Ok..I’ll admit it…I dream of one day learning how to cook. Italy’s market places have inspired me to learn.
I love going to the open markets on any given day. Every village has there assigned market day. In Bagni it is Wednesday and Saturday. In Lucca the Saturday morning market is HUGE and full of fresh foods, clothes, shoes, baskets, flowers and more. Check out the “information” office (or visitor center) in each town and find out when the market takes place and make plans to go! The information office is marked by a sign with a yellow “i”. The people are always so helpful in every town. They will also have great maps or local books to share and even some local crafts you can purchase.
Shopping on market day is different than in the States. There is not much bartering for price but sometimes they will throw in an extra “something” for you-use your best Italian “Bella” (beautiful) to compliment the vendors display or product, ask “permissio” (permission to touch) before you pick up , and a sweet”Grazie” (Thank You) when you finish your purchase. When shopping please do not touch the produce, squeeze the melons, etc-Point to what you want and the attendant will take care of you. BE CAREFUL-if you point and they bag it you have bought it! ha Sometimes you will be lucky and they will offer you a sample of the plump olives, or small slice of cheese. The service and displays are lovely. There are so many items to choose from…I wish I could bring one of the ladies home to show me how to prepare the mushrooms, vegetable roots, etc etc….
Some sweet flowers to pot!
I would like a basket filled with these.
Oh these baskets would do just fine!
or one of these terra cotta pots!
All the ingredients for a lovely pasta sauce!
or some fresh greens…
Don’t forget the garlic.
Dried mushrooms would be tasty with my sauce…
These guys will share a sample!
I could serve my meal on this lovely platter!
This man’s produce stand was lovely! I think I’ll have some for dessert…
Take time to visit the markets whenever you visit Italy!
