Mercado de Abastos

Ever since I arrived in Santiago de Compostela, I have heard about the great market in the zona vieja that I needed to go to. I have been wanting to go to this market ever since I arrived. However, school morning and sleeping in on weekends have kept me from it until last weekend. I finally got to experience the Santiago mercado and I'm so glad I did! It reminded me so much of the days of flea market selling poinsettias and hanging baskets with my Dad when he owned his greenhouse.

There were all types of people and characters at the market, unfortunately none were selling poinsettias! Many of the vendors were farm women, who come into the city to sell their products. I got to see the vendors descaling fish and cutting up octopus, and watch the older women using their persuasive magic on the people.

From all the types of fish you could imagine, to pig heads and cow's feet, to spices and cupcakes, the mercado had a lot to offer. Now I just need to learn how to prepare and cook a fresh fish with the scales still on! The most surprising thing I noticed was that the crabs and shrimp were still alive and hopping around in their baskets. We bought some chestnuts to roast them, because there is a festival here dedicated just to that.

The market has its own outside restaurant and bar area, and we were rewarded with some of Galicia's traditional wine, Albarino, and a Galician delicacy, muscles. 

I still have a lot more to explore in Santiago so I am glad I still have 6 more months to do so! The city keeps surprising me and I am so glad I was placed in such a historic and beautiful place! I miss you all at home very much. Thank you for all the love and messages you send!