This morning I went to Portobello Road for the Saturday market. I got up bright and early and headed out solo while Andrew stayed at the apartment with Lois. I'm happy I went, but I'm not sure this market would be on the top of my list if I were just visiting for a few days. I've been once before a few years ago, but I didn't remember it being like it was today.It was quite the tourist trap. At least a third of the street market consisted of new cheap goods, like vendors with knock-off Prada bags, and vendors with lots of tourist trinkets like little red plastic London double-decker buses. I got there pretty early, so it wasn't until about 10:30 when I was leaving that the masses of people became too much for me. I don't think I've ever seen so many fanny packs and cameras in one place! I admit I was one of those tourists (with camera, no fanny pack, just a big purse filled with random baby stuff). As I headed in the opposite direction back to the train station, it was like invasion of the fanny pack zombies, all rushing towards me, and I actually couldn't wait to escape!
The neighborhood is really nice, though, and I'd prefer to go any day other than Saturday and just browse in the shops and walk the pretty streets of Notting Hill. Having been to a handful of the antique markets now, I'd definitely choose Camden Passage Market over Portobello Road. Still, it was fun to have alone time and see the tourist madness that was Portobello Road. And it was a spectacular day. Blue sky, cool breeze, sun. Can't beat that. Here are a few pictures from the old side of Portobello Road.
I wonder how many times these Portobello Road row houses have had their picture taken. Lots.
3 comments:
like our painted ladies!
that basket of buttons makes my mouth water!!!!
Shelley! You would have flipped over all the buttons this lady had! They were expensive, though. Also, when I click on your name, I can't see your profile, but I'm pretty sure it's you :)
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