About two weeks ago, I took my first trip down to the Vieux Marche (Old Market) located just next to the spot where Joan of Arc (here called Jeanne D'Arc) was burned at the stake. The market is located just next to L'iglise Jeanne D'Arc, and everyday you can go to the multiple stands filled with fresh flowers, veggies, fruit, le FROMAGE (cheese!), meat, fish of every assortment, spices, et cetera. Sunday, however, is market day - aka, the best day to go!
My first Sunday a la marche, I was a bit more timid. I went to one stand for apples and bananas, and continued on my way. However, this past Sunday, I was on a mission! I was determined to buy all the supplies for a proper French baguette (sandwich), plus a little more just for a few good snack!
I entered through the cast iron gate on the Northeast corner. Bad idea. One of the first things I saw was a horse head. But it must be a delicacy here, because it cost over 120 Euros! My next stop was just nearby, at the fromagerie. I had eaten an awesome sandwich made with Maroille cheese the day before, so I hunted for that. Trying to describe how much I wanted - apparently you can't buy just 1/4 of a wheel, you have to buy half - was a bit difficult. But they cut my portion and wrapped it up for me. Maroille cheese is native to the Picardy region of France, which is just Northeast of Normandy. Another thing about Maroille cheese - it's very smelly!
Then I made my way over to one of many fruit and veggie stands. When one of the workers approached me and I couldn't catch what he said, I responded with: Je suis desole, mais je ne peux pas parler le francais tres bien (I'm sorry, but I can't speak French very well!) Then he just laughed and made some joke. Oh the French!
But he was extremely nice as I pointed to what I wanted; quatre tomates, trois pommes, salade, etc. I left the Marche with quite a little garden in my sac.
I stopped by a boulangerie (fresh bread) on my way out for a loaf of bread, planning to make sandwiches that would last a few days. Silly me, I forgot that since they don't use any preservatives in their bread here, it really only stays good for a day or two!
My last stop was the florist on la Rue Jeanne D'Arc. I bought a lovely little potted flower pot for just 3 Euro, which I named Amelie. Sadly, despite my tender love and care the past week, Amelie isn't looking too spunky. Any hints?
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Lucky you, I would love the market, esp. the flowers. I think Amelie may be a primrose or an African Violet, both water from bottom of pot, don't over water, indirect sunlight. Good luck, love reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteLove, Nelma
Kristy,
ReplyDeleteEnjoying your Blog and your comment about meeting beautiful people. In your travels both at home and abroad you will also meet some not so beautiful people do not disregard them they may not be fun or exciting but everyone has a story and the more you know about people the more you will see that there are more beautiful people then you might of saw at first glance. I did not learn this untill I was older. Preconcived opinions caused me to miss oppurtunities to get to know more people who had their own beauty. Enjoy your adventure.
Jim
MMM looks like some good food! I think im going to El Rastro Tomorrow! its also a market. hope theres something there that looks as good as what you got!
ReplyDelete