![\"SAPA](\"http:\/\/parosparadise.com\/CzechMates\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/01\/SAPAgroceries-300x225.jpg\" "\\"SAPA")
speak Czech. \u00a0We couldn’t speak Czech and for sure we could not speak Vietnamese. \u00a0But Michael did manage to purchase some sweet red chilli sauce he likes and also some fresh cilantro.<\/p>\nA few months ago when we first started researching where to go in Prague we read an intriguing article about a Vietnamese “wholesale”\u009d market on the North side of the city. \u00a0It sounded exclusive, hard to find and foreign so we resolved to go. \u00a0But then we started reading even more about a larger Asian market on the South side so we went there first. \u00a0Below is Karin’s account and then some directions.<\/p>\n
The other day Michael and I went to a Vietnamese market named after a region in Vietnam. \u00a0This market is not right in the city, but a bus trip out to the “outskirts” of Prague. \u00a0We weren’t sure where to get off, however there were several Asians on the bus, so Michael told me that when they get out, we will get out! \u00a0Which worked because right across the busy street was a huge sign “SAPA – Little Hanoi” \u00a0The welcome was in both Czech and Vietnamese.<\/p>\n
At first we were confused, because we heard it was big (like in BIG) but from this perspective, it looked bleak and slightly worn down. \u00a0We felt we were entering an old industrial site. \u00a0Which probably is exactly what it was. \u00a0Once we entered the gate and started walking down a rather lonely street with tiny shops on both sides, we felt like we had entered a very different country. \u00a0All signs were in Vietnamese, Chinese or whatever with occasional words of Czech thrown in; the shops were tiny and actually the area became rather busy.<\/p>\n
We rounded a corner and there in front of us was the entire “city” of shops! \u00a0Shops, shops, shops, hundreds of shops! \u00a0It is hard to describe exactly how they are laid out. \u00a0They seem to be under roofs. \u00a0Like a huge arena….with cement floors and then stalls inside. \u00a0The walls are often just heavy tarps. \u00a0Like a HUGE inside Bazaar. \u00a0These shops sell clothing, foods, household goods, toys, knickknacks. \u00a0As you wander around, you realize you are seeing a lot of the same things over and over. \u00a0I saw several items I would have liked to buy perhaps, but I am not good at bargaining and that is what you have to do. \u00a0So I just “window” shopped. \u00a0Many of the items appeared to be quality; others were like Dollar Store junk.<\/p>\n
After we spent a great deal of time looking Michael said he needed a cup of coffee. \u00a0We noticed small huts (like fishing huts) that were restaurants; many were takeaway only. \u00a0We saw men coming out of the shops with trays loaded with food and taking them into the bazaar area for the shop owners to eat. \u00a0Here and there were larger restaurants with indoor seating. \u00a0We chose one and decided to eat lunch as well. \u00a0We had read about a dish called Pho. \u00a0It is a delicious broth with bits of meat and cut up veggies and noodles. \u00a0The bowls are large. \u00a0The soup was delicious. \u00a0The coffee was terrible! \u00a0I ordered tea and it was very nice.<\/p>\n
We then decided to walk the perimeter for a change of pace. \u00a0Here were shops with bridal gowns, travel agents, storage units and more of the same that we saw under the big roofs. \u00a0I saw one shop that intrigued me and that was all wicker. \u00a0I don’t think you are supposed to buy 1 of anything, but I asked for a wreath form and he sold it to me for a very reasonable price! The little grocery stores were interesting…I didn’t know half of what I was seeing. \u00a0The dilemma was that they could not speak English, but could speak Czech. \u00a0We couldn’t speak Czech and for sure we could not speak Vietnamese. \u00a0But Michael did manage to purchase some sweet red chilli sauce he likes and also some fresh cilantro.<\/p>\n
I read that on site there is a school for young Vietnamese kids to learn Czech. \u00a0Even a pagoda like temple. \u00a0We did not see that. \u00a0Michael informed me that it would be impossible to see it all. \u00a0We had the idea that maybe we could find a Mah Jong set here, but no one knew what it was. \u00a0I know I said it was a Vietnamese site, but they did have some Chinese things as well.<\/p>\n
After I came home I did some research…(better late than never) and read about the problems the Vietnamese have here. \u00a0The Czech’s are not so welcoming to them, and often the Vietnamese are picked on. \u00a0These problems still exist, but hopefully getting better because the Vietnamese have organized themselves, selected a spokes person and try to sort problems with the city in a way that they can be heard.<\/p>\n Sapa is most convenient by car but just a short walk from the Sidlisce Pisnice bus stop. \u00a0The official transit site (dpp.cz) says to take bus 331 from the Kacerov station of the C (Red) line, but several other buses go there as well including 113 and 333. \u00a0Upon returning we took the latter to the Budejovicka Metro station.<\/span><\/p>\n A few months ago when we first started researching where to go in Prague we read an intriguing article about a Vietnamese “wholesale”\u009d market on the North side of the city. \u00a0It sounded exclusive, hard to find and foreign so … Continue reading ![\"part](\"http:\/\/parosparadise.com\/CzechMates\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/01\/SAPAexterior.jpg\" "\\"SAPA")
<\/a>When we left, we realized we had just experienced a journey into another culture and country! \u00a0We did see a few Czech people there, but very few. \u00a0I did wonder where the Asian people live, and what brought them to Prague.<\/p>\nTechnorati Tags: Prague,Asian,SAPA,shopping<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"