Fruit n' Veg

Already I have fallen behind in my blogging duties, and for that I apologize. You’ll be happy to know, however, that I’ve been getting much out of London. Last weekend was the city’s market side, and each had its own charm. Portobello Market had the benefit of location, location, situated in Notting Hill’s pastel district. Items being sold ranged from fruit and veg to old time-y cameras. The market specialized in antiques, and many collectors combed the stalls, in search of housing accents. As for me, I was content with capturing what I could with my point and shoot.

The following day was an East End Markets Tour courtesy of IES. The catch? What an early ‘morn it was! I also traveled in the opposite direction to hook up with the greater group, but managed to make friends along the way. Local guides split us into two, and ours was bursting to tell the history behind every building. (Yet, she was ever mindful of whether or not we wanted such information. Indeed, we did).

First up was Petticoat Lane Market since renamed (shocking to name a market after lady undergarments!) to Middlesex Street (not much better, might I add). Packs of Calvin Klein whitey tighties dangled from a line, and signs promising that nothing was over a £ tempted the passerby. I myself managed to secure a lined, camel colored pea coat for £10 or $16 (at the time).

Spitalfields was next up, but we detoured through Jack the Ripper territory. The story goes that many women, with only a penny to their name, would stay in dormitories and drape themselves over a laundry line to sleep. Better than being victim! As for the market, items were enticing but came with a price. Clothing seemed to be offered the most, and I contented myself with the equivalent of window-shopping.

Last was Columbia Road Flower Market, where sunny “daffs” and flushed tulips stood out in the London grey. A prequel to springtime twenty ten?