It's interesting to compare and contrast between the two markets. The old market is full of history, charm, and tourists strolling around buying souvenirs. The new market is full of action- horses and carts, kids on motorbikes zooming through, fried foods, fruit carts, men selling watches.
When you come to the new market, you lose the charm and you hit reality. It's the real life of these locals trying to make a living. They are selling whatever they can to feed their children, to take the bus, and to buy things that they need. You can see this desperation in their eyes when they are selling. It's not common for tourists to visit the new market because it's not a place for souvenirs and photographs-it's just the true life of people in Masaya.
The sales technique is different between the both where the old market is carefree with their selling. There are those vendors who are glued to your side and offering all sorts of discounts. But there are a majority that are just on their phones or sitting with their kids. They just give you a smile and let you know that they are there if you need them. You are able to have conversations with them and learn about their life. It's common to hear that it's a family business or many are just employees for owners. These employees do not have that urgency to sell because they get paid for their work. Those working in the new market are working for themselves and their well being is on the line.
Even though, each was composed of different dynamic qualities, both were fascinating for an outsider's eye. The amount of vendors and spaces was overwhelming and it demonstrated that Morocco market maze.
Where do they get all this stuff?
How much do they actually sell in a day?
Were they able to feed their families?
They are questions I did not get answered, but I always wonder about these people working in these markets. They work so hard getting everything there, setting it up, some not even having a car to transport it, working 12 to 15 hours a day-What is it all worth at the end of day? There needs are barely getting met and they are just surviving.
All the food and clothes could go on for a good mile. All the kids playing underneath tables and running around barefoot. The manicure/pedicure spa(nice, clean with new floor) in the middle of this unclean market? A good $4 pedicure. What? They were both full of pleasant surprises and it was beautiful to witness the authentic local culture.
Even though, each was composed of different dynamic qualities, both were fascinating for an outsider's eye. The amount of vendors and spaces was overwhelming and it demonstrated that Morocco market maze.
Where do they get all this stuff?
How much do they actually sell in a day?
Were they able to feed their families?
They are questions I did not get answered, but I always wonder about these people working in these markets. They work so hard getting everything there, setting it up, some not even having a car to transport it, working 12 to 15 hours a day-What is it all worth at the end of day? There needs are barely getting met and they are just surviving.
All the food and clothes could go on for a good mile. All the kids playing underneath tables and running around barefoot. The manicure/pedicure spa(nice, clean with new floor) in the middle of this unclean market? A good $4 pedicure. What? They were both full of pleasant surprises and it was beautiful to witness the authentic local culture.
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