Colorful Roadside Market

That morning, the sky was bright in Samudera Geudong. The atmosphere of the Trans-Sumatra highway began to be busy with traffic from residents and traders who opened stalls on the side of the road. Rows of fresh vegetables were neatly arranged on blue mats, forming a refreshing sight for the eyes. The colors of red and green chilies, tomatoes, mustard greens, and various other vegetables seemed to tempt anyone who passed by.

I deliberately came to this place on a "noble task" from my beloved wife: to buy red chilies, green chilies, carrots, salt, and several other vegetables. This market is indeed famous for its freshness, local agricultural products that are directly sold without intermediaries.

A young woman in a headscarf sat quietly among the piles of vegetables, separating the leaves with her agile hands. Beside her, a pile of red chilies piled up like a small hill. I approached and began to choose carefully, according to notes from home. While weighing, I had a little chat with the trader. He said that all these vegetables were picked in the morning from the surrounding gardens. No wonder everything was still fresh and the smell of the soil was still there.

Several other buyers also seemed serious about choosing their merchandise. Some came by motorbike, some stopped for a while by car, and immediately shopped on the side of the road. Practical and fast, that's how this cross-road market is. On the other side, an old man was seen talking to another trader while smiling friendly, the atmosphere was intimate like a big family who knew each other.

After all the orders were complete, I said goodbye while saying thank you. Taking home a bag full of fresh vegetables, I felt happy. Not only because the task was complete, but also because I had become a small part of the pulse of morning life in this simple market—on the side of the Sumatra crossroad, Samudera Geudong.

Best Regards @p3d1