Grandville Island

Situated on False Creek opposite the downtown core of Vancouver, the mainly wrought iron buildings of Grandville Island were filled with artsy shops. From pottery and jewellery to First Nation art and coffee shops, there was plenty to catch the eye as I wove my way along streets of brightly painted buildings.

Next stop—Surakarta/Solo

After what seemed like the glamour of Jogjakarta, Solo was a let down. This was partly due to the overwhelming January heat. We ducked into a movie theatre for the air- conditioning for a couple of hours of relief and watched a long-forgotten movie.

Kenting night market

Kenting night market was mostly food with a bit of jewellery and souvenirs thrown in. The four-lane road that ran through the southern Taiwan shopping area became two, with stalls that people strolled past.

Jungang markets

When I’d returned from Bulguksa, the bus had passed Gyeongju’s markets and it wasn’t the vegetables and fruits on display along the pavement that caught my eye, it was the faces of the women.

First steps in Busan

I arrived by train from Daegu and walked to my hotel in a lively part of town — Texas Street. About 200 metres on was a market where fish swam in tanks, vegetables and fruit were on display and snack foods tempted.

Brisbane’s street market and beyond

Close by the Brisbane River, crowds lingered amongst the city stalls sprawling the pavement. Macadamia nuts and Kingaroy peanuts were displayed, fresh strawberries and avocados, small cakes and jewellery.

A drop of peace behind the chaos

At the end of Kyoto’s Nishiki Market or what might have been the beginning of Teramachi, was a small temple. Here was a little relief from the crowds. Some clapped their hands before bowing in front of a shrine; others wash their hands with well water.

A feast for the eyes (and stomach)

Nishiki Market was the ideal place to sample what Kyoto had to offer. From a variety of foods, to kitchenware and clothing, this long line of stalls had it all. I was there to taste the food after reading Bama’s blog on this very market.

To market to market

Queen Victoria Markets on the north side of Melbourne city, extended a couple of blocks. When I stepped through the main entrance, the smell of meats had me steering away to the specialized sections of cheeses and even a store that sold crocodile and kangaroo meats.

South Melbourne Markets

Markets anywhere offer an insight into the foods worth savouring. South Melbourne Markets were no exception. From the freshest vegetables, fish or meats to curry leaves, these markets had it all.