You're in the Gunitas Basin here.

Don't run straight in to the Ice Cavern when you emerge in the Mist Continent. Wander around, grabbing up a few goblin cards and zombie cards from the creatures you fight. Make sure you get everyone up to Level 7 before entering the cavern.

You'll meet pythons and foxes, and at the north gate you'll find the border between Alexandria and Burmecia. This is the Melda arch. There are potions and eye drops in chests t othe right. The gate sells potions at 50 gil each.

You can see a south gate across a river, but you can't get to it.

You should be able to pick up a few goblin cards and zombie cards while you're here.

Final Fantasy IX Walkthrough Index