Today started out with dark skies, heavy clouds, and cooler temperatures. That meant digging out a light jacket before heading out to todays local market which of course dictated that once we arrived at our destination the sun would probably come out and we’d end up peeling things off! Don’t you just love Murphy and his “laws”!
Today, fresh local strawberries were everywhere and yes, we picked up a lovely large tray for €5. Huge sweet berries.
Although the sky was overcast the market was hustling and bustling. I never tire of it.
It’s more or less expected you will sample an olive before purchasing, which is a good thing as not all are as tasty as others. The bougainvillea is starting to bloom again, the second time since our arrival in November. I am not a shopper but I truly love all the homemade baskets, especially these coloured ones.
One of the things that always stays with me is how the locals come out and shop for so much at these markets. It’s not simply for tourists. Today folks were buying up chickens, rabbits, roosters, and plants galore. Also big buckets of pears and apples…….you buy it with the plastic bucket included!
Cork jewelry is pretty well non-existent this year, which is probably a result of the pandemic and work shutdown. A few vendors sell bells for the animals as well as saddles, bridles etc. for horses. Stumbled on a table of army surplus and several helmets! And just look at those clementine’s and the price!
One vendor today had four different kinds of peacocks for sale!!!
The glasses reminded me of my time in Morocco and the mint tea. The prosciutto I could smell even through my mask……not nice and drooling inside one’s mask is not fun! Handmade cork fans were on display today, which was a surprise as little else in cork jewelry is available. These brightly coloured plastic items pilled high and selling for €.1. always amuse me. Actually my first purchase at my first market each year when I arrive are two plastic fly swatters from these tables!!
Most of us don’t like to see animals in cages but here you see it at all the markets as many local people still have livestock of some sort and raise chickens and rabbits. It simply is and for that reason I accept it. When in Rome!
Always busy and lively. I could hear the echo of vendors calling out their prices all the way home.Small golden pineapples from the Azores. Handmade cookies with figs and almonds. These grapes were almost as big as plums!! A huge slab of bacon to be cut as thick as you like. And finally, snails, lots of them which are a delicacy here. Some bars will serve you a bowl of hot snails with a nice cold beer. Yummy.
Pat and Gary had driven over and the five of us enjoyed the leisurely stroll around the market grounds. The primary purchase today for both households, above strawberries, was fresh ground spices from a vendor who has a huge selection of high quality spices, both ground and whole. Cominho (cumin), canela (cinnamon), cardamão (cardamon), they’ve all accompanied us home plus a few more for Patricia. All in all another wonderful market day in Estoi.
The sky as we arrived at the market and the sky now!
Another great day at the Estoi market to enjoy! The strawberries look so delicious & the little rabbits are so cute! Markets are so much fun! The churros stand brought back great memories of Spain & Portugal – love them! Glad to see your weather cleared as we prepare for another snowstorm this evening during Super Bowl Sunday, not that I follow football.I like to watch the halftime show & see who wins at the end.
I enjoy reading your blog everyday, especially your enthusiasm.
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Thanks Lorraine. It’s hard not to be enthusiastic in this place. LOL
Another great day at the Estoi market to enjoy! The strawberries look so delicious & the little rabbits are so cute! Markets are so much fun! The churros stand brought back great memories of Spain & Portugal – love them! Glad to see your weather cleared as we prepare for another snowstorm this evening during Super Bowl Sunday, not that I follow football.I like to watch the halftime show & see who wins at the end.
I can see you now in your poodle skirt with pompous cheering them on! Yes, this market is truly wonderful. Stay warm and dry.