Saturday, March 17, 2007

Saturday Morning Market


How I love Saturday Mornings in St. A's. This morning I woke up before my alarm and decided that while I had an hour to spare before breakfast was served I would go out for a stroll. I have a regular walk I take, which goes along the coast and through the town. No one was up yet, and it was my favorite kind of morning, overcast and blistery (very Gothic drama). On my way back through town I stumbled upon a 'Continental market'. Normally, on Saturday mornings St. A's has a farmer's market where you can buy everything from minced pies to grilled fish. The 'Continental' Market is all foreign vendors. I was the only customer up for the opening minutes of the fair. I walked past stalls filled with cheese, almond horns, freshly made crepes, dyed flowers, as the vendors gossips among themselves in French and German. I didn't buy anything, I just walked past and enjoyed. Something I'm trying to learn is how to enjoy beauty without necessarily indulging. Looking at the fluffy rows of bread without having to eat it, or enjoying a bouquet without needing it in my possession. Although nothing is wrong with eating scrumptious food or filling a home with flowers as these are wonderful things, but I'm trying to learn how to savor without necessarily possessing to thus enjoy life all the more!

This morning was supposed to be my study morning, but Saturdays are filled with distractions. I did spend a hour or two reviewing in a funky little coffee spot called Taste, but then felt the urge to walk about town a little more. I absolutely love exploring town, even when I know it inside and out. I went to the library to pick up some more Frenchie music to inspire my for my trip (Django Reinhardt), and then saw a sign for an antique fair at town hall!!

(To the left are antique hand painted tiles. Some day I will decorate my kitchen in those things. Preferably Dutch, blue and white...they are the best!)


Now, you may or may not know me all that well, but it probably wouldn't be hard to imagine me as the antique fanatic that I am.
I don't know that much about antiques but there are certain things I always love to look at. I've been collecting mismatch silverware ( I love the image of setting a table with all different designs and patterns), so I studied all the different designs and pieces; simple sugar tongs, delicate butter knives, collectible tea spoons. Since I've been here I've also been keeping my eye out for toast racks.
Such a funny morning but what a joy! I love exploring this amazing town, and the pleasure is doubled when I have the opportunity to treasure hunt!

1 comment:

idlerider said...

Being the marketing manager for The Continental Market, I'm delighted that you enjoyed our St Andrews event. Our traders were charmed by the town and the friendly response of the people and we hope to return there soon.