Where the Blacktop Ends

I've decided to start naming my posts after country songs. Since my blog is named for the great Garth Brooks, it was only a matter of time.

So my last post was all about breaking free of "the plan." This upcoming year is going to be all about figuring out what I love. Most of the jobs I have now don't feel like work. I look forward to going to coach a practice, or to market, to the food tuck, or to my garage to repair oars. These things right now for me, are perfect. I enjoy the random spurts of working three 18 hour days and then having a few days off to head up to Baltimore. And all of these jobs allowed me to galavant through Europe this summer, so that's pretty great. 

Both Croker and my team require me to travel at certain times of the year, but the farmer's markets are kind of a one place, weekly endeavor. That's why I have loved seeing all the different types of markets while over here. My favorite so far has been Borough Market. It's privately run by a management team and council with representatives from the city and market. It's stationary and at the foot of London Bridge. It's been there for centuries! 

There's a great marketing campaign, complete with education services tailored for each class that wants to incorporate some part of the market into their studies. There's also a demonstration kitchen and monthly newsletter. It's all so amazing!!

Other than the reasons I listed before, there are even more to love this place. The infrastructure allows for the vendors to run their stalls like actual stores, so you get great variety and attractive set ups. All they have to do is pull the door at night, and voila! Ready for tomorrow. 

Mandy an I went on Tuesday morning and again on Friday afternoon. It might have been because I begged to go again that we did Friday... But it was worth it! We bought fruit and baklava, cheese and bread. For lunch I got Ethiopian food and Mandy had the salted British beef sandwhich. Both were amazing.

We could never do anything like this at the markets I work for now!

The structure of this market was so fascinating. I ended up talking to one of the managers for a half hour; she was super patient and answered my endless questions, even found some previous newsletter publications for me! 

So this kind of market has made its way onto my list of possibilities for my future endeavors. There is a need for stable markets in every city, and vendors need an advocate. I have always wanted to do something with green living/agriculture and the community. Farmer's markets keep me entertained so why not create something great that combines those two things? Just need to find somewhere to start... 

A quote from the good food jobs newsletter has been sticking with me lately.

"There's a world between all or nothing and that's where the magic happens." 

And that's exactly where you will find what you love. So if you're reading this and have wanted to try something new but wanted to have someone there with you? I'm your woman. Grape picking, paddle boarding, cheese making, tax audit classes, swimming with sharks, I'm up for it! Ok maybe not the sharks, I'm terrified of them. But other than that, it is the year of new things!!

So go out and eat the world!