Grocery shopping in France is so civilized. Because we must walk everywhere, we visit La Halles market every day for whatever we'll eat that day. It is only one block from our home and fronts a lively plaza that's full of people, no matter the hour. When do the French work? Seems they are always having coffee, having fun...and we are happy to join in.
This is my favorite stand within La Halles, as the fruits we purchase always get packed in cute little paper bags with pretty graphics. Makes for excellent collage material.
Celie is rather disturbed by the meats, particularly the large beefy pig bodies that hang from hooks, hooves and all. "I am So. Grossed. Out." she says, once again reiterating her commitment to vegetarianism. Fionn, as is his tendency, agrees with his big sister. "Beans, foevah, Mommy."
But of course the best part of our market is the pastry and coffee shop. Josef, our new friend who works there, already knows our favorites and treats us like regulars. "Cafe creme, deux l'eaux, et trois croissants?" he asks, knowing we will all say, "Oui! Merci!" in our best French accents which still sound awfully Kentucky. And Celie is delighted that he always brings her water in a wine glass, just like all the ladies in the square.
