The group had five hours of class so I had some free time. During the free time I wasn’t feeling all that ambitious – what with a combination of this darn cold and the jet lag. I was content just to wander Montpellier visiting some of the sites, relaxing in a tree canopied cafe, popping into interesting looking shops . . . just going with the flow.
There was a small market today and I have never been able to resist the call of a market in Europe! I’m always interested both in what is for sale as well as what people are buying. This market had the usual mix of fruit and veg, clothing, shoes, linens, bags, cheese, herbs, olives, dried fruits, spices, and meat. A bit of everything!
It’s funny how unihibited people can be in Europe – one older woman wanted to try a blouse on so she just stripped down to her bra and pulled the blouse on. No one looked, batted an eye, took a photo to tweet, nor called the cops. I can’t imagine that happening back home!
Mind you, she had likely been at the beach the day before exposing a whole lot more . . .
The fresh fruit and vegetables available looked amazing . . .
Of course, when I see something like this I want to buy them and head for a kitchen. Impossible in a hotel. SIGH
There was a bread and pastry guy selling wonderful looking things made with organic flour. Conscious of my quest to find the perfect croissant while in France I bought one for research purposes. I think I found what may be the best croissant I have ever eaten. It was brilliant! Crisp, buttery, flakey, airy . . .MMMM
The main square was busy today – I decided that the section which was full of trees looked more inviting that the section that was open to the sun. Il fait très chaud aujourd’hui et il avait l’air plus frais sous les arbres. Likely it was all in my head but perception is everything n’est pas?
Imagine my surprise when I noticed a group who appeared to be living in the trees! One of the market vendors wandered by with a cart of drinks, when he was under the tree houses an order was called out to him, he called back the cost, money was dropped down, followed by a basket in which he placed the order. The tree house version of the drive through.
As I headed back to the hotel I noticed this young one enjoying the fountain.
I have to tell you – it was all I could not to hop in the fountain myself!!!