Archive for the ‘Experiences’ Category
On indefinite hiatus.
I’m now working night shifts, which means I haven’t been to the City Market in months.
After thinking long and hard about what to do about this blog, I have decided to leave it online and update when I can. I miss my daily trips to the market — the sights, the sounds, and the people. I miss being a part of the murmur and energy of the place.
Hopefully I will be able to get back someday soon. But given that I’m now sleeping when the Market is open, it may be some time before I wander the centre aisle again.
On “vacation.”
The View From the Market will be on hiatus this week. Commitments at home (read: bathroom renos) will make it impossible for me to visit my favourite spot uptown — and I actually write the blog as I sit in the Market (to better capture the spirit of the place).
So, since I can’t go, I’m asking that you visit the Market this week for me, and leave a comment about your experience. Tell me what treasures and tastes you found!
See you soon! 
For all people, “real” and otherwise.
I’ve been coming to the Saint John City Market since I was a toddler. It’s the place where you bump into your neighbours and long-lost friends.
One day last week, I met my friend Chris at Java Moose. She’s getting ready to move back to Saint John after living in New England for more than ten years.
Over “moose juice” and a banana, we talked about old times and anticipated new memories yet to be made. Both former walking tour guides for the city’s tourism department, we found ourselves grinning at the sudden influx of excited Americans to the little seating area — evidence of the arrival of a cruise ship in the harbour.
“So, about this City Market,” the visitors used to say to me at Barbour’s General Store. “Be honest. Is it just a hokey tourist trap? Or do real people go there too?”
After assuring them that a) “real people go there too”, and b) it was worth the walk up King Street to get to it, I was never surprised to see them return to thank me at the end of the afternoon.
Visitors to the city always love the Market. And I know just how they feel.