Photo by Samantha Gross-Galindo

During family style meals, pickled cabbage often appeared on ladened tables in Azerbaijan. Unsurprisingly large colorful jars of pickled vegetables were displayed in bulk at road side stands. "Farm to Market" is the day to day norm.  You taste freshness “shine through” from the eggs at breakfast, to the vine ripened tomatoes reminiscent of a summer trip to Italy and an abundance of fresh herb stalks served raw. Right outside the towns a core element of the scenery - cows, goats and their herders.

I delighted in farm markets wherever they appeared. I was drawn to this selling outlet because it was simple and so green. This slice of life will forever come to mind as I eat any kind of slaw anywhere in the world.

What sparks a reason to stop and reflect when you travel?