Le Dimanche. Sunday.

Today was pretty magical.
If it didn’t happen to me, then I probably wouldn’t believe that I stumbled into a GIANT market this Sunday morning. Madame told me about a few of the Sunday markets but, like with everything that the French say to me, I only hear bits and pieces so I didn’t remember the names. This morning I wanted to go exploring, however I forgot that the French actually shut down on Sunday. Nothing was open so instead I decided to go to Père La chaise cimetiere, until I realized that I was expected back only hours later for a late lunch with the Madame, Monsieur and their three children. I wasn’t disappointed, just confused when I asked her what time I should be back and she said any time in between 12h30 and 1h. I know enough to understand that the French DO NOT eat dinner that early, ever! Restaurants aren't even open until 7 and even then it is early! I apparently misunderstood her the other day when she asked me if I would like to join them. I assumed that she meant dinner because the French do everything later, however I was mistaken! Pas problem, but I had to change my plans for the next few hours. I got on the metro and I wasn’t sure exactly where I was going, since it was already 11h! I whimsically got off a few stops later when I saw people, which is strange for a Sunday (apparently). It only took me a few steps after exiting the metro before I thought that I was imagining things, and that I was Julia Child in Paris!
Talk about surreal.
Wow.
Les Legumes, les Fruits, les viandes, et les produits fraiches for miles, or meters.
I tried to discretely take some photos but I didn’t want to disturb the sacred rhythm of the sellers and buyers, as they exchanged Euros for soon-to-be delicious and home-cooked meals! J’adore le francais because they take pride in their food and they always have their own bags! It was kind of like a bunch of Hayley's running around and planning their weekly meals. Okay, well not exactly but the closest that I will ever come to such a moment! Ha ha.
There was all sorts of strange things that I had never seen before, along with wonderfully familiar items, bringing smiles to my face, like the American “brownies.” The only reason that I didn’t buy everything that I saw was because I only have 10 E and a 50 E, and one learns early on that the French NEVER have change. By never, I mean never, and by change, I mean that they absolutely never have ANY change. There is an expectations that you will magically have the exact amount in your wallet, otherwise you would not buy it. It is not worth upsetting the seller with a large bill! Seriously!
The irony is that ATM only distributes 50 Euros and larger bills, which are practically useless anywhere other than the Monoprix, and even there they will give dirty looks! So were does the cycle of riding of large bills begin and how do the French ALWAYS HAVE THE EXACT AMOUNT, I wonder? Well, I suppose it is one of the endless mysteries in Paris, which I have yet to understand!
I must say, though, that Europeans actually USE their coins because they have VALUE, unlike in American, which I programmed to forget! After awhile, you get used to it and you learn to live without the coffee if you don’t have the 1 E 10! Ca c’est la vie!
My single bills humbled me to some freshly baked bread, some arugula, two tomatoes, and some hummus, which were all reasonably priced! The fact that I had to speak in French for items that I didn’t even know what to call, lessened my spendings, as well. It was neat, though and I plan to go return next Sunday, but then again, there are so many markets in Paris, and maybe I will look for another! When I got back it was time for lunch and the day's festivities began, much to my surprise, which is a story for another entry! Later I will write about my lovely afternoon and evening, which concluded my magical Sunday!
Tomorrow is my oral placement exam, and it will take three metro transfers to get there! I basically practiced for it all day with their family, not like it will really help my pathetic French much, anyway. Wish me good luck and look for more soon, I promise!
Au revoir! =)