Kalamarkkinoilla. At the Fish Market.

The smell of fried fish and sausages wafts through the air as an accordion player adds flavor to the quiet murmur of the crowd.  Cool winds move down the sidewalk reminding folks that winter is nearing.  Scattered about the river bank, tents offer an assortment of goods.  From cloud berry jam to cinnamon pulla, the flavors are beautiful and the sights delicious.  It is a Sunday afternoon at the fish market.  Marcella (my friend from Hong Kong) and I have come to soak up the experience.  

As we wander down the row of booths, it is clear that we have found the fish market.  Fried fish.  Canned fish.  Fire-roasted fish.  Indeed, it is a fishy occasion.

Large black cookers fry small silver fish

However, not all booths are so keen on fish.  Below you can see one vender in his alpaca sweater selling flowers to a small boy and his father.  Perhaps the flowers are for mum.  Pink or purple? J

Flowers for mum

Contrasted with the drab fall weather, the vibrant red lingonberries are a welcomed sight.  You can either buy them by the kilogram or purchase a whole bucket!

Lovely lingonberries

The next booth was among my favorite.  A small crowd has formed around an older gentleman who stands behind a table selling his chamois cloths.  While all exchanges are in Finnish, you can imagine him explaining the miraculously absorbent capacity of these yellow wonders.  It is a scene taken straight out of the Minnesota State Fair.  Made me smile.

Selling chamois

It was a delightful afternoon.  Marcella and I had our fill of free samples, and enjoyed practicing Finnish with the locals.  Valokuva, kiitos?  Picture, please?

Marcella and I stand in front of a mitten and hat
booth.  I wonder why this booth seems so popular?