It's the last weekend in September, so time for the annual autumn street market. (We have two major market weekends here - spring and autumn.) The autumn weather just now is perfect for it, so I went for a stroll into town to have a look around, even though there was nothing special I wanted.
Basically there are, or used to be, three kinds of market stalls that I tend to feel drawn to at these events: Socks, handbags and postcards. (My camera is also drawn towards balloons! But I never actually buy any of those...)
There used to be a stall selling cheap postcards (plus some other "paper" stuff), always at the same corner of the square - but they haven't returned after the covid years, when the whole market was very much reduced. I guess the increase in postage has contributed to not many people being all that interested in buying and sending postcards any more. (Even I don't send very many now - and I still have a good supply left from earlier years.)
There were several stalls selling handbags, but I had sternly reminded myself before going out, that I'm not in need of any new bag at the moment. (On the contrary, I have a bag full of bags that should be handed in to a charity shop!!!)
My favourite sock stall was in the same place as usual - but I had also checked my supply of socks before going out, and realised that I also have a good supply of socks bought at previous markets, that should last me at least until next spring...
So I returned home without having spent any money at all. Moreover, when I checked my camera, I realised I had only taken two photos! The market was simply too crowded!
Linking to Weekend Street/Reflections
PS: Went back the next day, with my other camera. More photos in my next post.
Good to have a look around. I don't have a great deal of money to shop at markets but sometimes it's nice to see what's being sold.
ReplyDeleteAmy, as it's just a twice-a-year event, I do tend to go and have a look (at least if the weather is fine!) - even if I don't usually buy much...
DeleteThat sapphire blue sky is gorgeous and would be enough in itself to lure me out. We have not seen proper blue skies this week yet, but Sunday is possibly going to live up to its name.
ReplyDeleteJust to look around without actually buying anything can be just as much fun 😊
Meike, we've had a whole week of blue sky and sunshine combined with temperatures well below 20'C (in the shadow), so perfect for being out walking. I haven't got your stamina for really long walks and/or being on my feet for hours on end though... So haven't been going all that much farther from home than usual.
DeleteI really can't shop in a crowded place, markets are not a place I like to visit unless of course for blog fodder. lots of things to take pics of and you came away with 2, must have been ultra crowded..
ReplyDeleteSandra, I don't like shopping in crowded places either - and I don't think I ever bought any clothes (apart from socks!) at the markets, as I prefer to try things on to make sure they fit before I buy. - With the weather just right for that kind of event, it also was really crowded on this Friday afternoon. Not much elbow room to wave my camera (phone) about along the market streets without sticking it right up someone's face (which most people probably would not have appreciated!) Or else bump into someone because I was focusing on something further away... So after a while I gave up trying!
DeleteSometimes the best part of a street market stroll is soaking in the atmosphere without adding more socks, bags, or postcards to the collection.
ReplyDeleteRo, that was my conclusion as well! :)
DeleteI used to love exploring markets - Glasgow, for instance, had several. However I cannot even recall when I was last in one. I don't think that the two stalls in Stornoway centre really count as a 'market'.
ReplyDeleteGraham, just one or two stalls is the "usual" in the square in our city centre - while the annual spring and autumn markets fill not only the square but also the surrounding pedestrian streets.
DeleteIt was a lovely day for a street market. Such a lot of effort goes into setting up the stalls, so I hope they made some money. They wouldn't if I had gone - I'm a looker, not a buyer.
ReplyDeleteJanice, I went back again today, but only for photos - still didn't see anything I was tempted to buy. Lots of families there, though, and I imagine that parents (or grandparents!) with children don't get away with just looking!!
DeleteSo good to see Australia's Bluey there.
ReplyDeleteWell spotted, Jim. The character not familiar to me I had to look it up now to see what you were referring to! ;)
DeleteA nice sunny day for strolling round the market. Good to see that there seem to be a great many people still wearing summer clothes.
ReplyDeleteCarol, while night temperatures have dropped considerably, this week has still felt more summery than autumn-like, thanks to sunny weather :)
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