Using a rusty, dirt-caked knife, she sliced a perfectly ripe pear and passed me a piece dripping with juice. In the space of a split-second, I was caught between craving the connection and fearing the lack of sanitation. My desire to experience, to interact, to connect grew greater than my doubt. As I reached for her offering, her suntanned, wrinkled face lit up. The pear was sweet, tender and delicious.
Earlier I’d awoken in Split, Croatia and realized blissfully that I was without plans. I had previously explored the beautiful, historic Diocletian’s Palace. I had already enjoyed a day swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic. I’d even seen an impromptu game of picigin, a local ball game, played on Bacvice the only sandy beach. So on this day, I had decided to simply walk without destination relished the warm October sun and the never ending photographic opportunities.
After several blocks, I turned a corner and found myself in one of my favourite places – a local market, or a tržnica in Croatian. Located just steps away from the harbour, the market offered views of bobbing sailboats and smelled of the sea breeze. Slowly, I began to wander around the packed stalls with their mountains of sweet, ripe, fly-covered fruits. I had no intentions. No thoughts of where to wander. No plans for what to buy. I just observed.
The tables were overflowing with local apples, oranges, lemons, grapefruits, pears and the seasonal star – pomegranates. The warm climate in Croatia creates ideal growing conditions for citrus fruit and nearly every backyard has at least one fruit tree. My AirBnB host said that in the height of the season they would have so many fruits that grapefruits and oranges simply rotted in the streets.
As I wandered a broad smile spread across my face. No matter where I am in the world, I always love to visit markets. They offer the smallest glimpse into the unfiltered lives of the local population. Seeing my grin, the elderly vendor had called me over using a mixture of Croatian and gestures. She had been giving her friend a sample of pear and wanted to offer me a slice.
The moment I took that slice of pear I said yes to the very essence of travel. Yes to being open to creating a connection with someone new. Yes to sharing simple acts of kindness. Yes to richness without a price and to understanding without language. Yes to celebrating the commonalities that unite us all.
[bctt tweet=”Today say yes to creating a connection through the simple act of sharing. ” username=”globallocavore”]
Taking my inspiration from the moment, I chose a bunch of pears to purchase from her stall. She was so busy serving locals as they bought peppers, lemons, pears, figs and tomatoes, I could barely find my place in line. I simply waited and watched. I was in no hurry. Standing in the bustling market surrounded by people it hit home, this is what I love about travel. I couldn’t speak a single word of Croatian and the vendor spoke no English but through handsigns, we eventually completed the transaction. Our shared appreciation for the tantalizing sweetness of fresh fruit required no translation. I may not have haggled or spoken a single word, but I left feeling richer and well understood.
Do you have a travel memory that had no words but left a lasting impression? Tell me all about it in the comments below!
Now It’s Your Turn! When you visit a city for the first time, make it your mission to visit a local market and buy one seasonal item. Even if you can’t speak the local language, you will learn a little bit about the culture and cuisine of the region simply by immersing yourself in this quotidian activity.
A special thank you goes out to Jennifer Durkin for several of the photos in this post.
Tamar says
What a beautiful memory! I had a similar time in Split, but my memory that left a lasting impression was in Dubrovnik, where I got to swim in the Adriatic just outside the walls of the Old Town, observing the cliff divers and patrons at Buža, the bar on the rocks outside the wall. Very special moment 🙂 and it sounds like this will stay with you forever!
globallocavore says
Your time in Dubrovnik sounds incredible! I loved Dubrovnik as well and had the most incredible time photographing every inch of the Old Town. Aren’t the waters of the Adriatic simply magnificent? #takemeback Thanks so much for sharing your experience Tamar.
Kelly @North Country Nest says
This is a great story to share! Traveling has the most wonderful ability to create connections with people bas teach you lessons in unexpected places.
Best,
Kelly
globallocavore says
Thanks so much Kelly! I agree one of the best parts of travelling is connecting with people all over the world. 🙂
Lori Hil says
Enjoyed the lovely photos! Looks like a great place to visit!
Wynne says
Oh, how I long to visit Croatia! It’s been on my list for a few years now. I love visiting the European markets – one of my favorite things to do (especially the Christmas markets!).
What a lovely article – I know exactly how you felt, truly blissful with no game plan in mind and just enjoying the location you happen to be in that day.
Magical.
globallocavore says
Hey Wynne. I absolutely love visiting market all over the world too! I really need to visit a Christmas market in Germany one day. There really is something magical about markets isn’t there?
Rebecca says
Your writing is so compelling and evocative! I like stopping at farmers’ stalls at the side of the road and for a brief moment being part of their day, and then off again…I always end up buying far too much fruit though!
globallocavore says
Thank you so much Rebecca for those kind words! I adore stopping at road side stalls as well. Especially when driving up to the cottage in the summer in Canada, pulling over for fresh peaches, strawberries or sweet corn…MMM….Summer!!
Jasmin Charlotte says
Sounds lovely! I really enjoyed visiting Croatia, it is such a beautiful country, the coast was amazing!
globallocavore says
I agree – the water of the Adriatic is so beautiful! I’d love to visit Montenegro for that same reason.
Van @ Snow in Tromso says
I’d love to visit Croatia one day! And you’re so right – visiting a local market really teaches you A LOT about the local culture and traditions!
globallocavore says
Croatia is a great country to add to your travel plans. The weather in the fall is fantastic, the seafood is delicious & the coast is too pretty for words! Do you ever visit markets in Norway? What are they like??
carrie says
Croatia looks absolutely stunning. Visiting local markets is one of my favorite things to do in a new country.
Marcella ~ WhatAWonderfulWorld says
Beautiful words, and photos to accompany them! There is something so personal and ‘local’ about visiting a market while travelling. I feel that it always tells you so much about a place, especially when you taste too, mmm! I travelled around Croatia for two weeks and adored it, it’s a lovely country!
Marcella ~ WhatAWonderfulWorld recently posted…A Snowy Sunday in the Mountains
Ashley @ The Wandering Weekenders says
All of your pictures in this post are so stunning! I’m with you that you really do get to experience a culture by visiting local markets and seeing all the food. Not to mention that I’m sure that it has great people watching too!
Ahila says
Enjoyed your beautiful narrative on making a connection at the local market.
Ahila recently posted…Special Six: London Surprises
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) says
lovely post! ps. it is actually tržnica not tržište for a food market:) #wanderful wednesday
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) recently posted…Wandering around London in 72 hours (part II)
globallocavore says
Oh gosh darn it! I knew I should have run that one by my Croatian friend. Thank you so much for letting me know the correct word. 🙂
Christy Swagerty (whatupswags) says
OH MY LORD, WHO ARE YOU, and WHY HAVEN’T I SEEN YOUR BLOG BEFORE!??!
Okay, done yelling. But still freaking out.
Beautiful writing, communication, and photos, of course. I love markets, too, and cannot wait to enjoy Croatia someday! Great to finally find your blog on #WanderfulWednesday and excited to follow you and keep reading more!
Christy Swagerty (whatupswags) recently posted…Pack & Plan: Florence
Lauren says
Hahah giggling a bit at Swags comment above .. She cracks me up. But I feel very similarly! I’m so happy that I found your blog through #wanderfulwednesday!! I’ve loved reading your stories and scrolling through your pictures. Reading this just put this biggest smile on my face and the part about traveling, sharing and understanding actually have me goosebumps! You captured the true essence of travel so beautifully here!! Thanks for sharing and reminding me what travel is all about 😀
Jessi (Two Feet, One World) says
Beautiful post. I love your gorgeous photographs, and what a lovely story.
Jessi (Two Feet, One World) recently posted…Two Amazing Weeks in Vietnam
globallocavore says
Split is a beautiful little town isn’t it? Thanks so much for stopping by Jessi!
Mandy says
I always eat local and seasonal food when I travel and always learn some of the language, even if it is just greetings, ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. I’ve been to the Balkans three times now, I find it funny that Serbians allow me to struggle on in broken Serbian, Bosnians reply to me in their language and love that I try, but Croatians correct me and switch to English.
Mandy recently posted…Photo Essay: A Saturday in Brixton
globallocavore says
HA! I love that breakdown of language exchanges in the Balkans. I tried to learn a few basic words in every country as well, mostly just to be polite, as my pronunciation is abysmal. Too funny that each country has its own way of communicating with travellers, I feel like that’s a tiny window into the local culture.
Isabel says
This sounds like the best experience ever. The locals sound very friendly too!
Isabel recently posted…Feeling Like Kings of the Hills w/ We Hate Tourism
globallocavore says
Thanks Isabel. It was a pretty wonderful day! Absolutely. She was lovely.
Our Seaside Baby says
What a beautiful story. It’s so true, we can make connections without language, without having any words over the smallest or biggest of things. I’ve had many myself without knowing the language but somehow you just understand each other don’t you. Gorgeous photos and I love your use of words. Thanks for joining in with #MyFavouriteTrip Polly
Gina says
I like your way of telling stories. I could see the picture you painted with your words very clearly and then I wondered what it would be like to be in your situation. Sharing is definitely caring.
Stephanie says
Visiting markets while traveling is such a special experience. It looks like you found some amazing fruits, My favorite finds are usually cheese. haha
Stephanie recently posted…Pools of the Crane Resort
jess says
I always LOVE your food photography. Beautiful lighting and colors. 🙂
jess recently posted…Photography Gear Travel Packing List, Machu Picchu, Peru
Nicole | Wee Gypsy Girl says
Aw I love the message at the end of your anecdote- we should always be open to new possibilities! All the fruit loks amazing too 🙂
Danni Lawson says
Love your idea of visiting markets to get involved in the local culture. For me, I always make a point to visit the local library- even in Peru where the books were chained down to prevent stealing- that’s one locale that helps you get to the heart of where you’re living.
Bianca says
I love your stories of connection through food 🙂 And now I feel like a pear….
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I also love markets and try to visit one in every destination. Croatia looks amazing!
Alexis Rae says
I love this! Markets are part of the soul of a city and there is no better place to get to know the locals. Communicatin is far more than just words. Beautiful post!
Simona says
I always love to visit the markets in the cities that I visit, is such a great way to have a feel of the real locals!
Btw, loved your photos!
Cathy (MummyTravels) says
I absolutely love this post – this really is the essence of travel, to connect and discover and try something new, to taste part of everyday life somewhere else and to just revel in the sights of the destination. I have wanted to visit Split for a while, and your photos are tempting me even further. But the markets will always be on my list, wherever we venture next. Thanks for linking up to #citytripping
Cathy (MummyTravels) recently posted…My top beach activities for kids
globallocavore says
Thank you so much Cathy! I truly appreciate the kind words and the affirmation that others experience these tender moments of connection when travelling as well. I’d definitely recommend visiting Split if you get the chance. It’s so beautiful & historic.
Elizabeth (Wander Mum) says
Lovely post. Moments like that are what makes travelling so special. I’m glad to hear you visited Croatia in October…I’m thinking about going then…how hot was it? #citytripping
globallocavore says
The weather in October was perfect! It was warm enough for shorts & t-shirts, for dining outside and for swimming in sea, but wasn’t so sweltering you couldn’t be outside midday. I would highly recommend visiting in early October as there were less crowds as well. 🙂
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) says
What a great story! Making that kind of connection and memory is exactly why we love to travel. And the yummy fresh fruit doesn’t hurt. 😉 Thanks for sharing this beautiful post!
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) recently posted…#Travel140: Use a Rental Car Pre-Flight Checklist
globallocavore says
Thank you for such a wonderful comment. I love that so many travellers have felt an affinity to this story as it speaks to the fact that we are all searching for real connections and that will ultimately lead to a better world.