Tuk Tuks and Markets

I know we have referenced taking a Tuk Tuk to the market and we have had some questions as to what exactly a Tuk Tuk is and what the markets are like. Let me describe them and give you some pics as well. First, a TukTuk is a moto (small motorized bike the size of a scotter but looks more like a motorcycle) pulling a trailer with seats in it. There are thousands of them around town and they are like taxi's. When you walk out of a market there are atleast 4 drivers that will ask if you need a ride, trying to get your business. We have one that was referred to us that we can call if we need one. It is a great way to see the city as you are basically outside right next to the traffic and the people.
The markets are basically like a mall in the states in that people sell stuff there. That is about where the similarities end. They are huge buildings that are surrounded by vendors selling anything from fruit to clothes to toys to meat (raw and hanging in dusty, hot, humid air) to cd's, plates, decorative items...etc. Then you can venture inside where the interior is packed (I can't stress that enough) with as many vendors as they can fit in, selling all the same stuff you saw outside. Bartering is expected as two adjacent booths may be selling the same things. Typically the very interior has the bulk of the food and a "food court". It is usually dimly lit, dirty and kinda smelly as people are preparing fresh fish and chickens to sell. They are lopping off the heads and gutting them right there, not refrigerated or anything. You can only imagine the aromas. Despite all of this, the markets are charming. There aren't a lot of fair skinned people there so we all get looked and smiled at often. Cameron is especially a hit as many people will let their fingers run through his hair as he walks by. He has gotten used to it as part of the experience and so have we. So with the attached pictures I hope this has given you a little glimpse into this aspect of our lives here.