Mercat del Lleo

My daily shop is not at a typical "American" grocery store.

Instead, I spend my mornings at Mercat del Lleo.

It might be one of my favorite places in Girona.

The market dates back to the 18th century, though the current structure was built in 1944.

It has been remodeled over the years to update refrigeration systems, loading docks, etc, but it is still in the same plaza.

I found an old photo from the 50's...don't sue me.

The market is a bustle of energy.

You definitely have your "vendors."

I have been going to the same chicken, fruit, meat, veggie, cheese, and spice people since 2012, so they know us pretty well.

Everyone was thrilled when Aurelia was born and now she is walking around.

Eston only goes on Saturdays, but they adore hearing him speak Catalan.

This morning I purchased some fish for our dinner this evening.

It is all about small change in the market.

They don't like breaking large bills-don't ask me why.

I am usually really prepared for this, but this morning I wasn't.

I had two options for the fish lady-- be two euro short, or she could break a larger bill.

"Pay me the two euro next time you come in," she said to me as she handed me my bag of fish.

Does your local grocery store do that for you?

We then headed over to the chicken lady.

She just returned from vacation (her stall was closed for two weeks) so I asked her about how her trip was as Aurelia was slowly putting eggs from the basket to our little egg holder.

There was a large line behind us, but nobody ever says anything or acts impatient here.

They simply wait for Aurelia to put a dozen eggs into our egg containers.

Of course, they coo and marvel over her each step of the way.

When you buy chicken in the USA it is washed and cut up and you purchase breasts or legs and move on your way.

Not so here.

Basically the refrigerated stall is full of whole chickens.

They come from a farm about 25 minutes from Girona and they are organic and free-range.

Of course, here they don't have all of those titles, it is just the way chicken is on this farm.

The chickens in the stall have been plucked, but there is an odd feather here and there.

You tell the chicken lady what you are making and which part of the chicken you require.

Nothing goes to waste as she prepares your order.

This morning I bought a whole chicken to roast for dinner tomorrow night, so she cut off the head and feet and wrapped the chicken up with some twine so I am all set to go tomorrow.

I know some people would find this gross, but I love that my children know the true source of our food.

Our next stop is the veggie lady and we selected the veggies we will need for the next two days.

Everything is ripe, so you really can't buy for more than two days at a time.

We buy so differently in the USA, but I have adjusted to the way of life here and I actually struggled when we visited the USA last summer.

The grocery store there overwhelmed me and nothing seemed fresh.

Anyway, outside the market are the smaller farms and locals.

They usually have just a few offerings--some fresh raw honey, or some lettuce from their small farm.

These small stalls come and go with the seasons, so your meals change with the seasons as well.

Fancy some asparagus tonight?

You are out of luck and should have bought some last month.

After the market we walk a few blocks to our bakery.

The woman there sees me everyday and knows what kind of bread we like.

Again, everything is made organically and the bread is only good for a day or two (no preservatives).

She sliced my sandwich bread and prepared the rolls Rory favors after a long ride as she chatted to me about what the kids are doing this summer.

Aurelia was not keen on being in the stroller, so she brought her a fresh croissant.

They make these teeny ones just for kids and Aurelia was silent and happy.

I love living life this way.

Granted, it is slower.

It takes me an hour or more to purchase food on a near daily basis.

However, it is a delightful hour.

I have the chance to practice some Spanish and Catalan.

Aurelia loves the hustle and bustle.

Eston only joins us on the weekends, but he looks forward to it.

I know people think they could never do this on a daily basis with their kids, but the kids here (mine included) just love the interaction with everyone.

At this point I am not sure I could re-adjust to the USA way of shopping.

I am not sure I really want to, either.