We decided to visit the “farmers market” in Nevşehir, Cappadocia. This was a really large market. Usually the market is one long aisle, here it was at least 5×5 aisles, coverering a small city block. Farmers markets are called Pazar in Turkish. More and more Turks seek out organic and sustainably farmed foods for the sake of their family’s health and the health of the planet. Farmers markets in Cappadocia include: Saturdays in Ürgüp, Sundays and Mondays in Nevşehir, Wednesdays in Göreme, Fridays in Avanos. The term “farmers market” in Turkey assumes a new level of interest, with live chicks, goslings and rabbits in addition to spices and exotic fruits and vegetables. Street markets in Turkey are one of the greatest pleasures and attractions for locals and for tourists, with their bright colors and delicious mingled scents. The herb and spices stalls always attract me by the wonderful glowing rich colors of paprika, cumin, saffron, cloves, mustard seeds, fenugreek, cardamom and ginger and their heady, enticing fragrances. Strings of dried vegetables and innumerable fresh fruits and vegetables are on artistic displays.
Birds and Blossoms at Bagatelle, Paris
It is the middle of winter here in Las Vegas and I found myself looking at pictures from last summer in Paris. The famous Bagatelle rose garden was in full bloom and the ducks, geese, swans and peacocks were having children. It was a magical time in a fantasy world. The thoughts of it make me happy that I was there and sad that I am not there now. I have some pictures and I thought I would share them here. I was so inspired by the lily pond, near the house, that I painted the moment in an expressionist style. I included the picture to show the contrast between what the camera saw and what I saw that day. I love to paint as a hobby and I hope you like the painting.