A couple of weekends ago Joline and I shared a stall at the Swan Market XXL edition. I’ve been to a few Swans in my time in Rotterdam but this was the extra large edition! It was on the beautiful striped ground at Musuem Park and apart from the torrential downpour at 12 that left me sodden and cold (lucky I have a white knight who brought me new shoes and tights) we had a really lovely day.

My favourite part of any market is generally meeting all the other stall holders and chatting to the shoppers. I certainly met some great people, especially amongst other stall holders but one thing I really struggled with was the Dutch culture of not really chatting to workers. I’ve seen it in shops and at the grocery store and find it so strange. It is really uncommon to talk to retail staff, even to say hello and I got quite a few confused looks and people scurrying away when I attempted to chat at the markets.

Despite this we really did have a great day. We were there from 10am to 8.30pm so by the time we packed up I was more than happy to join the boys at the Belgian Beer Cafe for a post market drink. Joline and I made friends with the oyster man (great friend to have) so we had already finished the evening with amazing oysters and delicious rose.

I had a nice reception for my cuttings and bags but didn’t sell as many as I had hoped, I think Tom spent any profits I made drinking at the bar with the boys – I was a bit jealous at times when I knew he was sitting in the sun having a drink! It was great seeing friends drop by as the day went on, I really appreciate the little circle of friends we have accumulated here and of course having my Dad visit me was extra special.

I was very well restrained myself and only purchased a make your own booze kit from the lovely girls at the stall next to ours – I’ll share more on that soon and Joline and I did a swapsies at the end of the day so I was lucky enough to end up with one of her beautiful gold bow necklaces.

Unfortunately I will be in Italy for the next Swans (tough life I know) but if you are around Rotterdam make sure you check it out, they are definitely beautiful markets with a gorgeous aesthetic. Danique took some lovely photos that show more of the market than I was able to see from behind my stall.

Jojo’s gorgeous wares.

Gorgeous Jojo herself.

Mooi bow necklaces and flowers by Joline.

Clearly I like dogs on my business cards…

The clouds rolling in.

This was torrential, poor Dora didn’t stand a chance.

But it did pass.

And then this happened.

Charlotte and Alex from the awesome Hubshop!

Friendly visitors.

& lovely neighbour stall holders!

The incredibly fabulous and talented Trudy Florence & JoJo.

Best market dinner ever.