since no one told or showed me where the market ward and/or the item search counter was until last night i have decided to let people know by writing a blog post and a forums post just in case a new person to the game needs the info and stumbles upon my blog or forum post.

Limsa Lominsa
Limsa Lominsa -> Upper Deck -> Southern Islands
(south of the Limsa Lominsa Aetheryte Plaza)

Uldah
Uldah -> Merchant Strip -> The Dunes
(south of the Uldah Aetheryte Plaza)

unfortunately i dont have the info for Gridania. also, just run toward the dunes/southern islands and the game will automatically stop you and open a little menu with market ward and item search counter selections. sometimes merchant ward pops up. if you chose Limsa as startup city then you can get to uldah by taking the ferry in lower decks(when you go through the doors just head straight and wait for boat). when you land go through doors and follow path to the east til you get to a fork. then head south to uldah. of course you can look at map anytime. watch out for the high lvl aggro mobs and dont forget to get to touch the aetherytes at the camps on the way.