The last Saturday of every month I take a trip.
The road twists and turns through the country side.
The horizon is open and wide.
Expansive sky above,
mountains in the distance,
almond trees on my right,
olive trees on my left,
and an occasional canyon gorge gaping below.
I reach a minuscule intersection.
“Cariatiz”, the tiny sign reads.
I turn right.
When I reach the end of the end of a dirt road,
I know I have arrived.
Magic.
No other word fits.
My mother calls it a fairy tale.
Welcome to
the farmer’s market
in
Cariatiz, southern Spain.
And here’s someone ready to eat one of the organically grown mandarins.
Love how her sweater matches the lemons on the table behind her. 🙂
After buying some yummy, beautiful veggies, I go for a stroll.
Here are some wonderful details that catch my eye
while walking around the old farmhouse property:
You may not know this, but old farmhouses are FREEEEEZING in the winter,
even if it is southern Spain!
It may be 75ºF or more (above 20ºC) outside
but indoors it is closer to 50ªF ( 10º C) during December – March.
I am NOT kidding!
So how do we keep warm?
A big chimney and a good roaring fire is the answer.
The photo below shows stacks of olive wood, the firewood of choice around here.
Let’s venture indoors now.
Half of the old farmhouse has been converted into an art gallery.
Come with me and I’ll give you a tour.
Today’s exhibit shows work by Pedro Soler,
an artist who was born in the neighboring town of Sorbas.
This is a hat.
Don’t confuse it with a painting!
As an admirer of artisan made things, this is a fine example of a hand woven farmer’s hat,
made back in the days when big box stores didn’t exist.
I love how it decorates the wall in the staircase.
Cozy corners abound.
Ok, now that we’ve seen the paintings, it’s time to get back to the market area and see what’s up.
Oh, it’s music and dance time!
This little cutie was dancing up a storm during the show. 🙂
*****************
A million thanks to Frederique and Thomas, the owners of the farmhouse/gallery,
who organize such an awesome market every month.
***********
It’s lunch time and I am starving.
Time to go home!
Fortunately, I bought some locally produced olive oil today at the market.
And home made cured olives!
And the bread, ahhhhhh, the bread!!!!!!
Made with sourdough starter, organic sbelt wheat flour,
and baked in a fire burning clay oven,
I have no words to describe the taste.
Too bad I can’t invite you for a slice….
I guess the best you can do is look at the picture and salivate.
¡Qué aproveche!
(That’s how the Spanish say “bon apetit”.)
Did you enjoy the market with me?
Yes or no?
TELL me in the comments below!
