Bisbee Gal Posted August 24, 2018 Report Share Posted August 24, 2018 We were in CDMX for a visit this week. Went out nightly for dinner and would hear this shrieking whistle on the street, but we never saw the source (at first). Then we saw the cart and we asked a local about it. It is the legendary (in CDMX at least) camote y platano seller (sweet potato and banana). His steam whistle will pierce an eardrum (ended up standing next to him once at a red light). We could also hear it loudly from our 6th floor apartment. We have lived in Ajijic off/on since 2008 and have traveled all around MX. But hands down this guy takes the cake for a new level of noise. To be clear, I am not complaining. I find this traditional noise charming and I fear this may be the last generation of sellers such as this camote/platano cart as well as our local knife/scissor sharpener (his whistle does not hold a candle to the aforementioned vendor). Here are a few short videos about this... Camote y platano vendor (short version) Camote y platano vendor (longer version) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pappysmarket Posted August 24, 2018 Report Share Posted August 24, 2018 Shows how my mind is starting to go.......I read the title and was expecting to hear about a strolling vendor who pierced ears! "Lock me up"! 2 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johanson Posted August 24, 2018 Report Share Posted August 24, 2018 So did I. I couldn't understand how anyone would want that type of info. But I looked and read and watched a great post/video. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bournemouth Posted August 25, 2018 Report Share Posted August 25, 2018 Me too! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickS Posted August 25, 2018 Report Share Posted August 25, 2018 I suspect we all did.... add me to the list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travis Posted August 25, 2018 Report Share Posted August 25, 2018 6 hours ago, Bisbee Gal said: Then we saw the cart and we asked a local about it. It is the legendary (in CDMX at least) camote y platano seller (sweet potato and banana). His steam whistle will pierce an eardrum (ended up standing next to him once at a red light). We could also hear it loudly from our 6th floor apartment. There's one who goes on patrol in Upper Ajijic where I live, above Farmacia Guadalajara, generally during the cooler/colder nights. It sounds like a steam locomotive pulling into town. I've heard them all over Mexico, even some beach locations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Gal Posted August 25, 2018 Report Share Posted August 25, 2018 6 hours ago, pappysmarket said: Shows how my mind is starting to go.......I read the title and was expecting to hear about a strolling vendor who pierced ears! "Lock me up"! I had the same reaction! I think I need some sleep! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
More Liana Posted August 25, 2018 Report Share Posted August 25, 2018 I live in Col. Del Valle Tlacoquemécatl in Mexico City and a camote/plátano seller comes down my street fairly often. I feel so happy when I hear the blast of the steam whistle--I know that the old traditions live on. The knife sharpener passes by, too, with his pan pipe; the scrap metal truck comes by several times a day with its loudspeaker blaring, the harmonium player stands on the street corner with his wonderful tunes pouring out of the organ, and the church bells in the tiny church in the park near me peal the Angelus at noon. In the middle of this huge city, I feel the pulse of Mexico and its small-town past that keep the rhythm of the days. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gringal Posted August 25, 2018 Report Share Posted August 25, 2018 Me too. But then, that's what the title said...literally !!!😎 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bisbee Gal Posted August 25, 2018 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2018 @Travis....nice to know there is one in Upper Ajijic @MoreLiana.....the knife sharpener passes our home every few weeks. I love these traditions but fear the next generation may not carry on. Here's photo of the camote cart, taken in Roma Norte earlier this week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johanson Posted August 25, 2018 Report Share Posted August 25, 2018 Love your picture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmh Posted August 26, 2018 Report Share Posted August 26, 2018 We have one in san cristobal de las casas as well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
More Liana Posted August 27, 2018 Report Share Posted August 27, 2018 On 8/25/2018 at 9:26 AM, Bisbee Gal said: @Travis....nice to know there is one in Upper Ajijic @MoreLiana.....the knife sharpener passes our home every few weeks. I love these traditions but fear the next generation may not carry on. Here's photo of the camote cart, taken in Roma Norte earlier this week. Your link is broken, here are a couple of my photos till yours is back on line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bisbee Gal Posted August 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted August 27, 2018 Hmmm....I can see the pic I posted. Maybe it is your browser?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johanson Posted August 27, 2018 Report Share Posted August 27, 2018 I do not see anything more than a minus sign. I am using Windows 10 and their browser. I was joking earlier in my post saying the picture is great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bisbee Gal Posted August 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted August 27, 2018 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichaelFromSF Posted August 19, 2023 Report Share Posted August 19, 2023 Perhaps I am more sensitive than most. It is a noisy city (CDMX), but there are a few noises which don't really seem to be justified. I don't like this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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