A lot of them looked really interesting, with strange colors and textures. A lot of them also smelled really strong. I got two kinds. One is a soft cheese called Saint-Félicien (say it: san-fe-lee-SIEN). The other one is called Crottin de Chavignol (say it: craw-TAN duh sha-vee-NYOL). It's made from goat milk. The outer part of the cheese, called the rind, is soft, white, and a bit wrinkly. Both of these cheeses smell a bit strange, but I've come to love the flavors. Saint-Félicien is buttery and creamy, but with a kick of strong cheese flavor. Crottin de Chavignol is a bit gummier, and it has a nutty taste. Do you like cheese?
I also ended up visiting the deli booth. I got some pâté basque (say it: pa-TAY BASK), which is kind of like a meatloaf. It's made from ground pork, thyme and a special kind of pepper. It's a specialty of the Basque region, in the southwest of France. I also ordered some saucisson à l'ail (say it: saw-see-SON a LIE). It's a sausage made from pork and garlic. It's a specialty of the Paris region and one of my favorite snacks.
I love French food. Trying all these different specialties from around France made me feel like I was on a food adventure! Everything tasted fresh.
During my trip to the market, I felt like I discovered so many new flavors. Back home, we don't have the same kind of cheeses or sausages or fruits in my grocery store. It's important for me to experience these things, especially while I'm in a new country. It's good to try a new way of life that's different from what I'm used to back home.
It also felt good to know that I was supporting local businesses.
