SLC33-W2 | The Real Video Vlogging Adventure Challenge, E2 | Buying Food Ingredients from the Local Market

Hello Everyone,

It's a pleasure to be part of this week's challenge. For this week's video vlog, I chose "Buying Food Ingredients from the Local Market." I visited one of the busiest local markets in my area - Anua market where people gather daily to buy fresh vegetables, fish, meat, spices, palm oil, and many other ingredients used in preparing our traditional meals.

I believe that local markets are more than just a place to buy and sell things. It normally reflects our daily lifestyle, culture, and tradition. I was welcomed by the lively sounds of traders as I walked through the market, they were calling customers, also the colorful display of fresh vegetables, delicious aroma of smoked fish and local spices. The market was full of energy, buyers were negotiating prices, while vendors were displaying their goods happily.

One of the highlights of my visit was watching a young man grinding my fresh Afang leaves using a traditional grinding machine. I also visited the smoked fish section, where stock fish and different varieties of fish were neatly arranged for sale, pricing between ₦1500 - 8000 only and this is approximately 38 - 153 Steem. I bought the stock fish with the vendor and then took permission from her to take a picture. Another interesting stop was the meat section, where fresh meat was carefully prepared according to customers' requests (price ranging from ₦2000 - 20,000 which is approximately 38-384 Steem. I also saw stalls selling palm oil, peppers, okra, pumpkin seeds, yams, and many leafy vegetables that are commonly used in our local dishes.

Shopping in the market gave me the opportunity to interact with several friendly traders. They explained the differences between fresh and dried ingredients and even shared useful tips on selecting quality products. They also explained why prices of good are rising daily. Sre, the market was crowded and noisy, but the atmosphere was vibrant and that truly represents everyday life in my community.

Creating this vlog help me to appreciate the hard work of local farmers, fishermen, and market women who ensure fresh food reaches our homes every day. They are dedicated, It also reminded me that buying from local markets will help in supporting small businesses and preserves our traditional food culture. Which are fresh and directly from the source instead of can and preservatives.

I would highly recommend everyone to explore their local markets whenever possible. Apart from getting fresh ingredients at affordable prices, it will give you an opportunity to learn about local foods, interact with friendly people, and experience the rich cultural heritage of the community. Be it you're preparing a traditional meal or simply looking for fresh produce, the local market remains one of the best places to shop!

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Why did you choose this topic for your video vlog, and what makes it special to your local culture or personal experience?

a selfie at the market

I chose this topic because visiting the local market is what I do almost every day. It is where most families buy fresh ingredients for traditional meals. The market represents our culture, hospitality, and it foster strong relationship between local farmers, traders, and consumers.

What were the most interesting moments or challenges you experienced while recording this vlog?

The most interesting moments were recording the different sections of the market, especially the smoked fish vendors, edibles sellers, vegetable sellers, and the traditional vegetable grinding process. The biggest challenge was filming in a crowded environment while avoiding interruptions from people passing by, and some were telling me I'll soon see myself in Canada, hahaha😂🤣 thinking that I want to post them on one of the popular social media.

What new knowledge or experience did you gain while creating this video, and what would you like viewers to learn from it?

If not for anything I've gained a deeper appreciation for the effort local traders put into providing fresh food every day. I hope viewers learn the importance of supporting local markets, buying fresh ingredients, and preserving our traditional food culture.

Based on your experience, would you recommend others to explore this food, market, or cooking style? Explain the reason for your recommendation.

Yes, I highly recommend visiting local markets and this is because they offer fresh, affordable, and high-quality food ingredients and it gives visitors the opportunity to experience local culture, interact with friendly traders, and discover many traditional foods that may not be available in supermarkets.

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