When I was young it was not a question of where to shop, rather then what to shop. My mother used to wait for hours in front of a shop hoping she would be able to buy some meat, vegetables or fruit...to this day I have no idea how she was able cater for her family. After the Velvet revolution in 1989 times changed - the variety of groceries was wider - just imagine : more then one yoghurt brand!!!! Supermarkets and malls were built with the speed of light - and we loved it! It was almost an national sport - to go to a mall and shop...oh well. This fashion lasted a couple of years. Today, I hate malls and supermarkets and my favorite place to shop is our farmers market. This indeed is a young element in our lives - commies would never allow such thing and somehow in the early stages of our capitalism there was no place for them. But since about two years this has changed and farmers markets are a very welcome way of shopping. It has become a part of our weekend routine.

Oh you've got me excited with this set Marie! The "Farmers Market" is the best place to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables next to your own home grown of course. It is not only for the shopping but also for meeting firends and socializing, as well as with the merchants. It's the oldest form of marketing and is much more personal than a supermarket. The sights and sounds mixed with all those delightful aromas........well you know Our motto here in Ontario is buy local! We have licence plate holders that say: Did you eat today? Thank a Farmer! Will we be seeing some of your Masterpieces? ArtBee · 2011-10-15: 12:56

Oh what a fabulous scene you have captured for us on PB. It looks kllike an exciting and warm place to shop. We have many markets like this around our area!!! They are very popular! I must say you have lots of interesting goods in yours! The bread and pasta looks delish! Oh, by the way, what is the gentleman in #5 looking at ???? Hahahaha danrav · 2011-10-15: 13:33

Really interesting, colourful, busy Great angles, textures Nice street portraits Great expressions A lot of veggies and fruits Thanks so much Eiram helys · 2011-10-15: 13:34

Looks like so much fun to snoop around at this farmers market...!!! I am sure I would come home with a lot of fresh vegetables..mmmmm ;)) nynkeb · 2011-10-15: 15:55

In more ways than one, it sure is nice to return to the way we always used to do things: farmers' markets, and who knows, we might even write letters and be patient for answers again. Nice post, Marie. I enjoy farmers' markets even if the prices are a bit higher for us here. Who cares: there's just something about this way of doing things. Glad they've returned to Czech Republic, as before the "Commie Days". lookwhatisaw · 2011-10-15: 16:28

I like farmer's market; but i never managed to take good pictures of them. this set is successful. benjamww · 2011-10-15: 16:51

Excellent shots !! finbarr · 2011-10-15: 17:41

That is what we are doing here as well, you really catch the mood of such markets GKorts · 2011-10-16: 01:37

Marie, The open air farmer's markets are the place to be in fall. The bread looks so good! Nice set of pictures. BeatleGreg · 2011-10-16: 14:01

... in that case, I'll take three farmers please! ;-) Jarvo · 2011-10-16: 15:42

Great set Marie! I almost can feel the place. ricardomartinez · 2011-10-16: 18:25

Great set, i'ts very interesting! LisaMarieGeorge · 2011-10-16: 20:37

such yummy and interesting photos! KatysPassionata · 2011-10-16: 22:07

wonderful set! i like markets! tomie · 2011-10-17: 05:23

Great set Marie. We love our farmer's stands around here also! honzicek · 2011-10-17: 22:48

What a wonderful variety of produce. I found your background description fascinating too. We have more farmers markets here now too - I guess people like the fact that they can buy straight from the farmers rather than putting money into the pockets of the large surpermarkets. girafferacing · 2011-10-18: 11:48

I love those markets, a great set and these new apples are filling my room with a delicious smell. I bet you did already some apple pies!! :) Unchained · 2011-10-22: 04:34