Moving away from mythology for a while now and looking at local happenings in Athens:
Referred to as ‘laiki,’ these weekly Farmer’s Markets come to a neighbourhood near you on a set day of the week. Mine comes on a Monday & sets up ready for about 8am, running to about 2 or 3pm (but I have seen them still taking down stalls at 5).
The first part of the market sells the fruit and vegetables, with the odd cheese and fish stall thrown in – wander further down and you’ll see on display clothes, shoes, textiles, perfumes and kitchen ware, plus any seasonal paraphernalia (plastic Christmas tree anyone?)
Many people prefer to buy their fruit and veg here as it offers more selection than the local supermarket – plus can be cheaper. For example, I needed just one onion and went to buy one from the ‘laiki,’ only to be given a withering look from the stall holder as if I had insulted him trying to offer him money! He bagged it up for me and waved me away.
You’ll often see people – young and old weaving through the stalls with their shopping trolleys, then all laden up, struggling onto the trolley to return home. As previously mentioned, markets are held in different neighbourhoods in Athens and bigger Greek cities throughout the week, so many people frequent these places every day of the week, some travelling quite far to do so.
So when you come here, do make sure you find out when your local Farmer’s Market is being held and pay it a visit, even just for a wander through to take in the sites, smells and trader’s shouts that will enthral you.
P.S. I’m off to Crete for 4 days tonight so will be blogging from there – have a great Easter everyone! Our Orthodox Easter isn’t until next week.
LOL, this certainly brings back memories of Athens to me ! The stall-holders always got a bit `pissed off` with me if I wanted one onion, three carrots & a few tomatoes, but, I didn`t own a fridge in 1982 & any more would be a waste ? So, as I sadly shook my head & walked away they would follow me & say “Have it”! I didn`t want it for free & then the `battle` began ? Cash & fruit/veg would fly back & forth until I usually walked away …. shaking my head in disbelief… with enough greengrocery to open up my own stall. OMG, I will NEVER understand the Greeks, but, I love `em !
Yes, I often get odd looks for just buying one onion, but then they INSIST on just giving it to me, like it’s an insult to take money for such a small amount – it’s lovely really.
Read my past post about the Post Office too – the Manager helped me pay for my stamps andelectricity bill (albeit a few cents, but still!)
There are many farmers’ markets around the Los Angeles area. I’ve stopped in at a couple but never shopped. I keep thinking that I should go back, but I never do. I know I’m missing out on some good eats that are also good for me.
Lee
A Few Words
An A to Z Co-host blog
I love Farmer’s Markets too. We have some great roadside stalls in our area in season(which is very short here).
I love to go to market in the city(St. John’s). The farmers are there with everything from fresh chicken and eggs to fruit and vegetables……that’s a joy!
Yep – I look forward to my weekly Farmer’s Market and seeing what produce is on offer, plus if I’m lucky, I get some small items for free! People really are very kind here.