... and the land of CHEESE

Walking out of the castle from our "chambre jeune", we crossed a bridge to the lower village (the "new town, even though it dates to the 1200s). We're looking for the twice-weekly market in the wonderful town square complete with a gorgeous stone fountain. Finding a local market is just the best: the fresh produce, the little old men shuffling with their wicker baskets. the women with their wheeled carriers, workers standing at the bars having their pastis even though it's only 11 am. A feast for the senses, and great photo opportunities.



But we actually wanted to buy food, and then it all becomes intimidating. What is the etiquette? Do I just pick out a couple of oranges or does the vendor do that? WIll I understand when he tells me how much it costs? Not likely. (That's why I have a pile of change in my wallet, if I give a large bill I never have to try and talk about the amount owed!)

We retreat to the bistro for a cafe creme at the bar with the workers (no stools, standing only) OK, here we go, I'll get some fruit. Whew! Got it without incident. Cheese next. The vendor had tried to give us samples earlier, but courage had failed us. Now we approached him, and tasted what he offered, Brebis, sheep milk cheese... fantastic! Dave engaged in conversation about how the cheese was made, how long it was aged, and asked to buy a piece. The fellow told us the cheese would last for 4 months, but don't wrap it in plastic, just paper. He wrapped it, weighed it, and we paid.

We strolled away, and then both stopped in our tracks. We did the arithmetic, and realized we had paid $20 for a one inch wedge of cheese! Twenty Bucks!! What did the guy feed his sheep, rose petals!
Immediately we headed to the discount grocer across the square and bought another very cheap "brebis" for $6, there was no way we were going to consume all $20 in one lunch, we needed a backup.
Back in our medieval tower room we unwrapped both cheeses and did the blind taste test. Thankfully it was no contest, the $20 stood head and sheep shoulders above. The cheaper Brebis is long gone, but the $20 version is still with us, nibbled little by very little. And it is very, very good.

KA


I can't tell the difference, can you tell the difference?