By Alice Hansen

The opportunity to sell my Tasmanian books at Salamanca Market means that I can see the faces of those who are taking a part of Tasmania home with them. It is a unique chance to be approached by locals and visitors from across the world, here to experience our island.

Today I have a market site outside historic Knopwoods Bar. It is just after 7am and the bright early morning sun is lifting the spirits of fellow stall holders arranging their wares. Large trucks trundle through slowly, filled with freshly cut flowers and fine Tasmanian timber products, while sweet elderflower juice bottles are carefully lined up for sale.

I carry across the final armload of books from my car and lay the tablecloth across the long table. I share a smile with my neighbouring stall-holder, who quickly grabs an end of the tablecloth before the morning Tasmanian wind does its best to pull it off course.

It is still early but already the market is abuzz with bleary-eyed tourists slowly waking up and clutching their morning coffees with both hands. A lady rushes by, clearly a local, arms filled with fresh organic veggies and on a mission to head out of Salamanca before the crowds swarm in. By 8.50am the market is in full swing and already it is difficult for people to move at a pace much faster than a flock of sheep moving in unison. There are more than 100 stalls, selling everything from arts and crafts, hand-made jewellery through to colourful ceramics and hand-crafted glassware.

A violinist asks politely if she can busk beside me for 30 minutes and immediately brings beautiful sounds to the morning. The market bursts into life and colour as visitors flick through the pages of my Tasmanian books, A Devilish Tale and Tasmania A Living Journey. I hear the accents of European lands and chat with friendly Danes who are looking for a gift for their young child back home. They choose a children’s book on the Tasmanian devil, tuck it under their arm and are on their way once more. They drop a few coins into the neighbour’s violin case and she peers up with a grateful smile from her sheets of music.

I can feel it is going to be another beautiful morning at Salamanca Market and already I am excited about the day ahead.