There’s something about London that is so appealing to me. I don’t know if it’s the the 3 F’s (friendliness, fashion and food), or the sheer novelty of any major city other than Paris that grabs me. Regardless, I always have a good time and enjoy having the opportunity to abandon this ghost-town for a few days during August. Last year I went for my friend’s 30th birthday bash and had some excellent meals and this year was no different.
I spent a considerable amount of time exploring on my own but was able to discover more of the East side of the city with my friend who graciously welcomed me into her 18th century home (complete with archaic plumbing). She took me to Broadway Market, a street market created by the community in 1890 which features a panoply of cultures, where we picked up a sampling of mini cupcakes from Violet Cakes for our afternoon coffee and a savory snack from a Frenchman manning a – you guessed it – crêpe and galette stand.
His over-zealousness and arrogance (“can you really find galette’s like these in France? Pas du tout…”) aside, it was amusing to see the locals interact with him and crack smiles whenever he accentuated his French accent as new customers arrived around the stand. Next time, I’ll spring for one of the custom sandwich stations with their vast selections of whole grain breads (remember my sandwich obsession?).
Our afternoon cappuccinos from Sacred were a delicious, much-needed boost after hours of walking and just a stone’s throw from Regent Street where I caught a magnificent sunset. All felt right with the world, even for that fleeting moment.
Sunday involved the discovery of a charming Victoria Park bakery/café called Loafing….
a tour up and down the Columbia Road Flower Market, popping in and out of shops astounded that they manage to stay in business with weekend-only hours…..
a first visit to the Tate Modern….
a couple hours of reading under the sun in Paternoster Square….
my first Sunday roast and an evening bike ride along the East London Canal and through the Hackney marshes where I had the chance to see the 2012 Olympic stadium and forthcoming village. I hadn’t realized it was possible to feel so removed from the urban landscape and still be within London limits.
But I don’t think I could live in London for many of the same reasons I couldn’t live in New York – too vast, for one – but it has become one of my most preferred three-day getaways (right after Amsterdam). Fortunately, there are limitless reasons to continue making the trip for some English and familiar comforts, even once Marks & Spencer makes its highly anticipated comeback in Paris. If only they were bringing some of the English with them….
{More London photos HERE}
