So, imagine this Lada (or probably an older, more beat up one) with its trunk open. As I walked by, I noticed that the entire trunk was filled to the brim with Matnakash http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matnakash
I stopped and realized that this sight was not "normal". Back where I come from, each loaf would have to be sealed in plastic by someone wearing rubber gloves. (Who knows what kind of germs are in that trunk!)
And then I realized how "normal" the "un-normal" things have become for me. The sights, smells, sounds that were once shocking are now "sovorakan" (usual, ordinary). In fact, I got a real kick out of showing Berrik the market when he was here.
It's been a little more than 10 months now, and I've grown accustomed to the live crawfish in the market, the greens that I often can't identify, the smell of coffee beans, the fresh bread, the blaring Armenian pop music, flower venders on the street, and the taxis that almost run me over. My world is vastly different here, and I'm glad I've learned to embrace the unique beauty of it.....at least most of the time!
4 comments:
Mmm,you need to come see the markets over here!
It's so interesting to be a part of a formerly unknown culture. So glad you are enjoying it. There's nothing quite like that experience. Aren't you smart? ... using those Armenian words!
Oh yeah, after having actually seen some of these places first hand, stories like this one are so much more fun. I got such a kick out of the markets.
I wasn't too sure what was in that trunk! Unwrapped bread ... my, oh, my. The un-normal things you are experiencing sound wonderful. We realize everyone eats bread, but "it's just a little bit different" than what Americans think it should be.
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