The brown-skinned people influenced everything where I grew up.  Everyone wanted to be friends with them because they were indigenous to the region. 

I grew up in one of the most remote places on earth.  For centuries travelers around the world congregated in Honololu, in the middle of the Pacific ocean on the island of Oahu, the place where I was born.  Growing up I thought a mixed-race population was the norm; and then we moved to California. 

In California everything changed.  And yet, when I go to the San Jose Flea Market, I feel like I am in my home town.  I feel like I am with my own kind.  There are smiling brown-skinned people who are not in a hurry.  There are people who do not assess my rank in life.  There are people who seem to focus on things like raising a family and making a nice dinner at home. 

It's fun to stroll in the Farmer's Market and buy a few things to cook for the week.  It's fun to listen to the Mariachi singers who play on two stages on Saturdays and Sundays.  Sometimes you even see famous people like Joe Montana and Jerry Rice.

We are encouraged to shop before the holidays.  But spending money does not fill an emotional void; it just empties your wallet.  I will shop before the holidays, but I cannot get what I want at Nordstrom's or Macy's.  What I want is not sold at stores made of bricks and mortar. 

What I want is a taste of my childhood, a sense of belonging, a sense of my homeland.  Before the holidays I will shop at the San Jose Flea Market.  Will I see you there?   

See slideshow of A Taste of Home:  the San Jose Flea Market

Photo link:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/50595363@N00/sets/72157622726358213/

Slideshow link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/50595363@N00/sets/72157622726358213/show/