Sunday Morning at the Market & a Reflection on Aging

Dushan woke me up at 6am screaming for titi (his bottle). We had run out of milk and as I was throwing on some clothes, I realized it was Sunday. “Oh shit, I hope we’re not too late.” You see an interesting thing happens in the little village markets dotted all over the island on Sunday. It’s the day they make specially prepared dishes of ma’a Tahiti & ma’a Tinito.



That would translate into Tahitian food & Chinese food and you have to get to the market early or it will be gone. I can’t tell you how many times, I have gotten there at 7am only to find my favorite pua roti was already sold out. Each market makes different things. Our market Magazin Varari has yummy pua roti (roated pork) and poe, which is made of mashed up fruit and cornstarch and sits in coconut milk. It may sound kind of weird but it’s actually quite delish is a comfort food sort of way. The kids favorite is fifiri (Tahitian donuts).

As you can see from the photos, people literally crawl out of bed and head to the market. Imagine, standing room only at 6am!

I’m kind of bummed, I was hoping to catch some women in their nightgowns today. Instead I can just show you the beloved bathing suit top & pareo look. However, my personal favorite is the playtex bra & pareo. And please, the heavier you are the better. I don't say this in a critical way. In fact I am extremely envious.

Tahitian women typically start out so thin and gorgeous but many (not all) take to heart the concept of eating for two once they become pregnant and that continues with the next 8-12 kids they have. Think of how wonderful that must be! Clearly they accept their large new bodies or why else would they go the market in an overflowing bikini top?! They have grown up in bathing suits & pareos and there is no reason that should change as they grow older and larger. One day, I tried to explain botox to our nanny Elvina. When I was finished, she looked at me and asked why I would you such a thing. I said to look better/younger. She really didn't have a response but I could see in her eyes she thought I was nuts. And you know what, I am. I can't tell you how much I wish I could embrace aging the way Elvina and so many other women here do. I don't think they even think about it. Who knows maybe with time, their attitude will wear off on me. You'll know I have reached the point of contentment when the next time you come to visit and ask to borrow some clothes, all I have to offer are Playtex bras & pareos...