Alex Gallafent

Alex Gallafent

Alex Gallafent is the New York-based correspondent for The World. His reporting has taken him to Swaziland, Turkey, Chile, and India, among other places.

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Québécois Couple Sells Christmas Trees in NYC

December 18, 2012 ⋅ Post a comment
Caroline and Gabriel, both 20, Christmas tree sellers from Québec. (Photo: Alex Gallafent)

Caroline and Gabriel, both 20, Christmas tree sellers from Québec. (Photo: Alex Gallafent)

Each Christmas, dozens of Québécois make the trip south to New York City to sell Christmas trees.

They operate around the clock, sleeping in shifts, and work for cash under the table.

The World’s Alex Gallafent met a young couple from Montréal who are selling trees to fund their continuing travels around the world.


Discussion

6 comments for “Québécois Couple Sells Christmas Trees in NYC”

  • just_bonnie

    I hope this story doesn’t lead to their arrest or deportation, or anything like that.  Cute kids.  Hope they stay safe and earn enough to get them to Patagonia.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Felice-Pace/100000427535888 Felice Pace

     I LOVED this story….it offered a glimpse into “traveler culture” and life on the streets in NYC.  Real folks leading real lives. Perhaps it will inspire others. Thanks   

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1109467023 Jenny Murphy

    What is the name of the Quebecois band playing at 3.40–it is mentioned but I don’t know how to spell it to find it!  “Le Beautein Cerieont”  is the best I can come up with but I know I am wrong…

  • http://twitter.com/doctorsensation tonibark

    loved this story. missing the travels in my youth such as the one these kids are on. HOpe they make it to Patagonia!
    BTW, where do they pee while staying on the streets, let alone shower. I hope store owners are generous to them

  • http://twitter.com/doctorsensation tonibark

    La Bottine Souriante
     

  • http://twitter.com/PVincent20 Pierre Vincent

    They live in a van and they don’t shower (sometimes for a month)…  I know, I’m Caroline’s father… ;o)