On our second day, we drove off the camp property in sunshine.  By the time we arrived in Saint John, the sky was overcast and a light fog misted our vision of the harbour.  Mark navigated our way to the wharf area of the historic city and we found a central parking spot.  As I stepped out of the car, I wished I had thrown in a jacket!
We walked to an area where sculptors were focused on their huge stone works-in-progress.  These artists from all over the world, as well as local sculptors, were invited to create works from stone brought from the St. Lawrence seaway.  The finished sculptures would be displayed in various New Brunswick or Maine locations.  An elderly lady from the St. John artist guild gave us a tour and pointed out the key features and some information about the various artists.
We aren't exactly a cultured bunch, but we did appreciate the skill and beauty.  But the wind and the loud noise of the grinding/chiseling on stone led us to a quieter venue.
Mark and Amy walked us along the wharf and we marveled at the ocean, once again.  The St. John River meets the Atlantic at the Bay of Fundy right there.  They hoped we would see some street performers and the assorted vendors along the wharf, but no cruise ships were in on this day.  So the chilly wind drove us indoors to the mall and  International Market that spanned from the seashore up Market Street about 4 blocks.  We followed the hallways inside, weaving through business offices, food courts, up escalators and over the pedway that spanned the busy street leading to the harbour.  One part of the building was all brick, looking much like a warehouse.  Various seafood restaurants and bars lined the wharfside, with outdoor deck areas for patrons to enjoy their food and drinks and atmosphere.  Not stopping, we continued to gaulk around and follow Mark and Amy up through the main part of the market.
Right away, we were met by the buzz of people, smells of international spices and foods and colours of clothing, souvenirs and artwork!  It was an amazing stimulation of the senses.
There was a fresh seafood vendor along one wall, and we made note of that.  Mark thought it would be fun to cook our own lobster dinner.  But we carried on, exploring the market.  At the farthest end was a renowned restaurant and then we were out on the street!
We crossed to a historic park with statues and a band shelter that dated back to the early 1800's.  Two tall church spires rose above the downtown buildings.  We wandered through the green park with pretty flowers and folks on park benches feeding pigeons.  The paths led us to a cemetery, surrounded by wrought iron.  Being the middle aged people we are, Walter and I may have spent some time there!  But being mindful of our younger kids, we decided to go back to the market and find some coffee and a snack.
The weather continued to be overcast, windy and cold.  So we opted to spend the afternoon in the museum, which was very interesting and informative of the history of New Brunswick and Saint John, in particular. Shipbuilding, English and French battles over the land, whale skeletons and artifacts from the early days...It was a leisurely and perfect way to learn and spend time together.  Mark and Amy hadn't explored much of Saint John while they were busy at camp, so it was new for all of us.
Our stomachs told us it was time to find supper, so we decided on a quaint seafood and steak restuarant in the mall.  The decor was dark wood, open beams, maritime artifacts and a view of the harbour.  We ordered.  Walter and I were still hungry for seafood.  Mark selected a steak and Amy ordered a donair.  My Seafood Feast arrived in an aluminum bucket, with small potatoes, corn on the cob and prawns, mussels and crab legs  The server dumped the pail onto a brown paper in front of me, while everyone else had their classy plates!  It was fun!
By the time we left the restaurant, stuffed and tired, we were ready for a quiet evening.
It was another day of Maritime adventures!