As a current inhabitant of Italy, there are many things I am lucky to have access to. One of which is having a market right behind my house. The market of Sant'Ambrogio is located on the slight outskirts of the center. This is where the Florentines do their grocery shopping. On the outside there are fruit and vegetable vendors.
There is also a part where you can buy clothes, shoes, household items, and jewelry. This part of the market is only the parameter. There is then a warehouse that holds the meats, seafood, cheeses and two small restaurants. One is similar to fast food where the service is quick and the waiters are hilarious. The other is "take out" for sandwiches, cold plates, first, and second courses.
After visiting the market several times, the people start to know you, you develop a relationship, and they start to give you discounts. For example, there is a certain meat and cheese stand that I frequent where the old man is your "typical Italian." 
"Oh you are so beautiful, look at those blue eyes, here, have some cheese samples." The man in this photo is my favorite. His name is Urbano and from the looks of the photo and his facial expression, he is a character, ha. Both my mom and brother have been with me to see him. He is hilarious. Urbano takes such pride in his work, handling each piece of produce, etc with great care.
"Oh you are so beautiful, look at those blue eyes, here, have some cheese samples." The man in this photo is my favorite. His name is Urbano and from the looks of the photo and his facial expression, he is a character, ha. Both my mom and brother have been with me to see him. He is hilarious. Urbano takes such pride in his work, handling each piece of produce, etc with great care.
This market and the whole experience is one of the things I will greatly miss when I return to America.
Original post date: 17 Sept 2009; updated 23 Jul 2020
Original post date: 17 Sept 2009; updated 23 Jul 2020
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