Memory ⇌ Misc

Class Writing Assignment

"Well, this area is for the different food vendors to sell their culinary creations," Brigham responds. "A place for the foods of both Haiti and the Dominican Republic to reach the people from both countries."

One man was selling the traditional rice and beans, another woman selling a fruit parfait collection. Quite a few stalls had different types of bread, while others had some local candy for the kids. Something Mirlande noticed was just how many kids were beginning to show up. Some were with their parents, carrying the items they bought. Others, she realized, were setting up stands of their own.

"Oh, do children sell at this market too?" she asked.

Brigham nodded, "Yes, the children set up in the middle of the market areas so we can keep an eye on them. But don't let that fool you, they know just how to make you buy their product." Brigham laughed, noting how one child was already haggling with an older man on his food.

Moving on down the bridge, they walk until Mirlande spots some eye catching clothes. She is drawn to the colorful scarves being hung on the side of a station beneath a red awning, "as you can probably guess this is where you can find clothing," Brigham remarks. Mirlande nods, "everything is so vibrant. It seems like everything is from Haiti, do you see anything from your country?"

"Yes, the market is organized so there is ample space for both countries." Brigham states gesturing across the aisle, "Over there you can see there are people from Ouanaminthe and Dajabón are setting up next to each other. This market is a good neutral space for everyone to trade without favoring one town over the other."

As they begin to move to the next market space Mirlande looks up taking note of the yellow roof above her. They approach the next market, which was covered by an expansive purple roof, passing by the tall cattails and mangrove in the openings in the bridge. "Here is where you can find art. You can also find people entertaining the crowds with music," Brigham mentions seeing a woman setting up with her guitar. "I can't even tell which art is from which side of the island. I never expected everything to be so similar," Mirlande comments as they navigate through the various stations and aisles.

"Well, we have reached the end of this side of the bridge. There is one last market, shall we head in that direction?" Brigham asks.

"Sure. It is hard to believe how much fits on this bridge." Mirlande says as they navigate to the other end of the bridge. They pass all the colorful marketspaces, seeing the stands filling with product and people weaving through the aisles with full baskets. "It is so convenient for everything to be organized like this. Markets back home are so unorganized with everything scattered throughout the market."

They enter the open market covered by a blue roof where people are moving fences for their livestock. "I don't know how much we want to linger near the animals, the smell can become a little too potent." Brigham jokes. Mirlande smiles, "Yes, the combination of pigs, cows, and chickens can be a bit much. Shall we go back to your stand before it becomes too busy?"

Brigham agrees, leading Mirlande and himself back to where he had set up. "Well, I hope that was helpful." Brigham states.

"Absolutely, I am sure I would have gotten overwhelmed without your help. Thank you." Mirlande states.

As they parted ways, both going back to their original purpose for the day, the walk discussions they had had during their walk stuck with them. Mirlande continued on her way through the market, gathering fresh foods for her family, as well as buying a painting to brighten up her home. Before leaving, she stops by Brigham's stand once more.

"I just wanted to thank you again for everything you did for me today. I honestly don't know how I would have never found my way around if it weren't for you," Mirlande thanks him.

Brigham just shakes his head. "I know just how crazy it can be on your first trip here. I just did what I wished someone would have done for me. I am glad I could help."

"I do hope to see you again someday, Brigham. I would like to consider you a friend, so hopefully our conversations can continue. I would love to continue learning about the Dominican Republic, and I am sure my family would too," Mirlande said, gathering all her things.

Brigham smiled brightly, "I would like that. I wish you a great rest of your day and look forward to our next meeting. Goodbye Mirlande."

Mirlande journeys home, thinking over everything she had learned that day. When she arrives home, she immediately calls over her family and begins telling them everything. The kids take in her stories with excitement, absorbing as much information as possible, while her husband just listens. All of them would like to go down to the market one day, to be able to experience all of this for themselves. Maybe even one day, one of the kids can have their own selling station.

Brigham arrives home, bringing what is left of his cocoa pods back with him. Greeting his wife, they prepare dinner with food he purchased at the market. When the whole family sits down to eat dinner, Brigham recalls his day, how he met Mirlande, and all he learned from her. His wife seems excited, hoping to meet Mirlande herself, as she wants to learn more about Haiti and its people.

On the next market day, Mirlande arrives early in the morning with one of her children in tow, explaining all Brigham had told her the previous visit. Catching sight of a familiar face, Mirlande waves to Brigham, who has set up in the produce area, and continues on with her shopping. 

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What did you think?? It was my first time doing something like this, but I think it came out fairly good.

Also, let me know if I should include an image of our final design. This narrative is the intro to our project, but I cannot share our entire board. But I would be happy to add a visual aid if anyone wants one.