Sunday afternoon closure

Philadelphia's Italian Market on 9th Street is said to be the largest working outdoor market in the United States. It's normally a hectic, noisy place where seafood stalls line both sides of the road, bargain wares spill on to the sidewalk, and in traditional Italian grocery stores salamis hang like stalactites, pendant cheeses jostle your ears and your nose is tickled by the familiar aromas of the old world - although nowadays the ethnic mix includes ingredients from further afield as other nationalities have staked their claim to the marketing opportunities.

On Sunday afternoon however, there's little activity to be seen and John's one-man delivery service - Helping You Helping Others with his Very Strong Bags - is off-duty. I did not ask John (presuming it is he) for permission to photograph since he was taking a well-earned rest. I couldn't blame him, it was very hot.

(Do enlarge to get the best of the detail here.)