Mercato

Several of the main streets throughout Venice have vendors selling mostly souvenirs.  I always buy a couple of postcards and a magnet for the fridge. 

We happened to stop at a place that also sold postage stamps and there was even a postbox right outside the store.  This doesn't happen very often.  Well, actually never.

Only a few streets are crowded like the ones above.  Most are more like . . .

this and some are even deserted.

There were lots and lots of places selling Venetian masks.  Some were quite elaborate and beautiful.  The mask is a tradition in Venice typically worn during Carnevale.  As with Mardi Gras, the mask hides the wearer's identity and permits them to act more freely than they might normally.

Every morning except Sunday, Venice has an open air market (mercato) selling fruits and vegetables

and seafood.

I'm always fascinated with seafood despite not eating very much of it myself.

Most of this just doesn't look like it would be tasty even when cooked.

Until now, I'd only seen a few of these empty on the shore.

 Buon appetito!