Today I discovered, with the help of a friend, a new mercatino usato (second hand shop). Amazingly enough it is only a 15 minute drive from my house. Why did I not know of this place this past 10 years!? It is absolutely gigantic and filled with everything under the sun. There are buildings upon buildings jam packed with old accordians, wrought iron bed frames, antique cameras, hand painted eggs, ceramic vases, horse saddles, crystal glassware, fireplaces, wash basins, wooden closets/desks/drawers/beds. Among all the garbage there are treasures to be found. At one point we were poking through one of the derelict warehouses to find an actual tree growing in the middle of it and poking out of the roof. Here are a few photos I took incognito while wandering around (never know if these shop owners appreciate people taking photos of their wares).
Jillian In Italy 