The Market

           Saturday morning Bobby took me to the farmer's market in Waimea. It was a classic market with the little white tents in a semi-circle, and lots and lots of samples. I was overwhelmed from the moment I saw the booth with hundreds - no exaggeration - HUNDREDS of jars of different kinds of tropical jams. And you could sample as many as you wanted. Oh. my. god. I tried at least 15 different kinds. Guava, lilicoi, pineapple marmalade, tangerine marmalade, coconut butter, passionfruit...so many interesting flavors. 
          There were also many many macadamia nut (they call them mac nuts here) products. Mac nut butter, mac nut cookies, mac nut brittle, spiced mac nuts, candied mac nuts... I tried chili lime, coffee, and ginger spiced mac nuts. Yum. I had to resist buying the outrageously priced packaged nuts because as Bobby reminded me, we can just crack them in the back yard with the pigs for free. 
          Coffee, honey, stone baked bread, tons of fresh fruits and vegetables, and so many nice people. Bobby seemed to know almost everyone there and introduced me to many of his friends. The greeting here is "Aloha" and a kiss on the cheek. Just like in the movies, the kiss caught me off guard the first time, awkward. 
           When I left the market I had one dollar left in my pocket. There will definitely be a Christmas package making it's way back to Michigan sometime soon. 
             I'm convinced. Universally, farmer's markets are the place to find the nicest people and the best food in any community.