Message from Milan: Market Day

Today was a day of accomplishment! Brock and I have been going to a Market a few Metro stops from our house. It has been so neat to see all the different vendors and be surrounded in the true culture of Milan. So many people come here every Tuesday and Saturday and we have truly enjoyed being a part of the scene and watching the conversations and transactions take place.

You can buy practically anything at the Market. There are blocks and blocks of tents and eager Salesmen ready to sell you their products. As you walk, you notice the purses hanging, the clothing, and of course, tent after tent filled with shoes. There are personal products, house cleaning supplies, and baby clothes. The prices are great and the quality isn’t too bad either. If you’re lucky, some days you can find unique, “one of a kind” pieces of art and handmade jewelry and handbags.

Our favorite block of the market is the “Farmer’s Market” and Deli Street. Every time we go Brock and I “oooooo” and “ahhhhh” over the lush looking vegetables, fruits, cheeses, and meats. And every time Brock and I always say, “We should get some of those oranges!” “Look at those strawberries!” “Ohhhh I would love those olives!” “Holy cow! Look at the size of those loaves of bread!” I bet you get the picture. But every time we go, we are reminded we don’t speak, read, or understand Italian! We have no idea how to request an amount of anything because we can’t read the sign and we are never exactly sure how much it costs because… we can’t read the sign.

We inevitably, always, at the same time, every week, we get overwhelmed! All we hear is “Signorina…Signorina!” which means Miss, Miss; followed by something else (which I can’t understand) and lots of yelling, which we think is them yelling the prices (which, if we understand the number, we don’t understand for what!?).
But today was different. Today we made a commitment to ourselves and the fine vendors at the Market that we were going to push through, tough it up, and make a purchase! We brought our, Say It Right in Italian book, and we were not leaving without some goods! I’m not going to say it was easy, but after our first:
“Parla inglese?” (Do you speak English?)
“Parlo poco Italiano.” (I speak a little Italian.)
“Quanto costa?” (How much does this cost?)
We bought some strawberries! And then some bananas and oranges! Brock wanted some potatoes so I said it was all on him…and he did it! Then he was feeling brave and he bought some fresh broccoli!

Although our accomplishment today was small, our dinner tonight was different than any other night and most importantly it was fresh because of it! Our small success also contributed to some much need confidence. The vendors were great and really tried to help us. Most of them didn’t speak any English and they seemed confused at our requests or attempts at their language, but we left with our goods! Now, I can’t wait until Saturday’s Market to get more fresh food!


Brock thinks the picture with me and shoes is funny..."what a girls dream..." I'm still wearing my comfy tennis shoes though ;]