TO MARKET, TO MARKET, TO BUY A FAT PIG

Home
see all photos »

So, one of the most important reasons to come to France is the richness of its culinary history.  Although I am no expert, I love fresh food.  Just a few blocks away from my apartment is an open air market each Saturday.  I took advantage of my first morning by going with a shopping bag Veronique left for me.

I was quite nervous, not knowing if my French was adequate enough to ask someone for celery root or inquiring about some foreign fruit I had never seen before.  So, I didn't panic, but I was hesitant to make any purchases until I saw many others who were obviously from other countries.  There was such a mix of Maghrebs (not Arabes here), African, and Asian cultures, so I felt less out of place.  At the very least, I would have a nice walk around the colors and smells of one of France's favorite past times.  However, I eventually felt comfortable enough to buy tomatoes: my first purchase and I even got one for free!  Then I was quite unsure about prices and quality.  I bought nectarines, but then saw another vendor with better ones at a more reasonable price.  It is amazing what kind of a learning curve I can have, even as an adult!  I know how to cook, but in a foreign kitchen it is just not the same.  Without cups or tablespoons, eye-balling is the natural option.

Bunnicula?
see all photos »

So, I did have some nice moments.  I was thrilled when the lettuce lady engaged in small talk!  I was worthy of a little "Hey, cold day today!" and a "You should go see ______ who has great green beans!"  Was it that easy to integrate on the smallest level of French society?  I asked a woman about her homemade yogurts and cheeses.  She makes a fromage blanc; this is like sour cream, and cheese, best with some sugar or jam.  I also spoke to the bunny man.  I wanted to take a picture of the bunnies that were prepared only by the removal of their fur, and the vendor asked me if I was making a horror film.  I just love that life can be this simple.  It makes one feel more like most of the world is okay with each other rather than trying to separate and cut themselves off form each other.  I guess we always fight over something from family level, tribal level, neighborhood, country, etc...  But how and why are those fearful ones making the decisions for others and presenting an image that does not conform with humanistic ideals?  Isn't it easy to be philosophical while on summer vacation, enjoying the positive side of French culture?  I was even pleased when I took a picture of the rotisserie chicken man who jokingly asked for ten euros.

So perfect, right?!
see all photos »

Well, en bref, I am happy here.  Happy to know that what I cook tonight or tomorrow will be healthy, and without much that is unnatural (France has strict laws for its agricultural core).  Happy to have had some time walking about outside, not so alone while shopping, without pushing and tight aisles or carts everywhere.  Happy to have gone to market and home again, home again, jiggity-jig!