My very first trip to a fish market was when I was about 5 years old and I went with my grandmother to the palenke in Manila. I remember it smelled bad and I spent the whole time avoiding strategically placed puddles. I mean, when you’re 5 and you’re knee-high… that’s about the best view you can get.

Obviously, I’ve seen a lot more fish markets since then, and while I certainly don’t tower over anyone in height, I at least have a much better perspective on things; and, I assure you, walking into the Sydney Fish Market this afternoon was about as good as walking into a sample sale in Manhattan (when the doors just open).

There were so many different types of fish! And they were all fresh! Everything from albacore to morwong to yellow-spotted goatfish. There were some freaky looking ones too… and bay bugs (they look like lobsters that are curled up).

Most of the fishmongers also sold cooked seafood. You could pick up fish kebabs and seared scallops at less than $5! If you decide to eat when you get there, go towards the area with the cluster of different vendors – the seafood literally looked like it just got off the boat and went straight into the frying pan. And the blue crabs! They were massive little fuckers!

I’ve also never seen a 2 1/2 ft. Mahi Mahi or octopi sold en masse. Who eats that much octopus?? They had pool-sized tanks for their lobsters! Chris needs to get here stat. I need help manning the esky for my weekend trips to the fish market.