and the photos. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog #MarketFriday by 