The Taboan Public Market is a small market in Cebu City in the Philippines. I walked over that way one morning and snapped a few pictures. The outside of the market was ringed by a series of stalls selling dried fish. Everyone was very friendly and encouraged me to buy some fish. I had to explain over and over again that, coming as I did from the interior of Canada far from any ocean, I didn’t grow up eating fish, and I wasn’t a big fan. I found even the smell of the dried fish a bit hard to take.

I loved the cats at this market. For the most part, they were big tigerish creatures. These two were a bit skinnier than most, but they looked cute sitting up there and preening themselves.

My presence was a big deal at this market, and everyone tried out their English as I walked from stall to stall taking pictures. Someone further down the row had shouted out something to this woman – probably telling her to try out her English one me – and she laughed and said something in return.

Filipinos in the market places have a talent for putting their products on display in attractive ways. Fresh fish are often adorned with bright fruit. Dried fish is arrayed in interesting patterns like this.

Tags: Canada, Cebu City, Philippines Bike Trip 2013, Taboan Public Market