Bali’s Markets
Can the Traditional Be Super Too?
Well
before the crack of dawn, the first pick-up truck stocked with fresh fruits and
vegetables softly enters the parking lot of Ubud’s once traditional market. It’s cool and
tranquil, and Ketut waves inaudibly to a street sweeper down the lane. Barely emerging
from his truck, he asks me what I want. He’s got fresh turmeric, ginger, shallots, garlic,
and onions. Time is short here in Ubud’s market lot; by 8am the trucks must give way to
the souvenir sellers and restaurants. And the massive new shopping project adjacent to
the fading traditional market will radically change the spirit of Ubud, once again.
Looking down on your plate and over your body: do you know where you goods come
from? Depending on your lifestyle, you may shop for your food and threads at the
traditional market, super and hypermarkets, or at both types. Shopping at these venues