The following is a narrative of a visit to a Dutch market: Had I looked up sooner, instead of exploring the fresh, churning puddles and the gravel that fell beneath my feet, I could have seen my old friend earlier. I had not seen her in two years, which was the last time I visited her hometown, Eindhoven, Holland. Quickening my pace, I rounded the final turn of the park and lifted my chin, suddenly finding myself face to face with her, the Market. My friend lay sprawled across the cobblestone courtyard beside the Sint Gerardus Church, her dozen and some-odd stalls...

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Downtown Charleston is famous for history, food and shopping.A One place where you can get all three is the slave market in the heart of the historic city. First of all, let me address the elephant in the room.A There were never slaves sold from this open-air market.A In fact, it was a gift from the city to the newly freed slaves.A This place was meant for them to have an outlet to sell goods and make a living.A Today the selling spirit is alive and well. Walk up and down 'the market', and you will be...

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