Last Updated on June 24, 2019 by PowersToTravel
On the way from Lampang to Lamphun on Rt 11, Lucky stopped the vehicle at the Kad Tung Kwian Market, also known as the “Jungle Market.” At first it seemed like any other covered farmer’s market. But, where is the fresh corn? Where are the zucchini? Where are the pumpkins? Bom slowly led us from stall to stall. At first we saw unusual Thai fruits and vegetables,
and we even stopped for a look at, not taste of, the char-broiled fish.
But then Bom stopped and pointed down, and we saw brown crusty frogs wiggling to be free from a plastic bag! I froze there, grossed out.
But then one looked me in the eye, and I thought, “Well, it’s kind of like going to the lobster pound and picking out your lobster for dinner.” I don’t like lobster, but a lot of people do. I do enjoy watching the lobsters in the tank at the pound, when I’m not thinking of their futures.
Then Bom showed us the fileted rats, the piles of crickets, ready to be purchased by the pound, or was it the kilo?
I didn’t take many pictures, I was so overwhelmed, but as ever, Greg stepped in. Insects, worms, beetles…
The insects were presented on huge platters, in a way similar to the spices in the market near Sala Rattanakosin in Bangkok. In Bangkok I felt warm and enveloped by the scent of the spices and the wonder of the market. In the jungle I shuddered at the wildlife eaten by the locals.
It’s all in what you are accustomed to, and all in what you can afford, I guess. After all, in New England people sit in the little seafood shacks eating fresh clams, oysters, scallops, shrimp and lobsters, the insects of the sea. Many people do, but I don’t, except for shrimp. There are times when I am happy with shrimp, and other times when I just can’t deal with them. Following this Asia experience it was quite a while before I became happy with shrimp again!
Bom offered to purchase something for us, and thankfully, so thankfully, Greg declined for both of us.
Near the entrance to the market I caught my breath and looked down, and saw…
sticky rice in bamboo! Now that’s my cup of tea!
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