大俠行天下日記 我見我聞我思 11/08

我見 我思 我聞

另類經濟 農夫市集

多少年沒有去走訪休斯族北邊機場路的農夫市集了， 今晨當我們走進去時， 數以百計的各型食物用品、鲜花小販及客人把市場擠得水洩不通， 一片繁榮之景象。

近來因國內外経濟流通不暢 ，通貨膨脹及物價大幅上漲 ，一般超市中之食品和蔬菜大漲， 以往一元美金可以買到三個大檸檬， 今天每個要價是九毛， 我們去吃的IHOP全套早餐從六元九毛九漲到了十一元五毛， 這些驚人的漲幅， 正在衝擊著国民的荷包。

農夫市集在經濟物價上漲中凸顯了它的重要性 ，這個佔地十八英畝之大型市集 ，是休城最大最老的市集， 更代表了休斯敦多方族裔之文化特色。

走在繁忙和擁擠的市場中 ，多半的客人和店主都講西班牙語， 攤位上有鮮花、 水果、 蔬菜、 香料、 家庭用品， 在喧嘩聲中穿雜著殺價聲和笑聲， 我們置疑是否是在墨西哥呢。

隨著人口結構之變化 ，大休斯敦地區亞華裔及拉丁裔人口不斷增加 ，現在已經達到半數， 再過不久一定會佔大多數， 現任市長和郡長皆是少數族裔可見一斑。

走進了農夫市集， 就如進入了另一個世界 ，它代表了美國國情不断在改變中 ，更重要的是， 在國民生計困難之時， 為大家提供較廉價的民主必需品。

The Farmers Market Is Another Kind Of Economy

After so many years, my wife and I went to Houston’s Farmers Market on Airline Drive near the 610 Loop.

As the city’s oldest and largest farmer’s market, this 18-acre market is full of all kinds of fruits and vegetables and many other consumer goods. Most importantly, the Farmers Market reflects two important characteristics of our city: diversity and food.

Most people there speak in Spanish and the market enjoys very large crowds. Customers are very happy to ask for a discount and usually can get everything they want to buy.

Recently, because inflation has hit, all the goods and food prices have gone up. I still remember before that we could buy three or four lemons for one dollar, but today in the super market one lemon costs 95 cents! Before the pandemic we ordered a “Grand Slam Breakfast” at IHOP for $6.99. But today it costs $11.55! Such a crazy price is just unbelievable.

Today our nation’s population is also changing. In Harris County and the greater Houston area, minorities, including Asians, Hispanics and Africans have almost reached 50% of the population. When you walk around at this market you will have such strong feelings about the diversity of our city.

After we visited the market and bought some sweet potatoes, we walked to the nearby Connie Restaurant which was founded by my old friend Mr. Ho. We ordered the whole fried fish and shrimp fried rice which still costs $7.50. The food was not just delicious, it was fresh, and the restaurant was full of customers who also liked to shop at the market.

We are urging the Biden administration to pay more attention to our economy. Otherwise, the only people who will continue to suffer will be those who are at the bottom of society.

照片来源：https://thehoustonfarmersmarket.com/