Oranges: waiting / hawking

There was a sadness in the line-up of Chinese peasants selling similar meager supplies of oranges at a local market. Their manner was lethargic, perhaps beaten down, and their clothing was worn. But the baskets they used for display and transport were beautifully crafted, long-lasting, and lovely. If sold today, they would probably fetch a fair sum--certainly more than the oranges they held. But then, in 1984, baskets like these were ubiquitous, there was very little plastic used and almost no waste. I remember seeking a used cardboard box and finding they were for sale, not the throw-away items they are today. Such an incredible change in 40 years. Be sure to catch the kid under the strange sign who has just spotted a weird foreigner.

The market in Baghdad (below) was far more noisy and lively, with sellers calling out deals to draw in customers. On the eve of the US invasion, commerce went on and the markets were full of fresh produce.