Last Wednesday saw the classes participation the the Urban domain getting up nice and early to experience the Footscray Wholesale Market; nice and early meaning that the bus left at 5.20am. Fear not, I know setting the alarm that early sounds painful, but it was well worth it.
Once the bus arrived at the markets, we were given a brief rundown of what was going to happen and those fluoro yellow safety vests (it was 6am in a wintry Melbourne – the more layers the better!). Everybody then got split into form groups and one class boarded the Tutti-Frutti Express for a tour of the markets, while the other got back on the bus for some hot chocolates. The Tutti-Frutti Express tour involved an easy drive around the market giving us a first hand look at the produce straight from the farmers as we weaved in and out of massive forklifts. We also all got a fresh, crispy Fuji apple – yum.
On the opposite side of the market in the flower section, the other form group were drinking hot chocolates and getting cosy in a warm cafe when the Tutti-Frutti Express pulled in and the classes alternated.
After both groups had had a look around the market, we departed on the bus for breakfast. It was a pleasant surprise to find Mr. Appel slaving away at a barbecue aside the Yarra river preparing us delicious bacon and egg rolls.
Our next destination was the Footscray Retail Markets, so that we could track the journey of the fruit and vegetables and compare prices. Everybody filled in the worksheet easily and was left with time to spare for a wander around, resulting in some very strange purchases.
We were dismissed at an earlier-than-usual 12.00pm, concluding another excellent CUE day.
