The Wet Market

A couple of days ago a new missionary sister asked me why I thought the open market was called "wet"--and I replied that I thought it was because they hose the sidewalks down to wash the meat stand "drippings" into the drains. . . . Fortunately, in addition to the less-attractive meat and fish stalls (with fish still flopping and gasping, guaranteeing the freshness) there are inviting open-air shops with bounteous piles of every sort of fruit and vegetable, as well as flowers and houseplants. This market is a one-minute walk from our flat, making it convenient (I still prefer buying meat in styrofoam containers with plastic wrap at the grocery store, however). There are numerous street markets in Hong Kong, some of which have grown to sizable shopping destinations which offer clothing, jewelry, you-name-it; I like the one close to us for its earthy, down-home, local feel.