The Farmers Market.

Whenever I take a trip, I like to walk slowly through the streets.  Morning time, afternoon time, evening time - it doesn't matter.  But one must stroll.  Breathe it in.  It helps to appreciate the details of the city - the smells, the sounds, the people, the vibe.

And if you've ever visited the Pacific Northwest, you know that Bellingham has quite the vibe.  Think very modern.  Hippies.  And you'll land somewhere close to the earthy-bohemian-feeling of this beautiful town.

 

As we began to walk from our parking spot down to the market, we were almost immediately approached by a lady asking us to sign a petition to ban single-use plastic bags.

Should I mention at this point that I was carrying a plastic bag?  Yes, I think so.  That felt like the right moment to say that. 

Now, for the record.  I reuse mine.  Just puttin' it out there. 

But anyway.

 

We made our way down to the local farmers market to pick up a few treats for dinner.  Some of the goodies looked so delicious, I couldn't pass them up.

Like the honey roasted almonds. 

The smell of sweet, toasted, nuts gets me every time!  And lucky for me, I had exactly $3 worth of change in my pocket.  The exact amount necessary to purchase some.  And so I did.  And then I ate them.  I gave Stuart two almonds...but the rest were mine.

MINE!!!!!

 

After I inhaled the honey roasted almonds with the rage a wild beast, Stuart and I bought a chai tea latte.  And while still buzzing from consuming roughly a quarter cup of sugar within an hour, we went to look at flowers.

 

Then, we sampled feta cheese made from a local farm.

And I was in Shangri la.

Polecat posters.  Flowers.  Coffee.  Fresh baked artisan bread.  Cheese.  Plants.  Vegetables.  Hippies.  All the important factors in a successful farmers market.  However, let me just put a disclaimer out there:  Beware of some of the the farmers market prices!  While it is possible to find some good deals - they can also be incredibly overpriced.

 

At home, asparagus is currently selling for $1.50 per pound. At the Bellingham market? $5 a pound.

At home, free range local eggs are $3 a dozen. At the Bellingham market? $6 a dozen.

Don't ask me how much my delicious, buttery, sharp chunk of feta cheese costs.

Don't ask, I say! I won't tell you!

I'm embarrassed to say.  However, it is hands down the best feta I have ever tasted.  Man, oh man.  Lawdy, oh lawdy.  My heavens. Mmm. It is delicious cheese. De. Lic. Ious.

Thus, I have consumed the following sinful foods in the past twenty four hours:
 1. A chai tea latte.
 2. A package of honey roasted almonds.  Minus, two almonds.
 3. A chunk of feta the size of a hockey puck.
 4. Another chai tea latte.  Hey, I'm just being honest here.

Hence the reason I love vacations.  Because on vacations, as on your birthday, calories do not count.

I wonder how long I can hang on to this theory...

My guess is until weaning.

But until then! Cheers!