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Showing posts from March, 2011

Marché On!

Having arrived back in Montpellier on Thursday March 17th, St Patrick's Day, we were well rested and in fine walking form by Saturday to head to the weekly market (marche) under the Arceaux. "Les Arceaux" is an 18th century aqueduct built to carry water from a nearby spring to the city. Every Saturday, local farmers and producers set up their stalls under these grand arches and provide the residents of Montpellier with the freshest, most flavourful products available in the region. Although the "hypermarche" has become a popular shopping venue here, it is still very easy to purchase fresh, flavourful local produce on a daily basis. "Asperges" (asparagus) and garriguettes (strawberries) were the main attraction for the shoppers on this particular Saturday, as they are the first regional crops of the spring. The vibrant colours, the enticing aromas and the lively sounds seduce both the seasoned, long time residents as well as the transplanted "et...

Colours of Spring

After a few days without the steady rains that have been persistant this winter, and with the sun shining, the walking shoes were summoned up from the back of the closet this afternoon. Signs of spring are visible everywhere. A little bit of colour is making it's way through the debris of last autumns fallen leaves and brightening the landscape in the form of irises, daffodils, tulips, etc.