To Market

Farmer's Markets selling farm-fresh, pesticide-free produce and food products have grown in popularity in the United States with the increased focus on healthy eating and preservation of local farmers and natural resources. Throughout the world, however, small weekly markets in rural villages have been the norm for centuries.

Every Wednesday in Montefiorino, the main town in the area we are staying, there is an outdoor market from 8am - 12pm. The market, held in the main piazza of the town - an area of about 100 square feet, is quite complete in its wares. Vendors set up their booths and offer the local residents an extensive array of:

- cheese, salami, fresh fish and meats

- jams, fresh produce, and dried mushrooms

- hardware supplies

- kitchen utensils

- lingerie, clothing, and shoes

- handbags, jewelry and accessories

- furniture

[caption id="attachment_3259" align="alignnone" width="150" caption="Wheels of cheese"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3264" align="alignnone" width="150" caption="Clothing, shoes, lingerie, linens"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3265" align="alignnone" width="150" caption="Fresh fish, fried calamari, bacala"][/caption]

The market attracts people from surrounding localities as well, who are eager to stock their refrigerators and prepare the night's meal. At certain booths it can be quite challenging to get your turn to order since there really isn't anything that you could call an organized "line". It is amazing how patient most people are as it can often take several minutes for each person to complete their shopping at the booth.

The longest wait is at the fresh fish merchant. With only about 5 people ahead of me, I generally wait at least 25 minutes. This is usually because there always seems to be a few old ladies who bypass the, (again, very unorganized) line and go straight to the front because they have a "quick" order. Even though my order of fried calamari takes less than 30 seconds to fill, I don't desire to suffer the rash of angry protests from those who have been waiting very patiently! I do have to laugh though because these little old ladies always seem to feign innocence, are very apologetic, yet do not budge!

Ah, well, I'm in Italy. The food is delicious, the market is close. . .I have no complaints!