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| Friday Flea Market |
Judging by the amount of inventory at our local alimentari (convenience
store), and by the fact that at least two other markets closed in the past year,
I was happy to see that the Friday flea market was back, and as busy as ever.
There were still deals to be made, and people can purchase anything from
batteries to dishes to bathing suits to stockings. If you want it, you can
generally find it there.
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| The olive guys |
Along with the flea market also comes the
expanded farmer’s market. Once a week, the farmer’s market transforms from
seven farmers selling their raccolta (harvested food), to a bustling center of edible
commerce. Mobile supermarkets open up, as does a salumeria (lunch meat vendor)
on wheels. The various cheese and olive makers also come out to the obvious
delight of the townspeople who flock there each week hoping for fresh
mozzarella di bufala (buffalo milk mozzarella) and green olives. Today, I got
both, and the olive guys invited me to head to their hometown in August for a
party at the town’s castle with free food and wine. Then, they asked me to help
introduce get their products introduced to American markets. They actually
mentioned Whole Foods.
