Farmers markets belong to German life. In Tübingen we had a farmers market in the market square right in front of the town hall every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. In addition to that there was a downright wonderful gourmet market in one of the little church squares every Saturday morning.
The big market day was Friday. I loved to shop there. Kaefer was in her stroller, happily chewing on a soft pretzel while I pushed her to my favorite booths, buying fresh fruit and veggies, beautiful flowers. I never bought flowers in a flower shop, only at the market. There were big booths where you could get all sorts of fruit and veggies, and there were those where a farm woman would sell her produce, potatoes and some cabbage, apples and pumpkins.
No matter what the weather, the market would be there. Rain or shine, hail or snow. Only a few times did some of the sellers not reach the market because of some heavy snow. But usually you would tough it out, as a seller and a buyer.
Because - it's not only buying produce (and cheese, meat and bread as well for that matter). It's talking with the farmers, meeting up with friends, a color feast for the eyes, sitting in a little street cafe and watching market life - it is community. I felt something was not quite right when I missed the Friday market. The weekend just started on the wrong foot.
When I was a child, my mother took me to the farmers market every Wednesday and Friday. At that time, back in the 60's and early 70's, farmers markets had a little extra attraction that most of them are lacking today: the "Marktschreier", the sellers who would praise their goods loudly, yelling the prices and the great quality of their product. I felt like being at a circus, and I enjoyed it tremendously. Every seller tried to outdo the other ones with wittier slogans - it was hilarious. But it really wasn't such a fierce competition, sellers were friendly with each other. It was part of market life and they definitely enjoyed it.
I miss that kind of "circus".
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Outdoor markets are at the TOP of my list for Paris sights to see. This is so quintessential Europe to me and I am looking forward to experiencing the "circus" for myself - several times :)
ReplyDeleteI always like going to a good farmer's market. The one in the picture looks perfect, even without the "circus".
ReplyDeleteDarla
Sounds also very Italian :) Love your pic, so colorful!
ReplyDeleteI love to photograph markets too...
ReplyDeleteI have lovely memories of market days too. My local town is deemed an 'Historic Market Town' the cobble stones are treasured although uncomfortable to the feet. Years ago as a young mum I had a part-time job on a cheese stall, the community spirit was great the stall holders looked out for each other, they still do. I loved Christmas especially when they decorated up.
ReplyDeleteHappy Days
Sue x