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!
I love your pictures Robin, especially the one of our cheese man. I went and saw him again today, and he knew exactly what I wanted and that I get it sliced!
You can get it SLICED??? Well, durn…I'll make sure to take advantage of that next time :). (BTW, I didn't call you for a date there this am because I went with Deede on our way to picnic with the high school girls she's been working with.
The “white carrots”… were they parsnips? They look like parsnips to me. 🙂 And I believe you’re right about that guy in the first pic– I counted 8 tentacles and I believe squid have 10. I LOVED living vicariously through your market pics. Thanks for so graciously taking us along with you on this journey! (p.s. My sister once asked the cheese man in Switzerland for Swiss cheese… which was far worse than requesting cheddar. ;))
Loved your stroll through the market!
I think the “white carrots” are parsnips, too. And I believe the “purple carrots” are some kind of radish, not carrots.
To shed some light on the pumpkin question: pumkin in German is just “Kürbis”. “Muskat” means “nutmeg” and just refers to this special type of pumpkin. The literal translation of Kürbis Muskat would be nutmeg pumpkin. Hope that helps. 🙂
I went to Germany the first time when I was 6…and {brace yourself} ate octopus! I think that trip is why I love to travel and see and taste what the world has to offer…and that HE is GOOD!
many blessings, dearest!
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Yup, they look like parsnips. White and purple carrots do exist though.