How we shop: Bazaars, supermarkets, everything stores

First off, you are probably asking why no political talk.

Simply put, as much as the governments of Central Asia wish to say that their press is free and freedom of speech exists, it doesn't really. At least recent protests have only resulted in injuries, road closures, and economic losses with no arrests of reporters and only few of protestors. But real opposition exists to some political commentary, discussion of government opposition, and especially the formal publication of satire and commentary. So feel free to talk to me in person or via email and I will gladly share my thoughts when back in the states. 

But on to shopping. In the states, we have Walmarts, Safeways, Hardwear stores, and convenience stores. All prices are fixed, everything or almost everything is prepackaged, and nothing is truly fresh. The shopping habits we have generate plenty of waste, and the waste is picked up and whisked away.

Central Asia, and the rest of the developing world, is totally different. Supermarkets are rare and much more expensive than the markets, farm stands, and one room shops that exist as the commercial hubs of small towns. 

Though shopping can feel like work, stresses the vocal words, and tires the feet, the feeling of getting the best price, buying only what you need, and fitting everything into one plastic bag is unrivaled. Even the fashion fanatics who gain pleasure from buying a thousand dollar outfit can feel accomplished when buying a hand dyed, hand stitched wool dress made with a hand crank sewing machine right in the market. And such a fanatic could still afford a horse to ride away on.

I've seen plenty of trash along the roads of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, but it isn't even bad compared to Americas larger cities. But to imagine that most of the cities in Central Asia have no trash pickup and what is seen on the streets or slowly burning is hard. But true. Just think for a day about what you could do without, how much you paid extra for packaging, and then go to your local co op with bulk bins.

PS I admit I have been buying .5 kilo of desert per day which comes in a plastic baggie.

And here are some pics of markets and stores in Central Asia. From Almaty a bike shop, from Bishkek a phone store and from Osh and Sary Tash the Jayma baZaar and a fruit vendor (me. for real. new biz scheme) The phones generally don't come with the 2 pounds of packaging you get in the states.