The Open-Air Market @ Campo de' Fiori

After the drunken mess left by the boozers that were out drinking late in the piazza is all cleaned up, Campo de' Fiori turns into a gourmet chef's dream. Early in the morning, many vendors set up there tents and stalls and get ready to sell the residents and tourists of Rome the freshest ingredients around. I always found the State College, Pennsylvania, farmers market to be a great treat once or twice a week, but, obviously, the Campo market blows that out of the water.

When you get to the open-air market, all you can see ahead of you is endless tables of produce in an array of vivid colors. Many people are out on their break from work or just spending their morning gathering the fresh goods. I like to watch the sellers themselves and think about their lives on their farms or wherever they came from before the market. They are always so helpful when you are browsing and also thankful when you actually purchase.

This market is nothing like any produce section you will find in a grocery store. It is probably the best one I have ever seen. Not only are does it offer ripe fruits and vegetables, but it also has fresh herbs (to the left), meats, cheeses, and flowers. To the north end of the market you can also find clothing and gifts as well as a stand with all the kitchen gadgets you need to cook your fresh purchases.