Esperance - Episode 10
It was on a Saturday noon, mum had asked me to get some vegetables from the local market before going to work. Walking to the bus stop, I boarded a public transit. The sweats from occupants of the bus made me wonder if it was already past noon and people were returning home from their day's hustle... I glanced at my wrist watch and it was barely 2pm.. . The bus was rickety on the inside though it was good looking on the outside. I was very unfortunate to sit beside a woman large enough to occupy three seats. We sat on the seat after the driver's. if I had one wish at that moment it would be to go over to the other seats which unfortunately were all occupied and none of them getting down at any bus stop. The bus pulled up in front of the market's entrance. I paid my fare and got down...
Thankful enough I got out alive . The market was lively as usual. I've always asked why there are more women than men in the market... Both buyers and sellers. Does it mean men do not appreciate the idea of foodstuff trading or that of buying them for family use... Or could it be the women didn't often give them the chance? The market women wore a lot of colourful dresses.. Their head ties beckoning on passersby .. While their mouths did the talking..
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. . they lined up on either sides of the road.. Some in shops, with tables where their goods were attractively arranged.. Some with bowels and mats on the ground.. And others with their goods and items in trays well balanced on their heads. The teenage majority also had their items well arrayed in wheelbarrows.. Some had clothes.. Some food seasonings and spices.. Some had other edibles and non edibles too. . The African market's atmosphere is always hazy... Lots of dusts from the walking or running feets of people... Chattering and noises of laughter... Most of which were in high pitched voices..they must have developed them from too much sing-talking of customers to patronize them.
I didn't need to venture into the inner parts of the market because I had need just for vegetables... I looked around; women and children hawked one vegetable or the other... But those weren't appealing... I searched more... Beckoning on a youngling who had pumpkin leaves. I took one of them. Paid ... And left.. A few meters from there, I heard some voices " pay your tax .. You've sold something right now" a croaky one said harshly " its just my first sale, how can I give you that?" a smaller one questioned softly ... I heard the crash of a stainless steel on the ground... I turned and saw the little girl I bought from squatting to pick up her vegetables which a market tax tout had pushed down.. I ran closer , bent to ask the girl the matter.. " he wants his tax money, I said I'll pay later.. He flung my tray of veggies off my head and threatened to penalize me" she said..wiping her eyes. "How much is it?" I asked "its one hundred naira" she replied, lifting her tray onto her head. Turning to the weird looking man I handed him a hundred naira note..
The young girl smiled , thanking me and saying "God bless you for me" I wished there were no crowds but there's never a scene in the market without onlookers... I knew I had just sacrificed my transport fare.. I was nonetheless happy... At least I put a smile on someone's face.. And I hope I always get to do that....
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A work of art indeed amazing
thanks sweet
Spectacular.... That's all I have to say Keep it up
Spectacular.... That's all I have to say Keep it up
First, the plenty women few men puzzle provides fresh debate topics. Great observation. Then, this is one of the realest description of an African market I've come across. You win here
hehehe... Gloria thanks dear
yaay!! Miracle... lol... thanks
Can't wait for the next ooo
I concur to what Iroka Miracle said
A real eastern Nigerian market with their task masters, good environmental descriptions as usual
thank you
Neil O Neil, I feel your pain of having to seat beside the woman... Lol