Limon's local market

[Mezzaluna]

We just returned from a 10-day Panama Canal/western Caribbean cruise on Coral Princess. I'd heard scary stories about going ashore on your own at Limon, but we found plenty of local police all over the port area and into the town. We didn't take a tour there, but I wanted to wander into town and see if I, a culinary adventurer, could find something interesting.

 

I located the local central market just a few blocks off the pier. It's an old cinder block building from the 1930s, lit dimly and reminiscent of the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul in miniature (and without the polished copper and brass). The stalls were full of local products: habanero and scotch bonnet peppers; plantains; fruits (papayas, mangos, melons, bananas, limes, etc.) and vegetables (tomatoes, green peppers, herbs, etc.). Rice and beans were available too. I took some photos and will link to them when I get a chance.

 

There's not much in the town but it was more authentic and interesting than the blue tarp-shaded (and HOT) "market" on the docks where the souvenirs were sold. It was a very hot day so we didn't roam for long or very far, but I'm glad we did it.

[bububr]

We just got back from the Zenith March 23rd cruise.

 

Puerto Limon was one of my favorite ports because of the absence of american influence. It was so refreshing not to see a Burger King, McDonalds or Pizza Hut as you do in so many places.

 

While the 'town' does look a little run down, the people are friendly. Its easier to get around if you speak some spanish, and the local food and beer is VERY good. We stopped at a little hole in the wall for some cerveza fria and arroz con pollo....It was very good not to mention inexpensive.

 

If you walk straight out of the pier terminal to the main street, go down two blocks, make a right and go up a block they have a supermarket where you can get 1/2 gallon bottles of water for .89 cents compared to the $3 or $4 bottles on the ship that are 1/2 a liter or less. The have a nice selection of wines, sodas, and snacks and take US dollars in SMALL bills for payment. Change is a mixture of their currancy and US$.

 

This is a nice safe little place to explore....even if it looks a little rough around the edges.

 

Dave:eek: