Friday, April 25, 2008

The Other Side of Town

Going around our town you can often feeling like you are traversing between several worlds. This is one of them! This is a local butcher where you can purchase lamb for dinner.


The streets are usually quite packed with people.


The fabric market is always a happening place.


There are all kinds of street vendors hawking their wares.


Most of the minority women on this side of town will have their heads covered.


A street seller wrapped up in his wares.


It is just booth after booth of all kinds of silks and lace.


The people start to blend in as they rummage through bags, bins, and piles of fabric.


Most of it sort gushes out on to the street.

This younger guy is hawking shirts and you can see the little girl behind him already is in the practice of covering her head even at such a young age.


Along the street there are even more alley ways you can go down.


The silks are so shiny and beautiful in all different colors.


They have a little bit of everything to choose from.



This fabric is a famous minority traditional pattern of silk.

You can't forget all the ribbons and trimming!


Perhaps this woman is looking for something more daring, in a bold sparkle!


Young and old alike are found feeling the fabrics.


Buy some of this stuff and all you have to do is wrap is around you and you have a dress.


Sort of like Walmart's bargain bins?


In case you buy to much to carry there are always kids on the street selling big rice bags. The like to spot out the tourists and follow them around for a sale.


Scarves are a dime a dozen here. I hear it is a good gift for a Muslim!


Women love to shop regardless of the culture!


The streets are littered with people of all walks. Including some hard core Muslims with slits for their eyes, children not in school, beggars... it can be a very sad place.


These women are hanging out around the Mosque.


Mosques dot the skyline.


You can buy pants out of a stairwell! You really never know what you will find where here.


Prayer rugs can always be found for sell around the Mosques.


Little nose pick over moms shoulder!


More alleyways of wares.


Have tarp will sell! Rain or shine probably.


One thing is for sure... you are never alone here.


There are always snacks available when you are out.

These guys are eating some crispy watermelon!


Out with mom for the day.


This guy is selling doughnut like pastries.


Melon anyone?


There is usually always one or two camels around but this was the first time there was a baby one!


A famous landmark.


More buildings full of cultural wares to buy.


This is a classic minority look for the men of the city.


Raisins, raisins and more raisins!


I have no idea what these little green things are.


Ummmm, fresh pomegranate juice! Watch out it is really tart.


Lastly, some homemade ice cream. Unfortunately, we don't eat the street ice cream for fear of illness.