Cold Weather Markets

Photo taken in February 2012 in Strasbourg, France.
Looking at the photo of this vendor reminds me just how cold that day was.

There is an outdoor market every Wednesday and Friday at the Place Broglie in Strasbourg.  The plaza is fairly wide, very long, and right along the subway line.  The markets happen eleven months out of the year.  During December the regular vendors have to relocate so the Christmas markets can take place. Place Broglie is a happening plaza at least two days a week, regardless of weather.

Most months the area is filled with booths containing flowers, fruit, vegetables, fresh fish, eggs, bread, and many other culinary treats.  But in the coldest months, only the bravest (or most desperate) vendors participate.  During the winter the offerings lean towards non-perishables like sewing notations, hats, boots, scarves, and clothing.

I took the pictures seen here on a very blustery day in February of 2012.  The sellers were dressed like Eskimos.  I hope that they were able to make a few euros to compensate them for their discomfort from the cold.  I was glad that I didn't have to stick around too long before heading home to a warm apartment.

Photo taken in February 2012 in Strasbourg, France.
My mom would have enjoyed seeing the choices of ribbon and thread.

Photo taken in February 2012 in Strasbourg, France.
I realize that the French national colors are red, white, and blue
but it pleased me to see the red, white, and blue striped ribbon.
Then it reminded me of America.  Now it reminds me of both America and France.

Photo taken in February 2012 in Strasbourg, France.
The dress vendors were ready just in case anyone was looking for
a sleeveless dress to wear in June.  I loved the bold colors of the clothes
sold in the open air markets.  They were completely different than ones
sold in stores.

Photo taken in February 2012 in Strasbourg, France.
With such cold weather and low prices,
I am sure that several of these warm hats were sold that day.

La Photo du Jour: Hats for Sale

Photo taken in Strasbourg, France in January 2012.
During dry weather, this hat store displayed some of their wares on outdoor racks.

I love the look of a hat... on someone else, that is.  Between my mass of unruly hair and the necessity that I wear glasses, I have always felt that a hat is just too much for me to pull off fashionably.  I am thankful that many French people don't share my timidity for wearing les chapeaux.  Not only could I live vicariously through others sporting their jaunty headgear, I could also window shop to my heart's content at Strasbourg's many hat stores.

La Photo du Jour: Orchids and Lace

Photo taken in February 2012 in Strasbourg, France.
These orchids sat in a restaurant window on the rue des Tonneliers.  

May beauty and love be yours this Valentine's Day. 

La Photo du Jour: A Stroll with a Friend

Photo taken on February 23, 2012 in Strasbourg, France. 

Seeing these two ladies strolling arm in arm through Place Broglie made me smile.  Apparently a chilly winter's day couldn't come between them and their chance to chat together.  There is hardly anything better than sharing time in life with a friend.

Les Photos du Jour: Feeding the Birds

Photo taken in January 2011 in Strasbourg, France.

 I took these photos on a somewhat warm, overcast day in January 2011.  A young girl had brought a plastic bag filled with bread to give to the birds, a common past time in Strasbourg.  The man accompanying the girl held her bike upright as she flung the snacks to the water fowl.  What the seagulls didn't catch out of the air, the swans gobbled up in the water.

Photo taken in January 2011 in Strasbourg, France.

Christmas Day

These figurines are part of an extensive manger scene set up in the
Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg.
Photo taken in Strasbourg, France in December 2011

May you and your loved ones have a blessed day of joy and peace.  

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Eve

Photo taken in Strasbourg, France in December 2011

Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the year.  No other day holds as much anticipation of wonder, love, hope and joy.  It is a time of magical possibilities.