fish market – Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

Lens-Artists Challenge #360 – Found at the Fair/ Market

This week is Ann-Christine‘s turn to host, and when I saw the topic, I thought, wow, do I have anything for this one? I was pretty sure I didn’t, but as I reflected more, I realized my memory did not serve me well. As I started to look for images, I revisited these places again, and they brought back lots of nice memories, each one a little treasure from the past. I remembered the conversations, and the warmth of those special moments. The sights and sounds all came rushing back, making me appreciate the experiences I had taken for granted. It’s funny how a simple image can trigger such a flood of emotions and nostalgia, reminding me of the connections I’ve made and the joy that comes with them.

Marketplaces nor fairs are not something I frequently go to. Many of the marketplaces are often tourist traps, and I am not into those places; I find them to be overwhelming and overpriced, and they lack the charm I seek in my outings. Instead, I usually visit stores that have vintage furniture and quirky home decor items, or we have great recycling stores that we might have a quick peek at, offering unique finds and sustainable options. There’s something special about hunting for treasures in these hidden gems rather than being surrounded by the hustle and bustle of a crowded market.

A bustling marketplace in Nice, France, showcasing vibrant market stalls and charming architecture.

It makes me reminisce about a particular trip to a marketplace we came across in Nice, France, years back; the vibrant colors, the sounds of local vendors engaging with customers, and the tantalizing aromas of fresh produce and local delicacies filled the air, making it an unforgettable experience. It was a delightful fusion of culture and community, highlighting the essence of the region. This memory urges me to reconsider my stance on marketplaces and perhaps explore them with a more open mind in the future.

Now that I’ve embraced the spirit of exploration, I’m reminded of a few unforgettable visits to the markets that I’d like to share. Stepping into a Thai floating market feels like entering an entirely different realm. Narrow canals overflow with boats offering a wealth of food and merchandise, while the amiable vendors engage in lively conversations in Thai. This surreal experience is one you shouldn’t miss during your time in the country. One of my most enchanting experiences occurred at a floating market in Thailand, where the air was filled with vibrant colors and enticing aromas. Vendors deftly navigated their boats, overflowing with fresh fruits, fragrant spices, and artisanal crafts, establishing a vibrant atmosphere that embodied the local culture. It was clear that this spot was a must-see attraction for tourists.

This was a totally different experience regarding scents – a fish market in Negombo, Sri Lanka, where the air was thick with the briny aroma of freshly caught fish, mingled with the subtle sweetness of tropical spices. The hustle and bustle of vendors shouting their catch of the day created a vibrant atmosphere, drawing both locals and tourists alike. Memorable for me, this sensory overload offered a glimpse into the daily lives of the fishermen and the rich culinary traditions that define this coastal city. The colors of the fish, the energy of the crowd, and the unique scents combined to create an unforgettable tapestry of sights and sounds. Popular items are generally sharks, prawns, crabs, yellowfin tuna, sardines and Spanish mackerel. You can even find varieties like sea chicken, barracuda, and other “exotic “varieties here. The Dry Fish market usually has endless rows of fish on Hessian rugs to dry.

A bustling fish market in Negombo, Sri Lanka, showcasing freshly caught seafood and local vendors in action.

I apologize for the overload of photos, but the amount of them also kind of creates the same overwhelming feel these two last places had. Each image captures a myriad of memories and moments that can easily saturate the senses, reflecting the vibrant chaos that characterized those locations. That does not include Nice, though; that was calm and had a totally different vibe to it.

A huge thank you to John for another enlightening challenge last week! I really appreciated the examples and tips shared. I’m eager to see what you create this week! Next week, we’ll have another opportunity for “Looking Back,” with Sofia leading the way. Don’t forget to check out her lovely site for more!

If you’re interested in sharing your own responses to the Lens-Artists Challenge each week but need guidance on how to begin, you can find more information here.

Throwback Thursday

Cities, Photography, Travel, Traveling Sri Lanka

We all have these photos … throwback photos! Don’t we just… so many. It’s described as ‘nostalgia-inducing pictures … from a different era of your life”. This week (#TB Thursday).Thursday is filled with memories from the Thriving Fishing Culture from Negombo, Sri Lanka.

Negombo made its start as a fishing community, and fishermen today continue to hawk their wares on the city’s sandy shores. Starting from as early as 4AM, fishing boats begin to make their way to the beach laden with that morning’s catch. Shrimps, crabs and lobsters are hunted at the famous Negombo Lagoon, while fresh fish is hauled in from the waves of the Indian Ocean.

A Unique Concept

Visitors that walk the shores of Negombo beach can witness the day’s catch being laid out on enormous mats made of coconut fibre. Using an age-old method of open-air drying, the fishermen use the heat of the sun to remove all moisture from the fish and extend their shelf life. It will then get salted before being shipped to all over the island and sold in stores; dried fish is a very common inclusion of Sri Lankan cuisine.

Adjacent to the shores of drying fish, the wet market is where fresh seafood can be bought. Ranging from of offers of tuna, mackerel, squid, sardines and shark, the market is said to be closed on Sundays when the city’s predominantly Catholic population heads to church. However, some Muslim fishermen still operate on Sunday (their religious day of the week being Friday), so it is still possible to witness the fishing community in action.

While some of the fish for sale at the market are brought in fresh, others have been brought in from larger wholesalers in the morning to be sold here. The best fish are sold to local hotels and restaurants before being relegated to either the marketplace or to being dried under the sun on the beach.