The outdoor market in Condesa (Tuesday Tianguis near Restaurante Lardo) had an abundance of tuberoses this week. Knowing that vendors run out of all the best stuff by midday, I buy all my favorite things early in the morning and ask the vendors to hold them for me while I run other errands around the city. A few hours later, I return to the market and go back to each vendor to pick up my goodies.

This week, my favorite flower lady, Cristina, had gorgeous tuberoses at 80 Mexican Pesos a dozen (that’s just $4 USD). These are the most beautiful tuberoses I’ve ever seen and their scent is divine. How does a dozen tuberoses that are 4 feet tall and absolutely perfect cost so little? It’s astonishing. And it makes me feel like I’m committing robbery. But that’s one of many wonderful things about shopping at the weekly outdoor markets or mercados: Everything is cheap. It makes me feel giddy about buying something for pure self-indulgence without feeling guilty about spending a lot.

Going to the markets all over the city is one of my favorite things to do. There are so many delicious fruits and vegetables I typically don’t get access to anywhere in the US or Europe. I also love getting to know the vendors. I always strike up conversations with them if they’re not too busy and pepper them with questions about what they do and where they come from. I learn a great deal from them and they seem happy to share information. For example, I learned that tuberoses are native to Mexico.

I’m deeply grateful for the privilege of having these rich and fulfilling experiences in my life as a gastronomad. Aimlessly wandering through the market, a thought occurs to me. Life in Mexico City is sweet like the wonderful scent of tuberoses.

It’s my birthday today and my tuberoses are making our bedroom smell like heaven. I am one happy birthday girl! -Amira