Portobello Market

Today food happened. As did shopping.

We decided to go to London's Portobello Market today to do some shopping for hopefully a cheap amount. Portobello Market is located, predictably, on Portobello Road. Which was too far for us to walk, so we took the Tube. Which really helped us prepare for what we were going to put ourselves through.

There are no pictures, since I forgot my camera in a moment of absentmindedness surely brought on by a lack of sleep and the shock of noticing the sun rising every day at 4am. So words will have to do. We got to the train station and noticed that as the train pulled in it was packed full of people who insisted on staying on the train rather than getting out. There was no way we, a group of 6 at the time, could all fit in, so we waited for the next train.

The next train also had a lot of people on it. So we fought our way for a crappy spot crushed against the walls of the train and as we got closer to our destination, only a few people got off. And then we arrived to our destination. And everyone got off.

Now, we didn't know how exactly to get to Portobello Road from our stop--the guidebook we looked at just said to get off the train and "follow the crowd". As it happened, the whole crowd---what looked like the whole city of London--was walking in one very specific direction. Even if there had not also been signs saying "Portobello Market This Way" we would have found it.

And found it we did. The market runs the length of Portobello Road, which is long. How long I don't know, because we got too exhausted to finished after having been there for hours. The market had a ton of people that required weaving in and out of to move at a relatively acceptable pace. There were several sections: antiques, food, clothing, modern stuff, ect.

The antique section was full of fascinating things, from jewelry to ornate clocks, watches, and compasses, to certain items of clothing. They sold a lot of gas masks for some reason. As well as military uniforms. There was no shortage of tea pots and cups. And scarves. Not antique, but really pretty. I got a few as well as a lovely looking pocket watch with which to tell the time.

Then there was the food section. Which not only had warm food to eat right there but also produce--fruits and vegetables and bread and cheese, all fresh and cheap and good. Ready to buy for cooking. I got a baguette. And then came the clothing section. I got a dress. There was more fantastic jewelry. Including this company (poke around, it's awesome): http://www.typicalfreaks.bigcartel.com/

Then, seeing that we still had quite a ways to go but having already been there for hours, and feeling exhausted, we backtracked all the way back to the tube station, got on the train, and headed to the general area of our flat. We ended up passing by an Italian deli which had some really good hams and salami for really cheap, as well as great cheeses and gelato. Our minds in food porn mode, we jumped on the chance to buy some good fresh food. I got some smoked ham and mozzarella cheese to go with my baguette. And then some orange gelato.

We also managed to find a grocery store with the largest selection thus far, since most of the stores we've been to have been lacking in one or two or all areas. It looks like we're finally figuring out shopping for food in London. I hope. Now to figure out how the washer/dryer works.

Tonight should be relaxing unless we go out. At least for dinner, we're all planning to stay in and make lovely meals. I'm making a warm sandwich out of my baguette and smoked ham and mozzarella and trying some apple cider. And then for dessert, chocolate cookies. Because today is a food porn kind of day.