Trucks ‘n’ stuff

In Mexico, you can buy stuff everywhere.  You might not necessarily come across what you want, when you want it, but the vendors of the informal economy are always around with something to offer.  From batteries to lottery tickets to cups of Jell-O, bootleg DVDs to the roving pen salesman, there are always plenty of wares to choose from.

Today I just want to celebrate the things you can buy out of the back of pickup trucks…

Fruits and veg!

Plants!

Okay, this is in Chiapas, but definitely deserves a nod: fresh banana chips!

And that’s just scratching the surface.  There’s a pickup that comes around the neighborhood regularly, with a recorded voice playing over and over on the loudspeaker announcing its merchandise: used refrigerators, mattresses, tables and chairs, washing machines.  Like a portable garage sale, with free delivery!

You can get sandwiches from a pickup, wicker baskets from a pickup, handmade furniture from a pickup, used clothing from a pickup, and so much more.  I used to have my own little pickup truck, and I never put it to nearly such good use as this.  But if I ever have one again, I’ve got a few ideas.