My Last Market …
… in 2011!
My last market in 2011 takes place in Kleinbasel on Saturday, December 17, 2011 and goes by the lovely name of Zimtmarkt (Cinnamon Market), organised by the very competent and friendly members of Matthäusverein.
A lot of preparation work goes into it, we want it to be the mother of all markets : we will additionally offer mulled wine and gingerbread men, stars and hearts.
The weather forecast looks foreboding: storms with heavy gusts of wind are brewing in our region, even snow is in the air.
Oh dear, do I really want to do that?
Can you imagine tending an outdoor market with wind blowing your lovingly arranged products away and rain or snow wetly greeting them, the cold and moisture seeping into your bones? And this for a solid 7 (seven) hours not counting putting up and dismantling everything.
No, neither can I, we are lucky – dry all day, even some tentative, shy sunrays come forward.
The mulled wine proves to be an asset, not in sales figures but as a welcome warming drink for friends, helpers and neighbours.
It is a long day and when we are finally home, minus one trolley and one cash box, both ruined beyond repair, it is with a feeling of deep satisfaction toasting markets begone and markets to come with a lovely glass of red wine.
A market is like a microscosm of real life, think of a market as a place of exchange not only between buyers and sellers, but a place of communication between people, where you will meet new people, see old friends again, get to learn about new cultures discovering new foods,or – more literary – of Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray.
The world is my market.
We will be back and I use this opportunity to thank you all for your caring support, your kindness, your sense of humour, your being here at the right moment in the right place.
Stay well and enjoy some long walks out in the cold. This is what I will do now.
And add some sweetness to your life!
Comments 13
Ah, the ol’ Mathew Club, huh? Is the 2 degrees, like 2 degrees above freezing? Yikes, I would have been into several bottles of wine. Finally, is that oranges under the gingerbread man? If they are Florida oranges, maybe they were one of my neighbors………:).
I love markets but do not get to experience them enough where I am; there is a certain allure to the European markets for me. Maybe I’ll get to visit ‘your’ market one of these days………:).
Yes, we are wrapping up the year and 2012 holds plenty of opportunity; let’s take advantage of it, ok?
The world truly is our market, especially in social.
Take care and see you soon.
@bdorman264 They sure knew what they were doing! And yes, it is 2° C, just above freezing, preparing mulled wine at 7.30 am cured me of all desire to imbibe some.
Maybe you could ask your neighbour whether he ships organic oranges to Basel?;-) I think they came from Italy, we think organic all the way!
In a way, yes wrapping up (presents too) but I hate the concept of a cut, I go more with Claudia (hi, my dear) that life / business / pleasure is an ongoing process, 2012 holds many opportunities and I really look forward to meeting all these challenges!
Yes, you read between the lines, that’s exactly what I meant! Love you!
Have a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends, see you soon around these or other premises! BTW, toe in the sand – mhhh, would not mind it now!
So glad you got lucky with the weather there, Barbara! =) Hope you enjoyed an absolutely beautiful Christmas. =) Gingerbread hugs! =)
@Samantha Bangayan Spicy, sweet and sticky hugs right back! Yes, indeed lucky, this is what I love about blogging, it makes me aware of so many beautiful things. Are you having a good time in Vancouver?
I am happy the days are longer and the nights shorter, winter is not for me!
@Late_Bloomers I am absolutely loving being here at home! Thanks for asking, Barbara! =) I’m surprised about how easily I’ve been able to adjust to the variety of places I go to. =)
The transition has been to shorter days for me here, but I’m still loving it. =) Glad spring is just around the corner for you! =)
@Samantha Bangayan I am happy for you, my world traveller. Sometimes coming back can be quite a rollercoaster ride!
That Gingerbread cookie is calling my name- have a bad sweettooth. 🙂
@TheJackB You know how much that cookie weighs? 2 pounds! Unfortunately, it lost its head in the meantime, so there will be no photo session with the gingerbread man sightseeing. Send me your postal address and a friend will shortly knock on your door!
Im so glad some rays of sunshine snuck through on your last market day for 2011!
@JanineRipper Nothing compared to your Australian summer, Janine! But it really made all the difference!
What’s for dinner tonight?
I thought the contrast was so interesting….I felt so cold and frozen just looking at that weather box reading 2degrees, but then suddenly felt warmed up and cozy when I saw the pictures of your market! That’s just amazing! I hope you had a wonderful time and great sales Barbara! Enjoy your holidays *HUGS*
@jpage.manuel You are so right, Joy, I never thought about it! Thanks for making me aware of it, the iPhone screenshot all in black and grey and then the colourful market display. It was indeed a good market, I love the atmosphere at Matthäusplatz, it is very special, and the sales were great! I am glad and grateful to have some “quiet” time to recharge my batteries.
Warm hugs
My mom love to spent her free time in market, I thought It seem’s to be bore dome but as I saw this post “It’s Not”.