A Sunny Market Day In Issoire

oo

The weather has been absolutely splendid here in the Auvergne, though the heat continues to be a problem.  Our neighbors seem to be spending most of their days behind closed shutters, only coming out towards evening.  We, on the other hand, go about our business, working outdoors and going to the market.  Coming from New York, we are used to heat, I guess.  Not so the Auvergnats.
This past Saturday was market day in Issoire.  Buying produce at the market is always one of my favorite activities while I am here, so despite the heat, we did not miss it.
As in years past, I had to marvel at the freshness, the quality and, most of all, the variety of fruit and vegetables.  Since the area around Issoire is mostly rural, one can also purchase live chickens, ducks and turkeys here.
Issoire is currently celebrating different cultures and has invited music and dance groups from around the world.  A group from Panama danced through the narrow streets right past the shoppers and vendors' stalls, which was delightful.
The previous Saturday, a young woman, accompanied by her friends was collecting money for her upcoming wedding.  My 83-year old father gave her 5 Euros and was treated to a kiss on the cheek.  He was charmed, of course. That's him surrounded by young ladies in the photos below in one of the main squares in Issoire.