The first time I went to Burghausen's Weekly Open Air Market, it was single digits and my camera froze shortly after arriving; but not before I captured a few of the sights--
I'm not sure if it's an octopus or a squid (I'm thinking the former), but does it really matter?? Just look at those suckers--I kept a friendly distance just in case there was any life left in him!
Root veggies are all the rage during the coldest of months. See those white carrots above? I don't think they're carrots at all but I can't remember their name, and even if I could remember the name, I sure couldn't spell it.
A pumpkin by any other name is apparently kürbis muskat. See? Knowing the German name doesn't necessarily help you; in fact, "muskat" sounds waaaay too much like "muskrat" which means I'm probably not gonna buy it...in case the pumpkin is a rodent in disguise.
This is the most popular vendor at the market; no wonder he's smiling. The line grows long and he typically sells out of the BEST ROTISSERIE CHICKEN & SCHWEINSHAXE IN THE WORLD. Plus, he sells perfectly-sizzled, intoxicatingly-scented and generously-salted pommes frittes. Oh, what's Schweinshaxe? you ask? Pork knuckle, I answer. He recognizes us Americans now and he often makes small talk. Considering I know 47 German words and he knows about the same English, the talk is small indeed.
Not to worry; this isn't sliced tiger. At least I don't think it is.
True story: at the deli counter at my favorite grocery store ~ Edekya ~ I asked for cheddar cheese; the deli clerk crinkled up her nose and asked my German friend Vanessa, "Why would anyone want to buy cheddar cheese when you have so many other wonderful options?" So I never asked again. But here at my favorite cheese vendor at Burghausen Market I buy English cheddar. It's yummier than its American cousin and he never crinkles his nose when I ask.
As the temperatures have warmed, the number of vendors ~ and shoppers ~ have increased. I'm eager to walk through the market each Thursday to mine treasures and people watch. Colorful baskets loop through each shoppers arm and I'm having a hard time resisting the urge to collect baskets I don't need!
Won't you join me as we stroll through the market? I'll let the rest of the pictures do the talking but please feel free to ask questions in comments; if I don't know the answer I'll find out!
White carrots, purple carrots...what happened to boring ol' orange carrots?
Ummm...that's a rabbit....
Ahem...apparently you can buy just about ANYTHING at Burghausen's market. Might I add there are no dressing rooms?
He wasn't for sale but I might've wanted him most of all.
More to come!
