Market Day Vaison la Romaine

In the lower town, the weekly Tuesday market takes shape in its web of streets despite the overcast drizzle. A coil of aromas turns my head in different directions to better advantage: whiffs of fish fill the air, delicious perfumes intermingle with baked bread and pastries, the sounds of conversation and money exchange jingle in harmony. Near the fruit and vegetable sections, I spy carrots the size a little girl’s arm, mounds of billowy white-green curly lettuce, military green curvaceous bell peppers tumble in confused pleasure, fire engine red strawberries and apples, brilliant yellow bananas lined up in neat rows tout their exploding colors as if bounding from an artist’s palette. Further along, a massive pan of paella simmers with its glistening delights of inky black mussels, red peppers, befuddled shrimp, golden yellow colored rice, green beans, and other delights joining in flavor satisfaction while its owner gathers up a scoopful destined for a hungry tummy. Rods of clothes, purses, baskets, flowers, fragrances and soaps, and a multitude of variety items combine with a plethora of people who jostle amongst the interchange.