It was nine o'clock when I arrived at the market in Renon Square. I was a bit busy with my morning errands, so I only managed to go to the market at that time.
I had only one hour to explore the market because it would close at 10. This market opens every Sunday and operates for three hours, starting from seven in the morning until ten o'clock.
At ten o'clock, the place transforms into a parking area, with cars and motorcycles being parked here. All the vendors have to move around ten o'clock.
This was my second visit to the market, and I was delighted to be there again. I enjoy witnessing the hustle and bustle in the market and that especially as I look for cheap items, particularly ceramic items.
I was with a friend whose sole reason for going to the market was to find a special ceramic item to decorate his flower shop. As for me, I didn't have a specific plan; I was just going to explore. Maybe I would buy more bowls or mugs because they were very affordable, and who knows what else I might find.
Upon arriving, I admired the colorful ceramics displayed on the floor. People were gathering, asking for prices, and despite realizing that these were rejected items, they decided to buy them. Some bought three, four, or even five pieces.
I focused on the bowls, thinking of purchasing some for home use. Even though they were cheap, they looked expensive and elegant.
As I looked at the colorful bowls, I finally chose three bowls of the same color—white and light green. I liked this color as it gave me a natural feel of green leaves. I also considered some mugs—black and white. The black mug was twice the cost of the white one. I had already purchased a white mug on my previous visit, and now I wanted to buy the black one. I imagined having a drink with my wife, each of us using a black and white mug—a symbol of balance, which is what we always seek in Bali: balance and harmony between God and human, human and human, and human and nature.
I was very pleased with my purchase. It was then wrapped in double plastic bags to ensure it wouldn't break or get damaged. With some time left, I decided to explore more of the market.
Like I said before, I enjoyed witnessing the hustle and bustle of people walking along the market. Vendors seemed happy, even though they had limited time to sell their products. Some appeared to be young individuals doing it for fun, while others were serious sellers taking advantage of the busy Sunday of Renon Square (a field located close to the market)
This field was popular for exercise activities like jogging or walking, as many working people had Sundays off. Families also took the opportunity to spend time together after their exercise routine, contributing to the market's vibrant atmosphere.
The food sections were particularly crowded, with vendors selling snacks and drinks. Although I didn't buy anything, I took a look and chatted with some sellers who were friendly and smiling. The overall vibe in these areas was quite joyful, with kids shouting and enjoying their time with friends.
Continuing my walk, I noticed less activity in the clothing sections, despite discounted prices. Perhaps the lack of shade in these areas contributed to lower foot traffic compared to the food sections.
Observing people happily spending time with their families, I realized the time was up. Security personnel began announcing the market's closure, instructing vendors to pack up their merchandise. Some people were still eating or making purchases.
The announcements continued as the market closed, and I started walking back home. Despite having been to the market before, I hadn't fully grasped the limited window of time these vendors had to sell their goods. I wondered about their ability to make sales within such constraints.
They can sell enough items to be profitable, but I observed a seller, particularly one selling pork and rice, who seemed to have unsold most of the merchandise. They had to pack everything up, leading me to believe they might have their own shops and use the market as a temporary outlet, taking the risk of covering the rent for the limited three-hour selling window.
I presume they are profitable since they continue selling at the market; otherwise, they wouldn't participate. However, some vendors might do it for fun rather than solely for profit.
In conclusion, I find it enjoyable to stroll around the market, observing the hustle and bustle of people and the smiles of those having a good time. However, I have to wait another week before I can buy ceramics again. It's not a daily affair due to its exclusivity, limiting my visits to once a week.
Perhaps next week, I'll explore discounted items and ensure I arrive earlier to have a broader selection.
And that concludes my story. Thank you.
Note: I should've smiled but I forgot to do that
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| All photos in this blog post are mine and were taken with a Canon GX Mark II. |
