The Pope vs shopping

There are 2 things that happen in Rome only on Sundays: seeing the Pope at St. Peter's Square and the world famous flea market at Porta Portese. I had every intention of doing both but after first arriving at Porta Portese (because it ends early), I knew I would have to forego the Pope. I will just have to see him on TV.
Let me tell you, Porta Portese is one of the largest open-air markets in Europe. It is where the locals go to shop. Imagine an endless sea of vendors selling toys, electronics, school supplies, make up, mountains of used clothing, new clothes, gorgeous leather shoes, bags, jewelry...you name it, they got it. Besides being a shopper's paradise, it is also a great way to watch the locals interact: old ladies sifting through mounds of used clothing as a hobby, young lovers holding hands and looking at antique furniture, old Italian men with canes looking meticulously at old wooden Italian games, vendors yelling at passerbys to get their attention (Prego! Prego!), thrifty young adults strategically bartering...this place is a treasure box of items and people.
I was also very productive. I bought stuff, took pictures, took video, bartered, and kept a keen eye on my valuables since pocket pickers are prevalent here.
As far as the merchandise, I was pleasantly surprised. Of course there was junk and knock off Louis Vuittons, but there were also beautiful "Made in Italy" leather shoes, high-quality sweaters, and discontinued high-end coats/jackets. Everything was reasonably priced. I bought so much stuff I had to buy a bigger suitcase!

My new bracelet

Check out my new bracelet made from old broken watch parts found at the Florence flea market. Neat, right?

Shopping in Florence

It's my last morning in Florence so I did a little shopping before heading to Rome. I found the huge Mercato Centrale, a central market complete with produce, meat, and other culinary delights. I then found myself digging through treasures at Piazza di Ciompi flea market (I found some neat stuff, like the side-sliding guitar ashtray, a stunningly shiny silver bejeweled pendant, and parts of an old watch that I plan on attaching to that chain to make a wrap-around bracelet). My last stop was the Mercato di San Lorenzo, an open-air market full of leather goods, clothes, jewelry and souvenirs. I was able to pick up a new pair of aviators and 2 very Italianesque sweaters before heading to the Santa Maria Novella train station.