GREETINGS GLADYS: JUST READING YOUR DESCRIPTION OF THE MERCADO HAS EVOKED SO MANY VIVID MEMORIES OF MY OWN!!!!
I USED TO GO DOWN TO THE FRENCH MARKET WITH MY MOTHER AS A YOUNG GIRL(IT'S NOW A STRING OF SHOPS). I WOULD HOLD ONTO THE FOLDS OF HER GATHERED SKIRT AS WE SQUEEZED INTO THE CROWDED "FISH MARKET" WAITING FOR OUR NUMBER TO BE CALLED. I REMEMBER THE STRONG "FISHY" SMELLS AND THE SIGHT OF HUGE FRESH FISH STARING AT ME FROM ON TOP OF MOUNDS OF CRUSHED ICE! THERE WERE HUGE PILES OF FRESH GULF SHRIMP, LARGE HAMPERS OF LIVE BLUE LAKE CRABS TRYING TO CLIMB OUT AND BURLAP SACKS OF FRESH SALTY OYSTERS. I REMEMBER HOW BEAUTIFUL THE FISH LOOKED ALL SHINY AND BRIGHT LIKE SPARKLING JEWELS AND I WAS SO IMPRESSED HOW QUICKLY THE MEN WORKED, TURNING THESE UNDERWATER CREATURES INTO THICK PIECES OF MEAT FOR FRYING OR BAKING. WE USUALLY BOUGHT A LITTLE OF EVERYTHING TO GO INTO A LUSCIOUS SEAFOOD GUMBO OR A MAGNIFICENT SEAFOOD PAELLA. THAT'S ALL GONE NOW.....NEW SHOPS LINE THE OLD SEAFOOD MARKET....BUT SOMEHOW I CAN STILL ENVISION THOSE DAYS AS A LITTLE GIRL AND THE THRILL OF SHOPPING THERE!

THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR MERCADO....I'D LOVE TO SEE IT ONE DAY.