Zhenski Pazar

It is spring.  Across the street the guys who are building an addition to their house had their shirts off and were playing music while working. The sky was clear. It hasn’t snowed in many days. It was a good way to wake up. I made a trip to the “Women’s Market”. It is an outdoor street market; it sells food and things and clothes.  It is not a market only for women. And women are not the only vendors. Historically it was, but now it is not.  I mention the Market in the introductory paragraph of my dissertation. Bulgarians, Gypsies, Muslims are all there, buying and selling. I talk about a “market culture” of inclusion and cooperation and how it is still alive and well at the Women’s Market.  It was time that I went and saw it in effect.  I wanted to buy some gifts for people back in the states. Ceramics, carpets, and rose oil products are the chief exports of Bulgaria. At least they are "very" Bulgarian and will be the majority of the gifts I bring back.  

At the market. I bought a plate from this man. All the Bulgarian ceramics are just great.

In the middle was a long stall but off to the side are little shops.  There is a sink, fishing material, and old sewing machine and tradition Bulgarian costumes- all for sale.

These pots go right in the oven like the Tagine. The kavarma can be made in these 

Outside my window: I have seen these guys go from roofless to 2 story in a week's time

They sell a variety of clothes for very cheap.