While in Tasmania last week, we stopped by the Salamanca markets. It took my wife, Marieta, about 10 seconds to discover these markets were on every Sunday in the downtown “Salamanca” area of Hobart. So, our Sunday was planned.
I enjoy going along to such events because I can usually get a good feel for the place. And, I like talking to the locals and finding out what’s happening; getting the “inside skinny.”
My observations of the markets are as follows:
1. Full to capacity. Virtually no rooms for more stalls. From one end of Salamanca St to the other. Chockers. This gave the feeling of a vibrant, abundant market. A real happening event.
2. Lots of shoppers. At about 10am the place really started to fill up. It became a challenge to walk between the stalls without actively dodging people. This tells me people are not just selling stuff, but there’s lots of people looking to buy as well.
3. Plenty of stock on hand. Each stall seemed to overflow with product. This told me the vendors were confident of making sales. Good sign of a healthy market.
I left the marketplace with a good feeling. I enjoyed the friendly chatter with the locals. I enjoyed sampling the foods and delicious coffee. I enjoyed watching my wife descend upon the fresh fruit and vegetable stalls like a cat pouncing on an unsuspecting mouse! Course in this case the mouse enjoyed the surprise as my wife is a prolific buyer!
Next, time you find yourself in Hobart on a Sunday, I recommend you stop by the Salamanca Markets and have a wander around. I’ll bet you’ll leave with a great feeling too.