Simply Me: The Day I Died

Saturdays are pretty amazing here. We don't have class, and usually we've finished our homework by the weekend so we have the day to go wherever we want. This translates to market day!

We went to Portobello Market this morning and it was so incredible. It went on for a mile, but it felt like it went on for a day. The first exposure I ever had to Portobello Road was this song (apparently it's only 4 minutes long, but when I was watching the movie as a kid I could've sworn it went on for 20), but thankfully the market was much more exciting and pleasant.

Only parts of the road were closed off for cars so there were several times where we would be walking and then a car would honk at us impatiently (but we're grateful they did honk instead of just driving into us) for us to get out of the road. The walkways were so incredibly crowded and it there was a fascinating culture there. Apparently the market is the place to be on a Saturday morning.

The market itself was full of all sorts of shops. There were crepe stands sprinkled throughout the market, there were scottish shops, hat shops, antique shops, souvenir shops, dress shops, scarf shops, book shops. . . And probably many others that I didn't see.

There were street musicians scattered throughout, as well. I didn't love most of them, but there were some who were decent. There was also a man wearing a long shirt and no pants which was quite uncomfortable. He didn't even have a good voice to redeem himself by. Men, wear your pants. Women, you too. I didn't take a picture of him because I don't think I ever want to see him again.

My roommates have learned a few things about me (I love books, strawberries, and scarves), and have kindly decided to point out a bookstore or a rack of scarves any time we pass one. I am exercising an amazing amount of self-control here, haha!

I did end up purchasing a book, though. It was only 3 pounds and it was an old Beatrice Potter book that I loved as a child. There was also a book stand (where pictures were not allowed) selling books dating back to the 1800s! The man who owned the stand had a collection of Shakespeare plays and sonnets from 1842 and it was amazing. I didn't purchase any, though. I read books for the stories inside, not how old they are. There were some beautiful books at that stand, though, and it was tempting.

I did also buy a stunning painting done by an art student here. It's of London, the Houses of Parliament, The Tower of Big Ben, and the London Embankment. It is my favorite thing and I am so glad I'll have that to remember London by for the rest of my life. I'll take a picture of it sometime. Maybe after I'm home and I get it framed. . . It's beautiful, though.

There were also so many food stands towards the end of the road. There were fruit stands and bread stands, and I was grateful I'd eaten a crepe so I wasn't hungry enough to buy everything in sight. There were also flower stands and I almost bought some several times. Flowers are my favorite things (of which I'm finding I have many. I can have lots of favorites, though. Right?). I didn't purchase any for lack of a place to put them, but I did take lots of pictures.

After Portobello Market I was exhausted. I think we were there for a couple of hours and I felt like the day was over at noon. I came back home with Lizzie and the other three girls continued on to another market. I napped and did homework. And, because it was my little sister's birthday, I Skyped home. It was sort of perfect.

After a relaxing evening, Sarah, Lizzie, and I decided to venture out onto the streets of London again in search of dinner and gelato. We went to Tesco's to pick up sandwiches and Tesco's became my very favorite grocery store ever (you were right, Kris)! It is the most wonderful store on this planet and I know I won't want to leave it behind when I come back to the states. I'll enjoy it while it's here, I suppose.

After Tesco's we went out in search for Snowflake, a gelato store that has incredible reviews. It totally deserves them. There were so many flavors to choose from and I tasted some incredible things that I will have to go back for in the future. True to character, after trying everything that looked tempting, I purchased strawberry. I didn't realize how much my love for strawberry has shown through here, but after purchasing my cone Sarah told me she knew exactly what I would do (try a bunch of flavors and purchase strawberry). She was right! But I don't even care because that strawberry gelato was the best thing I have had in my life. That needs to be a part of heaven. I'll definitely be going back. Often.

Portobello Road. I LOVE those colored flats.

It looks like it belongs in another country

So many people!

Books upon books upon books. . .

I swooned a little bit. But if I keep buying books I'll have no way to get them home. So (for now) I've resolved not to purchase any more books. We'll see how long I last.

A lemon and sugar crepe. It was delicious and everyone should make these.

She bought this adorable hat.

More of the people

Also, saddest thing ever, all the pictures I took of the flower shops and bakery shops disappeared. And they're gone from my camera so they're lost forever. I'm so sad! But I guess this means I have an excuse to go back before I leave.

UPDATE (thirty seconds later)! My pictures were all saved to Dropbox! Thank goodness for the Internet!

The happiest of Caitlins