Markets

Markets, what exactly are markets? Markets are a place of exchange. They began with trading, for example, meat for bread, or things of that sort. They have evolved to what we today know as supermarkets, malls, etc., essentially shops of any type. In Italy, one can still find open markets for fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, even items of clothing. There are of course, shops of everything one can think of, and superstores where all of these items are found in one store. Trading of item for item is not used anymore. What is use nowadays is the exchange of items for pieces of paper and coins called money. In Italy I have visited many open markets. In Venice there is the open market of fruits and vegetables and fish, as well as the market of souvenirs. In addition, there are multiple shops with brand name clothing, souvenirs, antiques, and everything imaginable. This is the same for almost every major city in Italy and technically the world. I have two favorite types of markets. One is the open market like the one in Verona, which takes place Saturday mornings. In this market, the Veronese buy clothing, food and home related articles such as pots and pans. This market reminds me very much of the markets in Uruguay where people do a lot of their weekly shopping. This market is also cheaper than most stores. The other type of market that I like is the little shops where one can find the daily articles of need such as bread and meat. I particularly like this because one can build a relationship with the owner or employee of this store, making this trip a worthwhile experience. In most cases, shopping for daily products is a negative experience because everyone is in such a rush. In contrast, the little shops to me, are a thing of pleasure and relax.