Thursday is market day here in Granollers and I went to meet a friend for coffee and then to buy some fruit and vegetables for the week. I have always found it a rather stressful experience going alone – the pressure to speak well in front of a queue of onlookers, not knowing all the names of the vegetables, not really having a good grip on grams and kilos (still? I know we use them now in the UK but I continue to think in pounds and ounces)In my imagination it is an enjoyable experience – all the colours and sounds and smells of the market and the excitement of choosing from such an abundance of choice. But if I am truthful I have always felt a bit shy in French and Catalan markets and spend a long time choosing which stall to use on the basis of whether the stallholder looks friendly rather than on the quality of the produce. And as I don’t like an audience I often chose one which is quiet – and shouldn’t I be doing the opposite?
But…two weeks ago my experience changed. Perhaps with greater confidence in my powers of speech I took my time chosing a stall with the freshest salads and the greatest variety of potatoes. I was relaxed, I chatted, I took my time like all the other people who don’t hurry this important moment of buying food. I enjoyed the experience.
And yesterday when I went with my friend I had an extra game to play – I had learnt as many words in Catalan as I could stuff into my already very full brain and I ordered everything (well almost everything) in Catalan…..with the help of the very friendly stall holder. Here are some of the words with their castellano equivalents – Eng/Cat/Cast.
Courgette – Carbassó – Calabacin
Onion – Ceba – Cebolla
Potato – Patata – Patata
Pepper – Pebrot – Pimiento
Cherry – Cirera – Cereza
Banana – Platan – Platano
Strawberry – Maduixa – Fresa
Apricot Albercoc – Albaricoque
Peach – Préssec – Melocotón
Onion – Ceba – Cebolla
Potato – Patata – Patata
Pepper – Pebrot – Pimiento
Cherry – Cirera – Cereza
Banana – Platan – Platano
Strawberry – Maduixa – Fresa
Apricot Albercoc – Albaricoque
Peach – Préssec – Melocotón
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Hi Kate,
I am an American women about to move my family (husband and 2 kids) to Barcelona with my job. I´m taking a minimum 2 year assignment. I really appreciate how you describe living in a new place where everything is so unfamiliar. I am actually in Barcelona right now for a few days and already know how this feels! I too am not yet fluent – or even conversational at all – in Spanish or Catalan. Most of the time people are very forgiving though. I´ll keep an eye on your blog in the next few months. Good job!
Hi Anon
You didn’t leave your email so I am replying here and hope you see it! thanks so much for writing and I’m glad you are enjoying the blog. Welcome to Barcelona – I’m sure you’ll all have a great time and do get in touch if you want to ask anything. I was in Barcelona until Jan this year – and have visited for several years. Now here in a more CAtalan speaking town I have to learn both languages and am glad of the opportunity just wish I had a younger brain! All best wishes
Besos i Petons!
Hi Kate,
Oh boy I’m jealous of your market – Truro Farmers’ market is great, but just look at the wonderful pics of the fruit and veg in yours! When I moved to France in my early twenties I had exactly the same experience, pining for all the good food but nervous of the whole situation. I bet your local Catalans are a little more indulgent than most Parisians, though. So glad the Catalan is progressing, you’re doing an amazing job. Respect!
xxx Kim
Good for you for taking on both Catalan and Castellano! I am finally gaining some confidence in the markets and with the neighbours, but I only speak Castellano. I am a Canadian in Algeciras. Our market isn’t quite as beautiful. Thanks for your blog!
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