Hello. My name is Mary Katherine. I'm American. I'm in immersion in Provence with Virginie In Provence for a month. I chose the month of January to allow me to enjoy Provence at a time when there are fewer people. I don't regret my choice. It's easier for me to chat with the vendors and waiters, for example. This is my first immersion, and I must say that I'm very happy I took the plunge. My immersion completely meets my expectations, and I'm thrilled to learn and discover so many things every day. Today, I want to tell you about my excursion to the Rousset market.
1. Breakfast in front of the Rousset market in Provence
Virginie and I left the house at 9:00 AM and headed to Rousset. We stopped at a small restaurant/bar located in front of the market. Virginie went to the nearby bakery to buy pastries. During her absence, I had a brief conversation with a man who had traveled extensively. He spoke English well, but we conversed in French. I felt good being able to talk with him. For breakfast, Virginie and I had our usual coffee and tea. Virginie had a chocolate croissant and also ordered an apple pastrycalled “chausson aux pommes”. It was very good! I had my favorite pastry, a croissant.
2. Encounters and discussions with the vendors at the Rousset market in Provence
a. The olive seller at the Rousset market in Provence
After breakfast, we went to the market. I wondered if the olive seller from the first week was there today, and she was! She remembered me and my confusion with the words "baiser" and "bisous." Indeed, the previous week, I wanted to say "goodbye" to her. For that, I wanted to say "Bisous" ("Kiss" in English), but I accidentally said "Baiser" (a crude word in English). The word "un baiser" is a noun when preceded by an article. It is used with a verb like "donner un baiser," which means to kiss someone. On the other hand, "baiser" without an article is a verb and literally means to have sexual intercourse with someone in a very crude manner. It's still a funny story, isn't it?
There's something about her that I like! Marie has the face of someone who has had a tough life, but she has a sense of humor and is super friendly. She asked me when I was going back to California, and I asked her about the olive business. She said it wasn't going well. That's why I bought some bread from her. Yes, she also sells organic bread. Virginie asked her name, and she said her name is Marie. Talking to her was the highlight of my day.
b. The fishmonger at the Rousset market in Provence
Virginie bought salmon from the fishmonger. I wonder what his name is. I think it's Éric. He and Virginie had fun when he teased her about making dried fish for her children and the possibility that they might not like the meal. He's my second favorite vendor. By the way, the salmon was delicious!
3. Discovering the mill next to the Rousset market in Provence
After the market, we had about 20 minutes left before we had to pick up Léo from school, just enough time to visit the mill. It's perched on top of a hill, and from there, you have a magnificent view of the valley below. On the left, you can see fields, and in the center, you can see many industries.
4. My perspective on discovering the Rousset market in Provence
I find it interesting how much I enjoy doing ordinary things, like going to the market and shopping, as much as visiting famous places like Grasse or Cassis. Both give me plenty of opportunities to speak French, and doing everyday tasks helps me better understand what it's like to live in Provence.
It was another great day!
If you are coming for an immersion stay in Provence, I really invite you to contact Virginie in Provence. She will be happy to make you discover the different aspects of Provence: landscapes and scents, but also culture, gastronomy... while helping you to improve your French.