I decided to bring my camera along with me this morning to the open market. I am definitely living out my ideal grocery shopping scenario. We have a tiny fridge– think of a big dorm-sized one– so I can’t keep many perishables on hand. We have one rack in the pantry where I keep coconut milk, nuts, etc., but otherwise all of our food is either on the counter or in the fridge– which means I need to keep buying small amounts almost every day.
All week long, there are green grocers with their tents set up in the city square. These items are bought from a big market in Nuremburg in the wee hours of the morning, and many of these are imported from other countries. These stalls are convenient, but I try to wait for the actual farmers to come on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
The daily vendors. They are becoming familiar with me, and today one of them taught me the word for “basket,” very patiently writing it down when it was clear that I was not quite getting the pronunciation.
My first shopping day is Wednesday, when I go to buy produce, wild vension, and whatever seasonal items show up in various booths– this week it was mixed wild mushrooms and wild cranberries. There is a spice vendor there as well as a Turkish man with all sorts of olives, cheeses, hummus, etc.
This probably doesn’t look too appetizing to you, but this marinated turkey is wunderbar.
Bread cart. I love the old-timey look!
I tend to be kind of shy with the camera, but asking this man if I could take his pictures warmed him right up, and in turn, he asked me some questions about living here. I love making relationships with the vendors, it makes the whole process of shopping so enjoyable!
Roast Geese.
Why so nervous?
There is also the Herb Lady, who makes beautiful wreaths and little woodsy decorations.
She speaks English pretty well and makes really good pestos and chutneys, and goes to great trouble to explain things to me. She told me today that there will be a festival coming up that the churches celebrate, kind of like Thanksgiving, in honor of the harvest. This explains one of the fancier displays today.
And maybe the presence of a basket weaver…
…And a clog maker...?
It’s really nice to see everyone out and about, enjoying the beautiful Fall weather. There was a large group of people from a nearby elderly home. 
This is what I came home with today, minus the meats.
Thanks for coming along with me today!
Oh I am so envious and SO totally happy for you at the same time!!
carol
I loved going shopping with you! I would SO love to meet Ingrid! YOUr food looks and sounds wonderful!
That looks like so much fun! I can hear the contentment in your words.
When I was growing up in CO (before we went to the PI), my Dad pastored a tiny church. Many of the congregants were quite poor, but liked to hunt. Oftentimes, they couldn’t tithe monetarily, but would bring our family whole sides of venison that they had just hunted. Venison was my favorite meat when I was A’s age!
Please eat a roast goose for me.
I love this! How do you make a blog? Can you be my blog teacher?
Thank you so much for all the pictures and details!! Makes me feel like I’m right there with you. Love you.
Oh my goodness-charming is the word!!I love the buildings, cobblestone stretts & food tents. It’s perfect for you! I’m so glad you enjoy really cooking & doing it beautifully. You sound very happy there.
I’m curious how the setting will change in winter.
We are so blessed to live here and even more blessed to have Ariana as our personal documentarian and even more amazing personal chef. I don’t know anyone else who can bring out the very best in these ingredients she finds at the market. Sigh.
Fantastic post. I always want people to blog about daily life, and you are doing it very well.
Yes, I’m with Nathan. That’s what I’m most interested in… daily life. You’re doing a wonderful job, Ariana! Thanks so much.
Oh! How I love and long for your lifestyle. I could do it here, but our society just isn’t set up to make it the most reasonable way to live. I am so happy you are living it up. This is the perfect lifestyle for you. I would LOVE to be invited over for dinner at your place once again. I guess we couldn’t walk over, though..
I love that Jeff chimed in above. I am glad he appreciates your wonderful-ness!
Oh! How I love and long for your lifestyle. I could do it here, but our society just isn’t set up to make it the most reasonable way to live. I am so happy you are living it up. This is the perfect lifestyle for you. I would LOVE to be invited over for dinner at your place once again. I guess we couldn’t walk over, though..
I love that Jeff chimed in above. I am glad he appreciates your wonderful-ness!
I love Amberg! My son was born in the hospital there. My husband was stationed at a nearby US Army post and we lived for three years in a village about 20 minutes away. That town was so awesome! What a memory trip!