Portobello Road: The Market of Nostalgia, Crepes, and Cute Puppies.

Over the course of my semester here, I have been to several markets. Covent Garden, Camden, Greenwich, and now Portobello Market. Covent Garden was probably the most ritzy, Camden the most eclectic, and Greenwich the most like State Street if it were a collection of different booths all under one roof. Out of all of these, I think my favorite has been Camden. But Portobello Market was an experience all its own.

February's temperatures seem to be colder than January's, and last Saturday was no exception. A group of us girls decided to take a trip to Portobello Market, which is located in the area known as Notting Hill.

Here is the neighborhood in the movie titled Notting Hill. Isn't Hugh Grant just the cutest?

My experience on Portobello Road was fun even with the chilly temperatures, and I enjoyed perusing through the little shops and stands all along the road. I didn't reach the end, but know I will definitely be going back again.

The thing I like most about Portobello Market is that it is mostly an antique market. From silver spoons to Parisian fashion ads from the 1930s, this market seems to have it all. I spent a long time rifling through a basket of coins from around the world, and found a coin from 1871! It was also weird seeing American coins being considered somewhat of a marvel. There were several record booths, and I had a hard time not buying every Beatles album. They have tons here! I also spent sometime in the little sideshops and arcades. In one arcade, I got to meet an adorable yellow lab named Ollie who became my best friend for about five minutes. There are seriously so many cute dogs here. I saw several more at the market, and wished I could take one home with me! Someday.

Portobello Market

Cool side note: George Orwell (the author of 1984) lived in a flat just a few steps behind where I took this picture. Did I mention I love this city?

No trip to a market is complete without trying a dish from one of the food stands! I tried a cheese crepe, which I know sounds basic, and it really was, but it was delicious! It was fun to watch the lady spread the dough out on the frier (it's the simple things in life) and the end result was a yummy, warm treat that I will likely try and make myself sometime.

Tomorrow is our trip to Tower of London. It's a little different than any of the markets (I don't think there will be crepes and cute puppies amongst the crown jewels) but should be an experience nonetheless.