Markets Galore

As I walked out of my grueling pilates class in Notting Hill on Saturday, I was overjoyed to find blue skies and singing birds. I rewarded myself to a baked, savoury goodie at my favourite vegetarian takeaway, The Grain Shop on Portobello Road. I braved the crowds of Portobello Market and even scoped out some funky jewellery for sale that I left alone declaring, "I can make it for cheaper!"

I then rushed over on the tube to meet a friend for my first visit to Camden Market. Camden is located in the northeastern part of London right next to Regent's Park and the tonier neighborhoods of Primrose Hill and Hampstead Heath. I was surprised and delighted to find a whole subculture of rock, punk and goth alive and well once I stepped onto the main market street.

My friend and I spelunked around the many different off beat shoe stores and ventured through the many stalls of the Horse Stables. I noticed that the clothing stalls were mostly run by Asian (I think Korean)owners and reminded me a lot of the one off, cute wares I spied when visiting Seoul a few years ago. The prices were the best I've seen in London ranging from 5-35 pounds and the tiny stalls had a true boutiquey feel to them. Spring shopping beware!

No Babies Wanted

I went out last night to the east end of London in Hoxton with some friends to cap off the week. I love stepping off the tube in the east end because it's gritty with kebab and fried food infused air, and it reminds me a bit of being back in NY. Our original plan: a small bar called Ziegfried's at 6:30, which would have made us ahead of the game in Friday post-work drinks.

As I meandered up onto the square, I saw that Ziegfried's was crowded (!?) to the max with people on their outdoor terrace and to my shock and horror-I had to climb over a baby stroller to get through the young, smoking crowd. Now, people, really? A baby? That poor child suffering their parent's and friend's second hand smoke, drunk banter, and loud music? Puh-lease! Leave your children at home, pay the money for a sitter, and really enjoy your time out! You and your little precious will be more the merrier for doing so!

Just as I was mid-step over the carriage, I got a text pointing me to the Hoxton Bar and Grill instead where my mates were waiting with a much coveted table for us to drink and eat our Friday night away.

Spring, is that you!?

I'm back in action just like all of those little daffodil bulbs planted in the fall that are just beginning to rear their pretty little yellow heads. Winter was (is?) brutal and my transluscent skin is the mark of no sun, chilly days, and even colder nights. Of course, in London, this was all done with some rain!

I am ready for spring to POP! COME ALIVE! and add a little pep to my step. Today was sunny and I actually closed my eyes and tilted my face toward the sun for a dose of vitamin D. I'd welcome more of that with open arms.

Spring, are you here to stay or do we have to endure more winter blues?