From Boise to Benque- a Lesson in Cross-Cultural Learning

One of the pleasures of living in the Cayo district is visiting the Saturday market. This is a ritual for many people, to get up early and do shopping for the freshest fruits and vegetables available.

Often cut, pulled or picked the day before, the colorful produce comes from farms across the district. Families who live off the land and rely on the market day for their income will travel the day before to set up stalls before night-fall and arrange their produce to entice the early shoppers.

It is not only Moms and Dads who shop, there are hotel and restaurant owners who are looking to find the best quality fruits and vegetables to serve their customers.

5.00am as dawn approaches and the mist drifts along the river soon to be dissipated by the rising sun the market is already stirring. Smoke rises from the early firewood being prepared for the freshly cooked breakfast for those coming from far or near.

One of the wonderful things about the market is the variety through the year, each month will bring different fruits. The occasional visitor will encounter unusual specimens, you might ask two people what they are and get two different answers. The secret is to go to an older person, they will tell you what it is, how you prepare it and probably give you a little history of their farm at the same time. Early morning is good for this, before the market becomes crowded. Nobody is in a rush here, there is time to wander, look around, ask questions, you will see people stop to converse with their friends about the week gone by. If you come to the Cayo District make sure you get up early one Saturday to experience for yourself the San Ignacio Saturday Market.

The variety of textures and colors make an interesting visual feast for the photographer or artist.  All the fruits and vegetables photographed here are local produce. In addition there are some fruits like apples and grapes imported from the highlands of Mexico where cooler temperatures provide a more temperate climate.

Over the years the market has grown and now includes clothing, plants, used machines and a host of other items to satisfy the curious onlookers searching for a bargain. The day when these photos were taken also revealed local bakers, Mennonite and other cheese-makers. It is important to ask permission from people before taking photos, the Mennonites in particular often do not want photos taken.