The plan for today was to visit the Aligre Market. We left the hotel for the market tour around 9:00 a.m. We went to the area of the market and Prof Zinder came to meet us over there directly. She gave us a little bit of the history of the area around the market. Then we followed her to a park. Name of the park was Square Trousseau. Children were playing in the park at the time. Prof Zinder told us about Haussmann and the architectural history of the buildings we see now in Paris. He also helped to build a better sustainable structure around the city. How he did all this to make a healthier living. All this work important to understand how Paris developed.
Before we went for the market tour we had a croissant tasting as well. Where she passed on some information about buying a good croissant. After that we went to the Aligre market. As soon as we entered in the market we saw a lot of vendors. Selling fruits and vegetables. There was flee market right behind the Aligre market. We stopped for a market briefing. After a short walk we were given assignment by prof Zinder. Two groups one was assigned with cherry and other group had peach. Understand the price, how many varieties available, price competitiveness around the market, and our opinions were the main objectives of the assignment. Everyone participated and moved on to cover market where we saw a lot of different kinds of cheeses and meats. Of course prof was telling us what we are looking at. What should we try since we are here in France. After that she gave us a small break to shop and walk around.
All of us went back at the park for tasting some food. We had baguette, cheese, pate and fruits. Prof Zinder also bought a bottle of wine for tasting. Everyone had different opinions about the taste. I personally liked the blue cheese butter with the baguette. After tasting prof Zinder left for the day. Prof Abreu was then leading the class to Place des Vosges. While we were walking we saw some clothing and shoe brands which we usually see at New York. Prof Abreu was telling us the historical elements of the area and where we are heading. It was a very hot day. Sun was right above us. Around 90 degrees F. We finally reached to our destination. We saw a lot of people just sitting around the place under the shade and resting. Our tour ended at the location.
Overall it was a good day. It felt like summer time really. Everyone had their fans on. We really felt the heat today.
