Somsack reveals for you the rich tapestry of the morning market, through the food, or course, but also through his storytelling about a cherished way of life in the markets that he hopes will never change (and you also hope never changes!). Instead of pursuing the market alone, likely never noticing or knowing much about the sellers of fish, meats, herbs, vegetables, fruits and prepared foods, Somsack invited you in. He bops around making purchases, pointing out his favorite seasonal ingredients and cracking jokes. He sets us up side by side with the sellers and we all eat jovially – them snacking as they work and us eating a fine series of Lao dishes cooked right there by Somsack on a small portable stove. He points out the sellers are all women, that this signals a societal shift toward their financial independence in Laos. And those are the tidbits you get if you take this gem of a tour. Great food and great conversation are the greatest pairing, and Somsack knows this well.