Fruits, Veggies, and Flites. Oh My!

So my kitchen has been looking sad and empty for a while now, and I really would love to head over to La Vega and begin making some fresh food again. Therefore this shall be my little homage to La Vega, the Central market for fruits, veggies, nuts, meats, and whatever else you need for food... besides things that are easier to buy in a supermarket... :o) 

My fridge AFTER La Vega. Right now its basically all bones.

La Vega is just over the very dismally sad Rio Mapocho and near Mercado Centro, which happens to be another place to get seafood and a smaller marketplace for fruits and veggies. Things are pretty cheap here, but you need to make sure your change purse is full of monedas (coins), because you don't really use the bigger bills for each individual vendor. I have only been here twice, but really would like to go more often, but it is not the most convenient. It is kind of a trek and I still don't really feel comfortable going alone. Here is why I am not there EVERy week: 1) It is always kind of hard for me to find. 2) The area is somewhat shady (muy flite alli) and you need to be even more protective of your belongings... especially if you are fumbling around with money and vegetables and heavy bags. That is another reason I don't have any pictures of La Vega...I already stick out like a sore thumb and really do not want to attract more attention by waving around a camera. Also I am usually too busy checking out the prices and goods, that by the time I realize I want a picture, my arms are too full. 3) It is only open in the daytime, so therefore I can't go during the week thanks to school, and if I am busy on the weekend in the early morning, I can't go. However I really must try harder since you get so much for such affordable prices. In general it is not a pretty place, but when you look at the colorful glistening fruits and veggies, it is just mesmerizing.

A cute little kitten hanging out and taking a nap with the garlic in La Vega

La Vega is also very close to Barrio Patronado, which is like a little Korea and your go to place for Asian groceries. I still have not gone shopping there since my arms are always too full with produce, that it deters me from buying anything else to carry. However, I must go since I always have a hankering for Korean food. I made it once, and I was kinda proud that it was a success. Granted I made nothing that required skill, but still nonetheless, it was a delicious Korean dinner right in my own home. Really, must do that again! Mommy, send me recipes!!!